Hazel had led a similar late afternoon ride last year to the local Vineyard in Twyford, which we also frequent for morning coffee stops. It had been popular, so a repeat this year, with the date planned many weeks ago. It was to be an outside gathering, so fingers crossed for the weather, which for WEEKS has been sunny, but broke a few days ago. Leaders Jill, Rose, and myself assisted with 9 riders joining us.
Starting at 3pm, it was a perfect temperature, infact quite muggy. Regulars were joined by Kirsten on her first Breeze ride (a friend of rider Jill N), and Nicky S from Fleet who joins us very occasionally. I took a group with Hazel and Jill/Rose took a second group.
Initially heading to Binfield, then around Ryehurst Lane, we left Howe Lane at the roundabout to ride to Waltham St Lawrence, over Milley Bridge, than downhill on Castle End Lane to Ruscombe Church. Amanda commented that she had never ridden DOWN Castle End Lane, always up. It's a lovely lane to cruise downhill on.
We arrived at Stanlake Vineyard at 4.20. The carpark quite busy and EVERY table in the garden taken! I have only ever been here in the mornings when it's always empty!! It had been suggested to Hazel that lots of people would be doing a wine tour at 4.30, so tables would be free at that time. Fortunately we did get 2 tables, but it was still very busy.
Service was excellent and we each ordered and paid upfront at the tables. I shared a cheese/ham plate with Hazel and a glass of Pinot Noir. Others had a soft drink, or a flight of wine! And various small savoury options.
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| Tables in the front mostly taken as we arrived. |
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| Hazel, Rose, Kirsten, Jill, Jayne, Geraldine, Kate, Nikki T, Sue G, Eva, Amanda O, Nicky S, Anne |
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| Is it a good year for the grapes. The bunches were quite small! |
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| A flight of wine enjoyed by Jayne and Nicky S |
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| Getting ready to leave in the lovely evening sunshine. |
