24 Mar 2019: Hatfield to Shepall

The Hatfield start and fine-weather forecast attracted a group of nine riders for the 9.15 departure form outside Asda. We took a south-east route via Welham Green, then via Newgate street to Bayford. After Brickendon we cut through the byway open to all traffic (BOAT) to Monks Green, before skirting Hertford through the old Balls Park estate which avoided any main roads. We passed Foxholes farm on the left, which is the source of the famous sausages served at the Chequers pub in Wareside. After cycling through the picturesque part of Hertford Heath we free-wheeled down to Ware for our coffee stop. Unfortunately the Esem Express planned café was closed - whether just for the day or permanently I don't know. We went into Café Frappe opposite and it turned out OK.

Jackie spotted Richard wandering past looking for us so the group became 10 for the onward ride towards the edge of Stevenage.

near Burnham Green 

Gareth got a puncture near Rabley Heath, so Jackie lead most of the group through Old Knebworth before taking the cycle path to Shephall Green where the Old Red Lion was busier than usual. Steve, Carol and Gareth arrived a few minutes later. Recycled photo below shows the bike-themed room we sat in.

bicycle trophies

After lunch the group took the usual way back via Codicote where the Hatfield group headed back via  Welwyn. I recorded the route back to St Albans so tweaked the route to be the way I imagined the group took to Hatfield.
An enjoyable day out with plenty of sunshine and not too cold,

Carol