Twelve of us gathered in Hatfield and we welcomed Mike from London Colney on his first club ride. As I can only count up to ten, Neil volunteered to be back-marker, as I didn’t want to lose anyone.
Regrouping near Babbs Green
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Spot the difference
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Hertford is only eight miles by the shortest route, so we started by heading west for a change and through Lemsford and Ayot Green. Crossing the A1 we saw a bunch of the Lantern Rouge appearing from the dead-end road down to The Waggoners. Maybe they had found a way through from Brocket Hall?
We zoomed down to Old Welwyn and along the quiet B road then up to Tewin and Bramfield and came into Hertford through the park by the River Beane. I slowed on the narrow exit path for a dog-walker, but the bitch decided to squat for a pee right in front of me (the dog, not its owner) and I managed to knee it in the head trying to put my foot down. I hope the dog doesn’t develop psychological problems.
A very busy Rose Café coped admirably with our demands. Richard joined us (after another lie-in) and a few left us, but most decided to carry on to lunch on what could be the last warm, sunny Sunday ride this year.
The route was now up to Cold Christmas and down to the ford at Much Hadham, then up to Green Tye and our destination in Allens Green. No beer festival this week, but great value at the pub and a sunny break in the garden.
Judy in Hadham Ford
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Tea stop in the Lee Valley
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We then followed some deserted lanes to Gilston and through Harlow Town Park, passing the children’s zoo, and followed the cycle route to Roydon and the Lee Valley. The café at Broxbourne Old Mill is hidden away on a side turn off the Lea Navigation and provided a welcome mug of tea. I needed that for the long climb up White Stubbs Lane at the end of our 55-mile circuit.
Jon 06/10/2013
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