Katie joined us again and this time brought along her new bike for its first ride. She soon had the gleaming white paintwork christened with dirt, although it still had a long way to go to match the shabbiness of Pete’s winter bike with its layer of underseal. After the recent freezing temperatures and heavy rains it was a relief to be back to more normal December weather, at least for today. Eleven of us joined the ride and some of us felt a little over-dressed and shed some layers as the sun came out. We also had a welcome tail wind, all of which made the cycle route along the River Lea from Hertford a very pleasant experience.
Pausing at Cucumber Lane
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Along the River Lea to Ware
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We crowded into the excellent café in Stanstead Abbotts for a welcome nosh – shame it isn’t open on Sunday afternoons. With eleven out on the ride I thought I had better phone ahead to the pub, especially as we were getting into the Christmas lunch season. Just as well – they couldn’t cope with anything other than roast dinners, so a quick change of plan took us on a loop through Widford, Perry Green and Much Hadham into Wareside, where The Chequers came to our rescue. The Hertfordshire sausage sandwiches were much in demand here.
Up to Perry Green
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Passing Perry Green church
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Then it was into the strong head wind back to Hertford and through to Hatfield. Not so bad when you’re in a group taking turns at the front – we really must try that some day!
It’s back to freezing temperatures this week. Let’s hope it clears up for our Christmas lunch ride next Sunday – there’s a prize for the best decorated bike.
Jon
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