Breeze Cantley to Ockwell Park - 25 miles

A Thursday Breeze Ride today, since poor Sue still out of action, and I am trying to keep ladies getting out when I can. (But this will be my last offering until July 9th, with holidays coming up back to back.)

I had 4 ladies sign up a few days ago, but for different reasons I was down to 2 last night.  The forecast for this morning was looking grim 2 days ago, but as is often the way, it improved, with just a small chance of rain this morning.  I had contacted my 2 remaining riders last night to suggest if it was still a wet forecast at 8am, that we could ride out early afternoon. So that was plan B. But as it turned out, unnecessary, as we went ahead and met at Cantley at 9.30. Teeshirts from the word go. 

I was joined by Sue G and Andrea, who had recognised each other at our Breeze Xmas meet up. They go back decades and had worked together as physiotherapists. Small world, so they had plenty to catch up on, which was lovely. 

Garmin route screenshot at end.

We headed to pass Dinton, and then up Castle Hill in Hurst, where the red parasols at the pub caught my eye, and a possible nice composition to practice perspective sketching. 😂

And looking back to the side of the pub. This little garden always looks pretty.

Through Tag Lane and over to Poplar Lane, where the ladies posed for me at the little bridge. This is next to the field where the Bikathon feeding station used to be (is it still?)

I wanted to keep today's route to 25 miles, so once we reached Hungergord Lane, rather than wiggled around, our next turn off was not for 3.5 miles, as we continued passed the pond at Shurlock Row, and over the M4 to Howe Lane.

Soon we were in Paley Street, passing the new Braywood restaurant (yum), and into Paley Street, Paley Street (so good they named it twice!). Passing lots of gorgeous Rose covered cottages, we climbed over the M4 on the pedestrian bridge, with its steep descent on the other side. I stopped to remove my reacto- light glasses, as it was so dark under the tree tunnel today!  I had suggested the ladies  take their time here, but Andrea was off like a rocket! 😅

Emerging from the very dark tree lined lane down
to Snowball Hill, nr White Waltham. Andrea and Sue no where to be seen! 

Soft crop fields of  golden Wheat, as we now followed
this hedgeline to Woodlands Park. 

Just a few splashes of red from poppies on the edge of the crop fields.
So eye catching. 

Just less than half a mile now, before we turned into the quiet, almost pedestrianized, Ockwell Road, to arrive at Ockwells Park.   The car park quite busy, but not many actually at the cafe.

There is a sign that says "DOGS WELCOME"! 

Pleasantly warm sitting outdoors at Ockwell Park.
Andrea, Sue and Anne

Our return loop was via Breadcroft Lane to join the Knowl Hill circuit to Bottle Lane, and then we chose to cut through Shottesbrook Park, since all nice and dry. Lots of sheep with lambs still in the grounds, making their voices heard. 😊

At W.S.Lawrence X Roads, first left into Shurlock Road, and since Sue had not seen "the haystack" before, a quick photo stop there. I've seen it many times, but still  looks impressive. 

The usual Zig Zag now to Shurlock Row and Broadcommon Road, to climb back to Cantltey over the M4. Sue had not been looking forward to this, but she did really well. Well done! And of course nice to finish on a big downhill. It started to rain just before our climb over the motorways, but it only lasted a few minutes. I was home at 1.15, and a downpour at around 1.45. Phew! 

How lovely for Andrea and Sue to reconnect after many years. Sue said she really enjoyed the ride today, and thanked me for not cancelling with a suspect forecast yesterday. You are very welcome. Nice to have a chance to chat to both of you in a small group.