WLCG Cranbourne Retn White Waltham - 33 miles

Jeanette and Louise are both on holidays, and last night we had 5 of us coming out to play today. But then Martina became unwell. Shame, as we have not seen her all summer.  With heavy rain overnight, not due to stop until 9.30ish this morning,  we planned to set off at 10am.  Andrea decided to cancel, since she doesn't enjoy wet road conditions. So, we were 3.

We 3 have also not seen much of each other in recent weeks with various holidays going on, or family staying. Lynne had ridden 75 miles to her campsite in the New Forest a couple of weeks ago, as well as lots more cycling on other trips, and Gill had done Devon Coast to Coast 2 weeks ago, so they should both be fit.  I have ridden over 100 miles this week on my rides, so a little weary today. 

The plan was to ride to Cranbourne, including a  few off road tracks, since although rain was forecast overnight, it rarely every happens. But it DID last night, so we scrapped  a few of the offroads bits which would be a bit sticky.

Route link

Wet roads as we climbed over Carters Hill,
which was also looking quite autumnal in places.

Then down past Binfield Church, into Ryehurst Lane, where the little stream was running fast and high after last nights rain.  Our usual route past Moss End, past Warfield Church, and to Maidens Green. At which point Gill announced "I know where I am now.".  She's been here loads of times! 😂

Our stop was after 12 miles, so a bit early in the ride today, and when we arrived there was loads of cars parked up.  It turned out to be a gathering of lots of ladies celebrating something or other inside the cafe.  It was VERY noisy, so we sat outside.... on the dry chairs.  It was about 20 degrees anyway. 

Teastop at Honesty Cafe, Cranbourne. 

Its clearing up a bit in the distance. 

We headed to the Drift Road next and to Fifield, turning into  Collingsby Lane. 

 Collingsby Lane.

 Collingsby Lane.

 Green Lane, just before they turn into Gays Lane,
towards Holyport. 

Views from Green Lane. 
Plenty of dark clouds around. 

A couple of miles of busier roads into Paley Street, where we then took the lane over the M4 motorway pedestrian bridge.  I took the back at this point, since I knew I would be more cautious than Gill on the off road downhill section. Hubby cleaned by bike yesterday, and it was about to get filthy.   And I stopped for a photo as I emerged from the dark tree tunnel, where it opens up to the open landscape.

Emerging from the farm tracks into White Waltham, Lynne was lined up to turn left towards home, but we took a right turn through the village to pick up Breadcroft  Lane.  There were a good number of flags on the street lamps.  This had become a trend in the last two weeks and on the news. Gill said she saw flags on all the motorway bridges too as she drove north last week.  It feels like trouble brewing. 😟

Why are people putting UK flags up?

National flags have appeared across the country in recent weeks, with campaigners saying it aimed to "celebrate the flags that unite our communities". But the trend has drawn concerns that it feels provocative at a time when tensions are running high across England over immigration.2 days ago

I caught up with the others on this railway bridge along Breadcroft Lane. 

Across the Knowl Hill concrete tracks now to Bottle Lane, and where we scrapped the idea of any more off roads sections which were planned. Too messy.  So we returned to Beenhams Heath and  Shurlock Row, bu which time the sky was once more looking very threatening. It had to be raining somewhere nearby!!

On the edge of Shurlock Row

The road surfaces were dry as we headed through Hurst, and we said goodbye to Gill at Lines Road.  But when Lynne I crossed over the motorway bridges, into Wokingham, the roads were wet, so we must have just missed the rain.  (I've ridden with the threat of  rain the last 3 days, and been very lucky. )

I am away next Friday, but hope to see a return to regular Friday rides after that. 

Today's Wiggly route😂