Monday, and a late call as to whether to ride or not? I am having cataract surgery on Thursday, so this would be my last Monday ride (and other days too) for a while. So, I was keen to get out whilst I can.
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| A lot of rain around, but we might be lucky!!! |
As we set off from home, it literally started to rain, then when I tried to changed gear at the first corner, nothing happened. Aghh. So back home to quickly transfer all my kit to my ebike. (Linda and Daphne wouldn't appreciate that!😂) My Oro had been in for a repair and I think the gears need synchronizing.
No planned route today, but John took the lead mostly as we headed to Binfield via Plough Lane. We skipped using Monks Alley, since quite a lot of rain overnight. We dropped down to the church, where I stopped for a photo, but everyone else stopped too and we removed our jackets. No rain, and too warm!
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| Binfield Church |
To Ryehurst Lane and Howe Lane to drop down passing White Waltham Church, where we took a left turn to head in the general direction of back home. But since it wasn't raining, John's idea was to go to Butchers /Bottle Lane to cross the A4, possibly stopping at Sip and Spoke at Warren Row?
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| Pulled over for a car to pass on Butcher Lane where, over the railway ahead, it changes name to Bottle Lane. (with jackets off everyone is dressed too dark!) |
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| Pulling over for a van to pass on Bottle Lane, I noticed this ominous looking sky behind us. (A cyclist got in the way) |
Across the A4 and the gradual climb to Warren Row. I did apologise (I think) for using power up here.😉. The colours of the ferns and fallen leaves were too good resist a photo stop.
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| John passed me, and pulled over too, whilst the ladies continued to the top of the hill. |
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| Dark skies near Sip and Spoke at Warren Row. |
I felt uncertain about stopping for coffee with rain around. It's a long way home if it starts whilst we are here, so we pushed on to Crazies Hill then took Tag Lane to cross back over the A4. We had pretty much decided just to all come to our house for a drink at the end, and I would drive the ladies home.
As we crossed the A4, the rain got pretty heavy, so time for jackets back on, as we pulled over in Castle End Road, Ruscombe.
Down Broad Hinton to Hurst, where I thought Daphne was still saying about stopping for coffee, but turned it she said "stopping to see the Poppies". 😁
I had been to the Castle Inn for coffee with Jeanette on a ride recently, and it was a good venue. I had a feeling it was also open Monday, and sure enough, a board outside confirmed open Mon -Saturday for coffees.
Whilst we were in there the heavens opened!!!! That was close.
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| The fire on just behind us. And a strange cupboard next to Daphne. She stuck her finger in a small hole and swore that something "bit" her.😨😨😨 |
So, that was a hit, and now John is planning to meet his friends there tomorrow. Much quieter than a busy coffee shop.
Confident the worst of the rain had passed, we ventured out to remount our trusty steeds. There was some light drizzle, but nothing to worry about.
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| Ready to leave the pub in Hurst. Oh dear! That looks a bit scary. |
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| We had parked out bikes under the steps to try to keep them dry. |
As we set off it started to absolutely chuck it down. 😭😭. We stopped at some temporary lights near Dinton entrance, and Daphne announced she had had enough, and was going to take shelter and call Alan to collect her. The rain almost stopped just after that. lol
I was going to give Linda a lift back, but when we reached Woosehill, she insisted on riding home. It rained on her all the way back to Finchampstead. Special award for Linda today. (not wimpy Daphne)😂😂😂
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Still glad we went out, especially since Wednesday is also looking wet, and I may need to cancel my Breeze ride. Thanks everyone for coming out today. Still enjoyed 95% of it! No doubt come to meet you, in the car, at a coffee shop over the next few weeks.
