My posting on the website warned of hills despite this 6 undaunted riders followed me on this epic voyage to West Wycombe. Phil H, Ian McD, Miar, Alan B, Paul, and my valiant back marker, second in command and all-round good egg Bernie 'The Bolt' Green.
To ease the riders in preparation for forthcoming feats of endurance my first hill was the approach to Harefield via Breakspear road. Crossing the canal we then ascended to Heronsgate and then on to Little Chalfont and our coffee stop at the Master Chef Amersham.
We continued down into Little Missenden where my next hill awaited up to Holmer Green continuing to Great Kingshill before descending into the Hughenden valley. My final hill for the morning was a corker up Stocking lane to Naphill. Ian raced up this one (as he had others) probably driven by an overwhelming beer thirst.
We arrived at the Wheel in Naphill to be greeted by Phil's sister who is a local. I learnt Phil's nickname/pet name which was rather amusing and very sweet.
Food was excellent a really nice old-fashioned proper pub.
We started our return with a steep downhill before our first uphill of the afternoon - Cryer's hill so aptly named. This did not faze Ian in the least who raced up it with such gusto that I feel I must dope test some of my riders before my next lead.
We traversed Hazelmere and climbed up to Penn wood Coleshill then returned via Chalfont St Giles & Peter on to Denham.
My original plan was to go on to the church for tea, but it was too late.
Phil, who had his Birthday party this weekend, invited us to his place to help finish off the rest of his birthday cake & have some tea. This was a very welcome stop. Miar had to continue on missed out on a great new cycling-stop venue – Cafē Phil the service was excellent tea & cake gratefully received.
I must ask Alec to post this as a puffing stop.