Two magpies on two wheels (2025)

  Day 4 of 4 What have the Romans ever done for us ? Today’s cycle took us through Silchester the old Roman City where we discovered the amphitheater. Spent some time here among the forgotten ruins . Situated on the old London to Bath road . Who knew . The forecast was rain so we got wet. Once again a beautiful labyrinth of country B roads ideal for cycling . Total 45 km . The end of an enjoyable 4 days get together.

  Day 3 of 4 Rain soaked morning along a route going South towards Basingstoke. I really like the canal path that goes under the M4 which we later recross over. Taking time out to wave out yonder westwards towards Wales. Some ducks took a liking but why was there only two ducklings ? There’s normally 6 or 8. That’s reminded me of a ducking rescue a few years ago . More birds identified via the app . Along the route , a woodpecker , chifchaff, blackbird, and Robin Passed Infant school date MDCCCXLI . Wow 1841. 184 years ago . The route used a lot of national route 23 along quiet country roads. Took a photo on Welshman’s Road. How appropriate! 57 km . But generally the rain stayed away during the afternoon. Feeling good ready to plan tomorrow.

  Day 2 of 4 . “Go West , young man “ And west along the Kennett canal we went … passing three interesting swing bridges. Managed to merge 4 gpx files into one file to show all routes on one photo . Today 45 km mostly along the canal towpath . Some smooth gravel , ouch some not so smooth.

Day 1 of 4 Our base for the next four nights is the Travelodge just off the M4 junction near Reading giving easy access to the Kennett and Avon canal. Affordable and reasonable prices for clean and warm rooms , hot showers , free parking , TV WiFi and free coffee. We met halfway , well Jeremy drove 130 miles from Llanelli and I drove 70 miles from Molesey . Yup that’s about half way . Day 1 - blessed with good tow path to Reading and then the Thames path to Goring. Sadly the memorial flowers for George Michael have been removed but there are some memorabilia in the local pub . I liked GM. 50 km day with some hilly hills in the last of this fantabulous weather. Cycling in the rain tomorrow. Evening meal . KFC - plenty of greasy protein .