Plans for Sunday 31 Aug

David W dared someone to lead a ride from Reading, and I couldn't resist.   Please read the "how to get to 11s" below.

In a varied ride, we'll do a bit of Thames riverside, some of the Berkshire downs, (and ups) and some of the lovely Chilterns.   Lunch is at the lovely old Black Horse, Checkendon, if it hasn't fallen down since my last visit.   It's a basic menu, probably ham or cheese baguettes, maybe one or two other options, before returning to Reading riverside for tea.   Around 36 miles with about 2000 feet of climbing.  There's a bit of unpaved Thames towpath and a couple of other short bits in the afternoon, 1.5 miles in total.

I look forward to seeing you for an exciting ride!

How to get to 11s.

11s is at The Gorge Cafe on the roundabout near Caversham Bridge, 3/4 of a mile from the station.  I understand it's an old C&M haunt.   To get there, you can either follow the route to the roundabout, or as follows:

• Come out of Reading station on the north (Caversham) side.
• Follow cycle route signs to Caversham until you get to the river bank.   
• Turn left along the river bank.   Past the footbridge (don't cross the river).
• Turn left again immediately before the road bridge, which brings you to the roundabout.   The Gorge cafe is opposite.
• If you get stuck, ring me on 07952 932 823, or contact one of the others.

How to get to Reading

Of course you can ride there!   There are many train routes, but among the ones I know about are:

• GWR from Paddington (calls at a few places like West Drayton)
• Elizabeth Line from Paddington (FREE for London Freedom Pass holders, stops at Ealing Broadway, Southall etc)
• SW Railway from Richmond/Twickenham/Egham
• GWR from Dorking Deepdene
• Surbiton-Basingstoke-Reading via SW Railway

Most of these journeys take about an hour, but the Surbiton one takes 1h17 and the GWR Paddington train is faster.