The Mutton, Hazeley Heath via Beech Hill - 33 miles

Poor Dave has been unwell since our ride last Monday, so didn't join us today. Linda finally felt her bruising from a fall was improving, so a late decision to join us today. John and I met her and Daphne at Califormia roundabout, and  headed along Nine Mile Ride, to cut through Arborfield Green and over Farley Hill.  

Route link

We climbed Church Lane, and just to be different, then dropped down Castle Hill to Swallowfield Road.  We were on bit of a mission this morning to reach The Mutton before they stopped serving coffee/pasties at 11.30.  In theory we had loads of time if we averaged 10mph, but we did better than that at around 11.5+ for much of the ride.  But still felt under pressure!

From Swallowfield, to Beech Hill and then left on Trowes Lane, but rather than take a left to climb towards Riseley, we continued straight on Trowes Lane, passing the house with the nice chimneys. First photo of the day. No time to stop today!!

Trowes Lane.

Skirting Wellington Estate, in Stratfield Saye, we eventually doglegged over the A33, past Wellesley  School, and joined Bottle Lane all the way to Mattingley.  Up Red Hill, and we arrived at the pub at 11.15. Phew.

We sat by the Christmas Tree, and enjoyed our drinks and snacks, but when Linda lifted her cup (full of tea), the handle parted company with the cup!  It was a bit like slo mo, as she tried to keep hold of the cup but with tea sloshing all over the place. 😂 Fortunately no harm done, and a top up of her teapot and a fresh cup were provided. 

John is in there somewhere.

the pub garden would be a good option for summer time. 

Buzzard on a post just before the climb up Plough Lane

After Plough Lane, we rode along Bramshill Road, all the way to the end, and cut through Glastonhill Road to Eversley. We were all looking forward to our climb up Dell Road. 😉 I've not been up it for a very long time.  The middle section is still a bit challenging, but of course we managed. At the top, Daphne left us to cruise downhill on Wellingtonia Avenue all the way back home.  The rest of us turned left and used Jubilee Avenue back to California Cross Roads. Never done that before. Best road surface in the area at the moment!

Linda is off tomorrow to an adult only Christmas break in Norfolk with Andy, being spoiled at every meal with chef cooking. Enjoy!   See you both in January. 

A few minutes after we got home, our friend Mark from Germany appeared,  bearing Christmas gifts and the hope that we could join him for a meal. So, we are doing that on Saturday.... our one day off from family cooking!