Breeze Bradfield to Aldworth via Hampstead Norreys - 25 miles
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Since we had plenty of leaders free today, we were able to offer 3 rides. After a couple of storms this past few days, it was such a relief that today it was sunshine and relatively mild, and the autumn colours were beautiful.
My ride started in Bradfield, parking at Rushall Farm, just a mile or so from the village. I had parked here once before, and it's excellent to start a walk or a ride from, and toilets available too. With schools on holiday the drive there was really quick, but Kim arrived just on time, after following a pony down a track. The rider had pointed out to her that her front tyre on her car was looking flat.😕 She decided to worry about at the of the ride.
Parking at Rushel Farm. Sunshine from the word go.
I took my action camera on my handlebars today so took several screen shots from video to avoid me stopping for photos! Too tempting today.
We left along Back Lane, heading towards Bucklebury. The hedges were a real tapestry of colour.
We crossed Bucklebury ford which was empty! I've always had to use the bridge here!!
A little rise soon to pass the impressive Marlston College on our left
A breather at Marlston College.
Riding at the back with Diane, whilst Hazel and Louise take a turn at leading. After this little white cottage, a right turn to a long downhill on Wellhouse Lane.
Wellhouse Lane. All downhill.
The road was actually closed, and with one barrier closing the right hand side, a group from Newbury cycling club stopped to give way to us. 😊
Soon our first proper climb of the day up to Frilsham.
In Frilsham, a left turn to Yattendon, though Frilsham woods.
Frilsham Woods. The beech trees looking nice but still to turn golden.
We arrived in Yattendon, passing the Pantry on our left, and then took the right turn to Hampstead Norreys.
the long downhill between Yattendon and Hampstead Norreys.
At the bottom of the hill, and where it flattens out, 9 motor cyclists passed us, whilst an HGV stopped to allow all of that to happen seemlessly. What a sensible lorry driver!
We arrived at the community shop/cafe, and saw the bikes all parked up. I was expected a long queue then to wait to order our drinks, but it was all sorted very quickly.
Enjoying the sunshine at Hampstead Norreys community shop. Clare, Hazel, Anne, Kim, Diane and Louise. (Some of the group not been here before.)
Whichever direction you go from here involves a climb, but our climb in Aldworth direction is not steep, just long. There were some stunning views in my mirror, but I didnt want to stop on the hill! At the top of our long climb, we then enjoy a whizz downhill to a junction, with a short rise now up to Aldworth Church. Since a few hadn't been here before, we stopped off at the church for a few minutes to see the Aldworth "giants" tombes.
Aldworth Church in a stunning setting.
De la Beche effigies In the 13th century the Manor was held by the Norman family of de la Beche (after a French place name). The nine stone effigies of this family all date from the half century 1300-1350 and are unique in the country. No other parish church possesses anything like them, even in their damaged condition, and to find them in a tiny village is remarkable.
This from the Church Times. Must look on the back of the stone next time so see if the proposed words and signature are there.
A natural frame for the trees as we leave. (the little white sign on the left mentioned another tomb for someone whose name we didn't know... so I look it up. (for Kim!)
Laurence Binyon, 1869-1943, whose ashes are buried with those of his wife Cicily by the beech hedge bounding the churchyard, is especially remembered for the words of his poem “For the Fallen”, quoted at Remembrance Day Services:
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.”
(but will I remember who Laurence Binyon was the next time I am asked? 😖)
The motor bikers hadnt got very far before their next stop at The Bell at Aldworth. We gave them a wave as we whizzed past.
A series of pretty much empty lanes now as we dropped down steeply, then a climb to Upper Basildon.
the end of the steep descent. I was aware someone was missing.
Here comes Hazel, who doesn't love a steep descent.
From Upper Basildon, we rode on Dark Lane, dropping fast downhill to get under the M4, and we are almost back to the start.
Arrive back to the track to where we parked.
Now to check out Kim's car tyre, which was looking rather flat, but not completely. Diane had a pump in her car, but after a few minute of her and Kim trying to work out how to use it, the decided they might make matters worse. So, I slowly followed Kim to the A4 to Theale, where she gave us a wave to leave her as she popped in a to a garage for air.
She messaged me to say she was home. Phew.
On the way home, Hazel said if we had scoring system, my ride would get *****. Thanks Hazel. It's a beautiful area, and we saw it at it's best today. Thanks all for joining me. I hope to take some more ladies here on future rides if they fancy it.
