Thursday, 20 October 2016

Rotherfield Peppard to Goring


The ride was in bright clear conditions. Normally the cooling towers at Didcot appear somewhat hazy, but today you could make out the detail.

A 30 mile ride starting at the Pet Barn in Rotherfield Peppard and taking in Checkendon, Stoke Row, Nuffield, Cookley Green, Ewelme, Ipsden, Goring (tea stop) and Exlade street. Here is the route













Thursday, 29 September 2016

Bradfield to Aldworth

The last time we did this ride was in March this year, when the average temperature was 4.4 degrees c and we came across a BMW which was stuck in a flooded area of the road. This time it was was warm and generally sunny, although the light did deteriorate at times (annoyingly when we went on a detour to the ridges in the hope of some decent landscape scenes).

Here is the route. Our tea stop was at Yattenden, where they serve tea properly from a pot, with tea leaves and use china cups. And, importantly, an excellent selection of cakes.

The light and conditions seemed to suggest monochrome, although there are a couple in glorious colour.


Gate and field near Lower Basildon

Another Gate & Field near Lower Basildon


The Bell at Aldworth - A great old traditional pub, sadly we we too early to get a drink.


From the Ridgeway, near Aldworth


From an old Railway bridge near Hampstead Norreys. The tracks are now gone, but the graphic quality of the field gives a hint to its former use.


Some interesting light in woodland at Frilsham.


More interesting light looking down a private driveway in Frilsham. I tried this in Mono, but felt that colour worked better.


I don't do Wildlife, because it's an area of Photography that requires a lot of patience and specialist equipment. Why am I showing this? Because on this route we often come across a Falconer called Ray Prior. When we see him we stop for a chat. Today he was handling this Harris Hawk. Apart from his bird of prey displays (more recently at the Newbury Show) he also has a collection of small vehicles which he shows at events over the summer. 


Thursday, 8 September 2016

Crazies Hill to Turville via Henley

A quick ride today as Tony wanted to be home by 1pm, so only 20 miles covered.

The weather was bright and was a good day for monochrome with good subject matter in the cropped crops, trees & fences.

Here is the route

Near Stonor

Near Stonor

Near Hambleden Village

Near Hambleden Village

Near Hambleden Village

Near the Flower Pot at Aston

Near the Flower Pot at Aston

Friday, 13 May 2016

Friday The 13th

A glorious day to be out cycling, but it is Friday the 13th, so will the fates be with me? Read on.

Link to the route

Today's ride took us to new territory in the shape of West Wycombe and a few new hills to climb.

Looking down into West Wycombe from Lane End.

The long & winding path.

The Church & Mausoleum


A few minutes later and we have cycled up to the church.




Looking down at West Wycombe House, complete with white van outside!

West Wycombe village. 

All the cottages painted in this green colour are owned by the Estate.




Cottage garden, washing line and tiled roof tops. How typical Chiltern can you get?

Looking back to West Wycombe on the road to Radnage.

Don't take offence?

OK it had to happen on Friday the 13th. - and still another 8 miles back to our start point. I looked in my saddlebag for a spare tube and there weren't any. Ian had cycled on for a mile up to the top of a hill and waited for me to walk to him. Fortunately he had a spare tube, even if it wasn't quite the right size and I managed to hobble back.

Wednesday, 4 May 2016

South of Odiham

On the warmest and brightest cycling day this year we drove to Odiham and did a 23 mile circuit to the South, taking in lovely villages like Crondall, Lower & Upper Froyle, South Warnborough and Upton Grey.

Here is the route and all the statistics.

Starting point next to the Basingstoke canal at Odiham.

Near Odiham

The same field from the other end.

On the way to Crondall.

Cronall

The School House at Upper Froyle

The "Big House" at Upper Froyle.

On the toad to South Warnborough

On the same road.

South Warnborough - our tea stop, which included a very nice Triple Coffee & Walnut cake

The church at South Warnborough.


On the road to Upton Grey

Upton Grey.

The church at Upton Grey.

Upton Grey.

Greyswell


Finally back to our start point next to the canal at Odiham.
On the way home at Dipley, near Hartley Wintney