The coldest day since April with squally showers and a NE gale from the arctic didn't put everyone off. In fact we welcomed two newcomers, Jean from WGC and Simone from Hatfield, on their first ride with us, hopefully the first of many. We almost missed them due to slight confusion about which cycle park we used at Asda (it's the one opposite the fuel station). Fortunately, Phil had noticed a cyclist wandering around the car park earlier, so I went to find them.
This was a 'fun' ride, modelled on our successful Saturday rides, and I was aiming to keep the average speed down to around 10 mph. Heading into the teeth of the northeasterly there was certainly no risk of exceeding that on the route out to Stanstead Abbotts. I chose a flat route too, although in high winds it's often the hilly routes that are easier. The way through Hertford was a novel one for many, taking in Hertford Castle gardens, the town centre and the back streets towards Ware.
 |
| Simone, Jean, Phil, Judy and Ronny at Cole Green |
The cafe for elevenses (breakfast for some) was quieter than usual and a welcome chance to warm up the chilled extremities during our 30 minute stay. I had promised blue skies by mid morning and sure enough they appeared as we left the cafe and headed for the climb to Hunsdon. This was the halfway point and it was now much easier with the wind behind us down to Wareside. But it wasn't quite so easy for me when my rear gear shifter let me down, most annoying as it had only lasted 14,000 miles, and I had to do the rest of the ride using the two chainring gears.
The ride through Cold Christmas was particularly pleasant and everyone was enjoying the ride, judging by the chatter behind me. We reached the pub in Wadesmill by 12:30, where Phil had to leave us. Fortunately, that left enough of a group to not only get the 2 for 1 meals, but also a £10 group discount, which gave us a really good lunch at amazing value.
 |
| A suitably spooky scene in Hooks Bushes near Tewin |
The route back from here took us up to Chapmore End and across to Bramfield and Tewin, then into WGC, where Jean left us, before arriving back in Hatfield via NCN 61 after an enjoyable 40 mile circuit.
Jon 28/10/2018
No comments:
Post a Comment