My 3rd Breeze ride in 3 days, which would have been the same for Sue, but unfortunately she didn't quite feel up to it today, after wearing herself out yesterday. I met Sandra at Woosehill and we met everyone else at FBC. A lovely group today made up of ladies who didn't know each other too well (if at all) so plenty to chat about to get to know each other on our route.
Route link screenshot at end
We headed out along Nine Mile Ride to join Sheerlands Road to cross the A327 to climb Farley Hill. At the top, a turn to join Church Road, then soon dropped down Sandpit Lane which changes name to Nutbean Lane. Apart from the usual bit of mess at the low point, still in pretty good condition after recent rain. Its such a pretty and usually very quiet lane. No cars at all today.
We joined the last bit of main road passing Swallowfield Park, and wiggled through to Charlton Lane into Barge Lane.
As we waited for a gap in the traffic half way across the A33 to continue on Barge Lane, a pretty patch of wild flowers at our feet. These are "Toad Flax", or Linaria Vulgaris to give them their Latin name. I recognised the foliage but couldn't remember their name this morning.
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| Toad Flax on the A33 central reservation as we waiting to dash across. |
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| photo stop along Barge Lane,, where normally there is NO traffic. But of course, a van came along just as I was taking the photo!! |
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| And a saddlecam selfie of the whole group, including Sandras bike😂. Barbara, me, Sandra, Wendy, Nikki W, and Diane. |
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| Such a pretty view beyond the gate along Barge Lane. |
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| Also on Barge Lane. |
Skirting the edges of Stratfield Saye estate, all very flat and easy for a few miles, before we crossed back over the A33 once more at Strafield Turgis, for our little climb passing Wellesley school.
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| Cheese Scones with Chilli jam were a hit today and still warm from the oven. The owner of the cafe said she would now make another batch. |
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| Delicious Cheese scone with Chilli Jam. |
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| Me (Breeze top in the wash today!), Diane, Wendy, Barbara, Sandra and Nikki W. |
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| That stupid barrier at the end of Bramshill path to Eversley Ford |
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| Part Lane did say ROAD CLOSED, but we ignored that. The tarmac was still soft, but we managed to squeeze through. |
Finally back on Nine Mile ride to FBC where other than Diane, everyone made their way home on bikes. So probably clocked up 28-30 miles.
Lovely to see you all, and hope you enjoyed your ride. Grey skies, but a mild 19 degrees today.
