A fabulous sunny day with the promise of 17degrees +. (my garmin registered 21 degrees on our return)
Rose assisted today and we were joined by Caroline, Annie, Sandra, Kim, Louise and Amy. Jeanette, still having problem signing in to the website, was unable to even join a waiting list, so I agreed that she could also join us. We split up quite regularly today into 2 groups.
No one was quite sure what to wear today, since it was a cool start, so various layers came off as the morning progressed. I needed to back for around 2ish (I know!! ME!!! The one who always says no commitments to rush back for, but I had already postponed an appt once). To help keep the pace moving, I took my action camera on my handlebars to get photos and also some video. But disaster... it shot in skinny portrait mode. WOT!! I have no idea why that happened, so have ditched the video, but took a few screen shots. 😖😞😞 The non skinny photos are using my camera.
We headed initially to The Straight Mile, where we continued and took second right into Hungerford Lane, then West End Lane to reach the WSLawrence 5 way junction.
We continued on Waltham Road, all the way to White Waltham, where we used the foot path for a good stretch, passing the airport, then back onto the road to climb gradually to cross the A4 and through to Pinkneys Green.
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Annie peddling in West End.
The Willow trees at their peak this week. |
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Camera timer shot using Amy's bike at Pinkneys Green Cricket club.
Me, Jeanette, Kim, Louise, Annie, Caroline, Amy, Sandra and Rose.
(quite a few of us now down to teeshirts.😎) |
A gradual climb now on Winter Hill Road, branching off to then enjoy the downhill on Long Lane into the edge of Cookham.
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| Wheeee, down Long Lane. |
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| And here come Rose's Group on Long Lane. |
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| There goes Kim, with Louise just behind. |
Onto the cycle path on the Switchback Road for a section, then arriving at the Station Hill junction in Cookham. (The road to the right to the main part of the town was blocked off with roadworks today. )
Three male cyclists had arrived seconds before us, so they rushed into the shop ahead of us (don't blame them!). We took ALL of the other chairs outside, and went indoors to order.
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| The Local. |
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Great selection, if a bit more pricey than other cafes, BUT they had 3 staff serving,
so they have to be able to pay them! I didn't mind, since we don't come here often.
(infact first time, since it's a new cafe) |
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Photo taken by one of the 3 male cyclists, who are
going to to check our route on Strava later. They came from Chalfont St Giles. |
The barrier at the level crossing came down just as we set off, but not long to wait, then into High Street, passing some pretty houses, and the blue plaque where Stanley Spencer once lived and painted. All down hill now to join the Switchback Road cyclepath before a turn to climb up again on the pretty Malders Lane.
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| Malders Lane, which emerges opposite Golden Ball Lane. |
Soon we heading down the messy Dungrove Hill Lane, where I spotted some men at the Model flying club
link here.
There were no planes in the sky, but when I inquired, two of them were very willing to show off, and got their planes up in seconds. A lot of "oooos" from us and they looped the loops, and twists and turned.
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| The first one to offer to fly his plane for us. |
Not so much of a "whizz" down hill on Dunsgrove Hill Lane, more like, slowing!!! Terrible surface, but lovely scenery. But we made it, apart from 2 who decided to walk a bit.
Then under the A404 in a tunnel, and alongside the A404 on a track to drop down into Temple.
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| Looking back up, just before we go under the A404 tunnel |
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I always enjoy this drop down into Temple
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Arriving in Temple, and now
left, and under the dark tunnel, continuing on tracks to Hurley.
We had a few roads to cross, or join for just a short distance today, all of which seemed to be really busy. With 9 riders, it was more difficult of course to get everyone out, so we split up quite often.
Soon, our climb up Rose Lane to Crazies Hill, a bit messy today with tractor mud on the road.
Kim on Rose Lane.
Top of Rose Lane
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Our final few miles were easy, mostly downhill now, first on Highfield Road, then over the A4 at Hare Hatch to Castle End Road, and to Whistley Green to Hurst.
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| Quick drink stop on Tape Lane,Hurst |
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| A lora lora lambs in the fields at Hurst |
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This house just opposite the Wheelwright Arms, ALWAYS
has at least one car parked in front. But not today!
Splendid looking in the light and with a wonderful Magnolia.
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It was now 1.45, so I came home the most direct route along the Reading Road with a few others, whilst Rose escorted those who had driven to the start at Cantley. Lunch, shower, dentist. It was painful.... for my wallet at least!
Well done ladies, especially those we peddled a bit further than they have done for a while. A great day to be out, and thanks all for joining me today. I hope you enjoyed a few lanes that were new or those we don't do so often.
