A beautiful day forecast and 6 of us at the start in Hertford. This included Enrico a new rider with us who had been with N. Herts CTC. First stop was Bishops Stortford so off we went via Ware and back lanes through Perry Green etc.
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| Herts Wheelers go by |
At this point I went slightly wrong and we ended up approaching B.S. from the south rather than from the west. However this gave us the opportunity to cycle right through the southern outskirts of the town and up the pedestrianised main shopping street so it was actually quite interesting. Then from the old centre of town we turned into Bridge Street, where the cafe is situated. This is another cafe operated by east Europeans and we remarked how efficient and good value these cafes always seem to be.
Just as we were about to leave, Enrico found he had a puncture. And in another example of amazing efficiency he dealt with it very quickly. Then northwards out of B.S. past an enormous new housing estate being built on the outskirts which, from a plane roaring overhead, seemed to be directly under the flight path of nearby Stansted, a nice feature for the potential new homeowners. Then out into unspoiled countryside in glorious sunshine through Maggots End (interesting English place name) towards Buntingford. From there a short distance to Aspenden, a very pretty village, with a pretty pub – ‘The Fox’. Here at our lunch stop Adrian and Richard joined us. After a pleasant meal sitting outside we headed southwest towards Codicote the designated tea stop.
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| Cool saddle |
However at Datchworth, following discussions, it was agreed we would split the party. Some would go on in the direction of Codicote but others would head towards Welwyn/Hatfield or the start at Hertford. This latter group ended up in ‘The Plume of Feathers’ pub as the only place open for tea. We were staggered to find the pub garden packed with tables and people still eating lunches etc. Then back to Hertford with a total mileage of about 50 all in the most glorious spring weather.
peteR
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