My ride started at Crazies Hill for a second week, but this time we were heading to enjoy the Beech Woods in the area near Stoke Row, with coffee stop at The Maker Space, Nuffield. A ride of two halves. Uphill most the way, and all downhill on the return.
I drove with Amanda, Louise and Clare, and met up with Rose at Crazies Hill. Amanda T rode from home. Rose brought her whole wardrobe with her today, and couldn't decide what to wear, so she wore most, and brought everything else along too just to be sure. She wore her "shower cap" over her helmet from the word go, just incase it rained. Bless her. 😍
It wasn't particularly cold this morning, infact Amanda T was too hot after her 2 miles to the start.
Garmin Route screenshot at end.
Last week we crossed The Thames at Hambleden Lock, but today we dropped down to The Flower Pot, Aston again, staying this side of the river, to cross over once we reached Henley.
 |
| Passing the Flower Pot, Aston to continue along Rememhan Lane all the way to Henley. |
 |
| Rose and Clare, Remenham Lane. |
Through Henley to Harpsden, where the road was officially closed, but ignored that! A long way round averted!!
 |
| We were off the bikes to squeeze through the roadworks, and spotted this property, which is accessed from Gillot Hill. |
I gave the ladies the option of climbing either Perseverance Hill or Devils Hill? Perseverance not so steep, but then we would have a second hill to get to Sonning Common. OR climb Devils Hill. (17% gradient) but only climb one hill? I suggested Devil's Hill for a change, and they all agreed with gritted teeth.
 |
| Through Harpsden Valley Road, and some raindrops on my camera lens. 😔 |
 |
| Amanda O finishing near the top of Devil's Hill. |
 |
| Clare next up. Well done. |
 |
| The second group catching us up. Well done ladies. |
 |
| And we're off again. the Beech trees were gorgeous. |
 |
| Heading to Sonning Common, this horse looked as if it was out on it's own for a walk! 😂 |
 |
| Arriving in Sonning Common to cross over to Stoke Row Road at The Pet Barn. |
A very gradual climb on Stoke Row Road as far as The Unicorn Pub where we turned left into Wyfold Lane, Peppard Common.
 |
| Wyfold Lane. |
 |
| All together again at Wyfold Lane/Road intersection. |
 |
| Wyfold Road, and Amanda O stopped for a photo, so I got my proper camera out too. |
 |
| Wyfold Road. Stunning colours today. |
We ignored the left turn we often take into "the Bluebell" lane, since I consider the Beech trees are better continuing straight up the hill, passed the Pigs, to Stoke Row..... and they did not disappoint.
 |
| photo by Rose at The Imma Bakery. |
 |
| Kit Lane towards Nuffield. |
At the T junction passed Huntercombe golf course, we usually do a dogleg to the right/left to Huntercombe End. Today, to get to Maker Space, we turned left and the entrance is a couple of hundred yards on the left.
 |
| A4130 and the Maker Space on our left. |
 |
| There is a sizable garden at Maker Space, but not a day for sitting out today. Just light drizzle at this point. |
 |
| Clare, Amanda T, Me, Amanda O, Rose and Louise. |
Turning 66
By Anne Massey
What age is “old”? I hear myself say.
It used to be 50, back in the day.
But for one who turned 60 a few years ago,
It’s now just a number, not a reason to slow.
44 years of deductions to the National Insurance Pot,
I looked forward to 60, to start claiming my lot.
But hold on, what happened? The goal post got moved.
To be perfectly honest… I wasn't amused!
Work an extra few years, or, dive into my savings?
(Those dwindled at speed, to satisfy cravings.)
New bikes and paint tubes, adventures with friends,
A young retiree, meant keeping up with the trends.
Jabs, and scans and HRT,
All come, apparently, absolutely Scot free.
But having paid in now for 50 plus years,
I feel no guilt at all. Did I mention my ears?
Hearing aids. WOW! What a bonus these are
To Bluetooth to Youtube, or my phone in the car.
TV Films and Dramas direct to my ears,
Dialogue sounds great, after being muffled for years.
So 2025 is the big year for me,
A number of things happening. Infact, there are 3.
With Bus pass, State pension and cataract ops
It’s going to be easier, when I get to the shops!
OAP is a term I’ve heard all my life,
My husband can't believe it describes his young wife!
Turns out it’s OK, infact it’s great fun.
Lots more holidays booked to head for the sun.
Financial advice is….. spend MORE on my cravings!
I’ve cashed in some ISA’s, after spending my savings.
Private pension in place planned for this time of life,
It's time. Time to chill, and enjoy the Highlife.
 |
| Another layer going on. |
 |
| The view almost disappeared as we came out to cross the main road at Maker Space. |
It was tricky getting out, since the traffic comes really fast, but of course we eventually managed. Then a left to our usual route, through Huntercombe End. Our route next into Nettlebed, on a main , but not busy road. We split into 2 groups for a few downhill miles now, meeting again at Highmoor Cross. It was drizzling, no more, but with water drops on glasses, a little difficult to see. Once more the Beechwoods were gorgeous, but lots of raindrops on the camera lens.
 |
| Shepherd Green. An almost empty Road and the drizzle now eased off. |
From Rotherfield Greys Road, we nipped through a residential area. I have done this twice now with hubby. It's ALL downhill so quiet a nice approach to Henley town centre. Across the River and a repeat of our first few miles back to Crazies Hill.
 |
| Louise and Rose. Today winning the Fashion award. |
