The Lea Path near Hertford
Blue skies and a sunny outlook promoted the good humour and bonhomie that South Herts CTC is famed for. Cycling alongside the Lea to Ware and up to Wareside the first entertainment of the day was an impromptu puncture repair competition sparked by 2 riders suffering punctures simultaneously; Jon proved himself the speediest operative and a man to stay close to in poor terrain.
Experts at work
Reaching Ash Valley Golf Club via a loop to Perry Green, several riders had bacon sandwiches that were uncommonly well filled, if a little slow to be provided (we should have warned them of our visit). Over the ford of the Rib at Standon the route headed to Halls Green and on to Ardeley, experiencing a small routing issue which proved to be the first of several with the leader being challenged by his (lack of) mastery of electronic gadgetry. At Throcking a ‘Private Road’ complete with gate was encountered and the group approached several well-appointed houses with caution, Judy nearly being shut out on the wrong side of the gate.
One more to come
The caution was rewarded with safe passage through to the lovely hamlet of Rushden and arrival at the pub, which was full to bursting with ramblers, motor enthusiasts and a few other cyclists. A lack of speedy or indeed any service saw all but three of the group repair to the local garden centre for an alcohol free but quiet lunch break. Regrouping after lunch our intrepid band followed the course of the Beane and chose to go down a closed road. Skilfully negotiating its way around a digger and dumper truck, hard at work on a Sunday afternoon, no injuries were suffered or bikes lost down trenches. Finally reaching the last of the day’s stops at the Plume of Feathers, coffee and cake was provided for £2.95 and served in next to no time - a welcome improvement in service. The sun still shone and everyone was still talking to each other - another great Sunday ride!
Useful gated road marked with green and red flags
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