2 of the grandkids have been staying for 3 days, during which time we cycled 16 miles, so it was nice to get out for a decent distance today. I offered this Thursday ride, instead of my usual Wednesday slot. I was hoping to fill the spaces with ladies who are still building up their miles, at not too fast a pace. The route was pretty much flat apart from crossing the M4 several times. 😂
Very nice to meet Joy for the first time, Louise W whom I had met only once before, and Yvonne whom I have not seen for a long time. Karen's 4th ride with me now.
Route link screen shot at end.
What a foggy start we had!
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| Into the Straight Mile and not a lot to see. |
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| Straight Mile, approaching Shurlock Row. |
From Shurlock row, we turned left, heading to Waltham St Lawrence, and I asked if any of them had seen the amazing hay stack? They had not, so of course we had to stop. As we pulled in a car was parked just infront of the gate, and the door opened. It was the farmer.
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| At the haystack. I knew from previous visits and his mad signs, that he would be a good sport, so asked if he would pose for a photo? |
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| Farmer Charles Belcher. I asked if he could now climb to the top! 😂 |
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| And taken by the farmer. What a nice guy. Me, Yvonne, Joy, Louise W, Karen. |
I also asked him why I would have seen some hay bales burning near Hambleden Lock yesterday? He said that many farmers now just burn their hay since very few cattle are kept nowadays. Just not worth the cost of cattle farming, so no money in hay supply either. How sad.
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| "Views" of Shottesbrook House from Halls Lane. |
I had considered riding through Shottesbrook Park today, but the ground is quite soft, so decided to just stick to the main road into White Waltham, and down Butchers Lane. Then across the Knowl Hill paths to connect to Breadcroft Lane, to cross over the railbridge.
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| Crossing the Breadcroft Lane railbridge....... blue sky appearing at last. |
We wiggled through Woodlands Park and into Ockwell Road.
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| A gap in the hedge on Ockwell Road, and looking quite atmospheric now as the mist burns off. |
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| Its only piles of compost, but I loved the misty look beyond. |
I had not actually used the Ockwell Park cafe before. It was ok, but I prefer my tea in a china mug, and not cardboard cups. But I heard that the coffee was good, and they all enjoyed their traybake style of snack. (no sponge cakes on offer). Since we had only just seen the sun, we were as bit chilly so sat indoors. There were a few people sitting outside.
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| Surrounded by Bats and ghosts at Ockwell Park. Being half term, there were lots of families in the outdoor play areas, but quiet enough inside. |
Starting to make our way back, we turned into Woodlands Park Avenue, and for the first time in ages, I opted to climb up Snowball Hill to the pedestrian bridge over the M4. The ground was a little bit greasy. I told the ladies it was fine to get off and walk the last bit, which is quite steep. If one gets off, they all have to get off.
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| Walking up the last steeper section of Snowball Hill. It's quite tricky especially if the ground is soft. But now a nice downhill into Paley Street. |
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| Brightening up, at Lines Road, Hurst. |
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| Now to catch them up, on Lines Road, Hurst. |
So, not a lot of sunshine, but at least it warmed up on our return loop. Well done ladies. Nice to ride with you all today, and hope that you enjoyed your morning out.
My Garmin awarded me a new badge today. 😂 A collectors item !
