05 May 2013: Hertford to Thaxted

It was a great sunny morning when we all met in Hertford for this ride to Thaxted.  I think 10 of us were there with returns from Charlie and Jenny.  Also Recumbent John was along for the day, though there was no spaceship looking recumbent as he had decided to test its durability against a tree and a tree is a very durable thing.  Our leader for the day was a superstar called Craig, using a route that Carol had devised. 

We headed off to Ware then onto Wareside, scooted around the Hadhams and came up against Bishops Stortford in no time; this was a nice and quick 15 miles that we all enjoyed.

The road to Thaxted

Soon the sun was heating us very nicely and we made our way to Thaxted by a very nice route.  It has to be said that Carol did a great job planning it. Craig was a superb leader, not going too fast or too slow.  He kept his pace fairly even and very enjoyable.  Coming into Thaxted we discovered that the Star was closed.  Some of us had sandwiches and others had to find a café for lunch.  I was lucky and had brought sarnies.  Up at the top of a hill stood a lovely church and in the hot sun, who needs cafes for lunch.

The trek to the last tea stop was just as enjoyable as the rest of the day, but it was broken up by a wonderful idea. Ice cream on Hatfield Heath, ahhhhhh it was lush.

We made the coffee shed in Sawbridgeworth in great time, then after our little stop it was to home we headed.  John had recorded his highest ever mileage on his Brompton and 14-year-old Charlie was amazed at achieving 93 miles when he got back home to St Albans.

It was a great day out thanks to Craig (leader) and Carol (route planner).

Neil 05/05/2013