5 of us free today, and Jeanette felt up to cycling a route of around 25 miles with us, for the first time in a while. Great news. So, I planned that the route started from her house, and we all met there, picking up Louise as we dropped down Limmerhill Road. I don't like cycling on the Barkham Road, but was the most direct route to get us to Arborfield Cross. A wave from a passenger in a Golf passed us.... that was Andrea, who had an appointment today, otherwise would have joined us. (I rode with her yesterday on a Breeze ride).
Jeanette and Louise arrived today with Jackets on! The forecast was for 29 degrees and it wasn't the slightest bit cold! They very quickly came off.
Route link screen shot at end.
We had a quick breather in the very quiet School Lane to regroup.
At Arborfield Cross roundabout, we now turned right, to soon reach Church Lane, and then a dogleg over to Greensward Lane.
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| A bit of shade in Greensward Lane. It's already hot! |
To Swallowfield Road now, but not for long as we peeled off to climb Castle Road to the top of Farley Hill. I encouraged Jeanette to lead the group here at her own pace with her power, and she shot off! It peaks at 10%, so that was a good test to see how she felt. She was fine. 😇 So I told her, if she can do that, she can cycle with us in Wiltshire in 2 week time. 😉 Brilliant.
Soon, we dropped down Sandpit Lane, to climb back up Nutbean Lane. Always a nice little detour to stay off Church Road for a bit longer. Then into Part Lane Swallowfield., and we are almost at the Tearooms.
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| Colourful splash of Red Roses at the thatched "Glasspool House" on Part Lane. |
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| Riseley Tearooms. Always tempting! |
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They set up this table for us outside, (our choice). Some big tables set up indoors
for what looks like a busy afternoon for them. |
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oops! Not sure how that happened! I was going to have a little scone
and ended up with 3 with cream and delicious Blackberry jam!
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| Getting stuck in. Photo by Louise. |
A leisurely teastop, almost an hour, but no rush so that was fine. Our return loop started on Bull Lane
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Bottom of Bull Lane.
Flags flapping. It was breezy again today. |
Then a cheeky short climb to Beech Hill, as Jeanette beat us all to the top. We turned at the church to skirt around the back of Beech Hill Road. Louise was hopeful that this would miss out the climb over the A33......... sadly not, as we rejoined the Beech Hill road to do just that. And since Louise and I had done this only 2 days ago on my Breeze Ride, just for variety, we then also did a zig zag by turning left into Yew Tree Lane, just after the A33 climb.
Through Spencers Wood and into Appletree Lane, to cut through to Ryeish Green. (also did this 2 days ago). On a very narrow footpath section, 2 young lads (idiots) on ebikes tried to hassle some of the ladies. Grrrrr.
As we arrived at Shinfield Church, a choice now of whether to return via Cutbush Lane Lower Earley, or use the newish path to the University Farm . (as I had also done on Wednesday!) But its the more scenic route back, so it got the vote, and Jeanette has not been on this new link before. I missed the turn, and backtracked. Note to self, its beside a letter box, but the footpath sign is a bit overgrown, so easy to miss this time of year.
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Emerging from the track on the left of this building, we now followed the
concrete track through the farm area. |
Rather than cross at the ford, which I did the other day, I thought might as well just follow the track back to Sindlesham today. We met a tractor at a very narrow part of the track!
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| Breath in! |
Returning by this route, even after a very dry spell, still had some puddles and muddy sections! (the ford is a cleaner option). But Lynne was leading now and assured us that taking a left turn was fine, since she runs it sometimes. I did this once with Gill and it was a mess! But it was ok today and we emerged pretty much next to the Gym.
Finally back via Sadlers End to Woosehill. Nice to see everyone on a sunny Friday.
Planning ahead.
I will be away next Friday, then here Friday 27th .
A few of us in Wiltshire on Friday 4th.
I'm in Wales Friday 11th
Friday 18th. One of our Breeze ladies is hosting a charity coffee morning at her house in Wokingham, so plan to ride a local loop to end up there that day...... with anyone who wants to join in.
Enjoy the sunshine! See you in a couple of weeks.
Stegasaurus route?
