3 Hills, and the best pub lunch ever.

A different approach today. Gone are the long rides with a couple of hills thrown in on the way. The next few days will be car, hill, car and repeat. The advantage I had today was my trusty photographer, Emily. So, a few photos that are a better quality than usual.

First up was Combe Gibbet, near Inkpen. After a GPS led journey from my Aunt’s in Steeple Aston, we found ourselves at the top of a hill with views north and south. As the picture below shows, these hills are steeped in history. 

My solo ascent pales in comparison to the efforts that the chaps preparing for D-Day must have put in! The thought of attacking these hills complete with full kit and under fire from the ridge must have been daunting, plus the fact that they would soon be doing it for real on the beaches of France. No comparison to my short burst up the hill!

Anyway, a quick descent and then a nice easy climb back up under the watchful gaze of Emilys SLR.

And so onto Streatley Hill, cross-country guided by Felicity, our faithful SatNav. She came up trumps, depositing us at the top of the hill in the National Trust carpark. It must be strange to see a car turn up, and a middle aged man in lycra jump out, climb on his bike and disappear down hill, only to return sweating in ten minutes!

The first wildlife of the day as well, two inquisitive grey squirrels kept me company part of the way.

The next port of call was the pub, driven by Steffi’s rumbling tummy. And what a lunch.... a side of ribs in the best BBQ sauce ever accompanied by thick chips and a pint of Brakespear.

The journey across to the final climb was really interesting, with lots of airborne activity. We saw helicopters at RAF Benson, and loads of redkites, including one that took a rabbit in a field as we passed.

At last we arrived at Monks Risborough and the final climb, Whiteleaf. Having parked at the top I descended back to the start and set off upwards past the chalky figures cut out on the hill. A quick glance left and I spotted a Muntjac deer as the climb steepened. Then, as the summit hove into view out popped the photographer once more and the ascent was recorded.

An hour later and we were at Claire and Maddies, drinking tea and waiting for the Ocado delivery to bring supper.

So, a different day, but not without interest. Tomorrow should be even better, with nine hills and lots of driving in-between!

4.41 miles, 443 m of ascent.