01 Jan 2012: St Albans to Cheshunt

I had just glanced at some of our ride reports for this time last year, with their talk of icy and treacherous conditions and pictures of snow and ice. What a difference today, mild and balmy, but heavy rain forecast for later - would we get back before it arrived? So, it was a good turn out of 15 riders for our first ride of 2012 and traditional New Year's Day lunch. Meeting up in the Cafe Roma in St Albans, a later start and undemanding distance seemed the order of the day.

Rona with daughter on two wheels

Richard showing us the way

We didn't set off until 10.30, heading out of the town by way of Barley Mow Lane and then through Colney Heath and Welham Green, passing the Royal Vet College and into Potters Bar. Then taking the pleasant wooded lane we passed through Crews Hill and on past Whitewebbs Park. We turned sharp left onto the track over he M25 through Theobalds Park, and RIGHT at the T junction to emerge onto the new cycle path and cross the magnificent cycle bridge over the A10. From here, it was just a short step into Cheshunt High Street and the welcoming King James. We all enjoyed a relaxed and good value lunch.

Descending from the bridge over A414

Lunch at the King James in Cheshunt

Afterwards, we all started the return home by heading for Cuffley, and then there was a general heading off for north London, Welwyn, Hatfield, St Albans, etc. Heavy rain got going and I was pretty damp when I got home, having cycled less than 40 miles.

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Richard
1 Jan 2012