Jamie left us this morning around 10, having stayed over the last 2 nights to spend Christmas with us. Tomorrow, Jonathan and family arrive at 9.30am, followed by Jodi and family arriving mid afternoon. And then Stacey and family off and on until 4th January.
So, our chance to get out today, whilst we have a few hours to ourselves!
No coffee stop planned, since everywhere closed today, so just a 20 mile loop of familiar north Wokingham lanes. It was a cool 4 degrees, with a wind. John took his old road bike, since it was already dirty, and I took my gravel bike. But in fact, the lanes were mostly clean and dry today unlike the last couple of weeks. We started by riding via Sandford Lane to Beggars Hill Road
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| Beggars Hill Road. The flag was flapping well since another blowy day, but not nearly as bad as the last couple of days |
We rode through Twyford, to Ruscombe Church, the to WSL, where we went around the back into Halls Lane, since I had spotted some very nice deer in a couple of front gardens as we passed our Breeze ride on Xmas Eve, but hadn't stopped.
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| Halls Farm, WSL. Some expensive decorations outdoors including large wreaths on lots of windows, and the farm barn too. |
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| Halls Farm to the side of the house. |
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| And just a few yards further along Halls Lane more golden deer |
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| Halls Lane. |
Next we headed via Smewins Road to Binfield Heath and Shurlock Row. We passed a few cyclists out today, mostly single or 2 bikes. From Shurlock Row, we climbed over the M4 and up Billingbear Lane over Carters Hill. As we climbed near the top end of Billingbear, 3 cyclists shot passed us.... what's the rush?! 😊
We then overtook them as we whizzed down the other side, (23mph) since they were waiting for someone. Back over the M4 on Warren House Road and almost home.
I suspect my last ride for 2025? My Garmin stats tell me I've ridden 4,738 miles, which is pretty much the same as 2024. My ascent 203,330 feet, a little down on 2024, but that brings my Total Ascent over the last 5 years to 1,088,370 feet! lol Amazing. Long may my legs continue to work.
