Only One Hill

Only One Hill

I arrived early at Nibbles Datchet to find Dave Ward already tucking into a Bacon sandwich. The numbers steadily increased to 15 when Grant, the last to arrive, announced he was only coming to 11's. 11 o'clock arrived and the queue for the single toilet had ended we set off. The weather was overcast and looked as though it promised rain, I kept the pace a tad high as it was 23 miles to lunch and all gently uphill. All went well until the descent to Aston where the overnight storm has caused masses of mud and gravel to cascade across the road just after which we had our first visit from the puncture fairy and our newest member Robin was the target, this did mean that the rest of the group could spend a few minutes at Hambleden lock, which was crowded with sight see-errs watching the Swanuppers in their jolly outfits and very grand watercraft.

On to lunch just 4 miles further on and a view of the Windmill on the hill just above Turville. The pub had set a table for us and orders were taken but  nearly and hour delay ensued before food arrived but the food was good, all done by just gone 3 (ugh) and a photo by Tim off we set to Marlow, the route was undulating and towards Marlow the roads again were covered in debris, on the decent into Marlow the PF struck again to yours truly, quickly sorted and through Marlow and the ascent of Quarry Wood road and the steep hair pin bend.  Hills over the descent to Cookham via Winter hill then Sutton road to tea at Jenners cafe as it was now too late for tea at Nibbles. 

Tea over we pushed on to Datchet Via Dorney and Eton. Time was now late and the dispersal prompt for people to catch trains or cycle home. 43 miles 11's to tea and 73 miles for me, 15 miles each way to Datchet. The rain did make an appearance  but only with the occasional drizzle. Thank you all for a great day out on the bike and thanks to those who marked corners and Pam for back marking,

I cannot close this article without a word or two about the very sad loss of Ray Dare, such a tragedy, and an inspiration to many in his exploits. Ride safe.

Swan Uppers at Hambleden

Tony..