08 Dec 2019: Hatfield to Hoddesdon

Although it was a rather dull and damp day forecast we were pleasantly surprised to see 11 people turn up to the start at Poppins' café in Hatfield for the 10.30 departure. Jon and Judy decided to make their own way to Hoddesdon and see us at the pub, so nine of us left using the usual route up Woods Avenue before heading to Welham Green on the cycle path behind the Industrial Estate. If only Lord Salisbury would allow cycling along the direct tarmac path from Hatfield Station to Woodside!

Steve B had a puncture at the beginning of the path where we also noted we had lost Phil B ( sorry Phil, but I thought you were following us up the hill when we turned off the roundabout). We decided to carry on and leave Steve to fix the puncture and we shortened our route slightly, going via Wild Hill, Essendon and Letty Green before using the tiny road via East End Green to Hertingfordbury. At the bottom of St Mary's Lane the road to Bayford had a police sign closing the access, so we diverted via Brickendon and then took the usual route to The Star arriving at 12.15. Jon, Judy and Steve B were there before us and we managed to find somewhere to sit down. After quick refreshments (disappointing for some, the pub had a problem meaning no cask ales were available) we left again at 1.15 and rode back via White Stubbs lane; near Woodside someone had made an effort with Christmas decorations.

Colourful characters

In Hatfield, Steve B was presented with the Hargreaves trophy in the car-park in a rather low-key ceremony. Not exactly a red-carpet occasion! Nonetheless a magnificent achievement after 35 years with the club. Look out for his name in the New Year's honours list. 

Hargreaves hand-over

We did about a 40-mile round trip and managed to avoid the forecast rain.

Carol