Sue had invited me to assist her today, which I was very happy to do. She asked if I had any suggestions to improve the route. Just a tweak to include Halls Farm on the way back, and also that we might reverse her route, since the other way is the one she normally does.
Route screen shot at end.
We were going to meet Wendy at Greensward Lane, then since we changed direction, she peddled to FBC... but had the benefit of peeling off on the way back. Louise and Debs (from HW), both had bike issues this morning, so had to pull out at the last minute. We were quite a big group anyway, since Daphne had also asked to join the waiting list, so we 7 instead of 9. We split up a few times, but otherwise stuck together on the quiet lanes.
New to Breeze today was Jayne from Reading, who drove to FBC. A very competent rider, and pleasant member of today's group. Nice to meet you and hope to see you again.
We left via the Greenway to join Nine Mile Ride to get over Farley Hill. I took my Action Camera along for the ride.
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| Church Lane, Farley Hill. |
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| The climb up Church Lane was a right mess! |
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| Down Sandpit Lane, where the top section was nice and clean...... |
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| .... it deteriorated! 😂 |
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| Sandpit Lane, now changed name to Nutbean Lane and we had to get off and squeeze past. |
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| Nutbean Lane. |
The damaged bridge in Swallowfield now has temporary traffic lights, since large concrete blocks are in place on the side that was hit by a truck, reducing the width of the bridge. Then left into Part Lane.
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| Part Lane Swallowfield. The flood almost gone now. |
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| Part Lane daffodils were glorious. |
Up Bull Lane Riseley next, and also down Bull Lane to join Barge Lane.
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| Still some big puddles at the top of Bull Lane. |
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| A lovely few miles now in the Stratfield Saye area to connect to West End Green and Park Lane. |
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| Green Lane, West End. BIG puffy clouds today. |
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| Over the railway on Park Lane, then soon a climb up Turks Lane towards Mortimer |
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| Saddlecam selfie on Turks Lane. Look at the blue sky! wooppeee. (Anne, Amanda T, Wendy, Jayne, Sue, Amanda O and Daphne) |
The cafe in Mortimer was busy but they managed to set up a table for 7. I so nearly had NO cake today, until Wendy insisted that we share. lol.
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| Blossoms opposite the cafe in Mortimer. |
To Nightingale Lane next aka "Barking Dog Hill", and it's a cheeky up hill to the top. Daphne who was next to me, announced that her chain had come off. I kept going since she would manage or walk to the top first.
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| Here comes Jayne, followed by Daphne pushing up. Sue was in the wrong gear but managed to limp to the top with the help of one foot. 😅 |
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| Enjoying the downhill side of Nightingale Lane, where this van reversed back for us to get passed. |
Left, and soon into the back entrance of Wasing Park to connect to Goodboy's Lane.
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| Sue |
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| Wendy |
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| Amanda T and Jayne |
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| Wasing Park |
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| Kybes Lane, Grazeley. |
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| Amanda O, with Arborfield Church in the distance as we cut through Halls Farm. We said goodbye to Wendy on Greensward Lane, and the over the bridge of Observer Way. (It's easier now with the base much more compacted than when it was new.) Just beyond the horse sculptures in Arborfield, I felt like I lost control of my bike. Agggghhh. Puncture. Since we were so close to the end, I told the others just to go on. Daphne insisted on staying, and was helpful when we got to blowing air in the new tube. Thank you.😇.  Thanks to Sue for organising, and to all of the riders for your good company as always. Such a beautiful spring day.  |