23 February 2020

23 Feb 2020: Hatfield to Hatfield!

Well, after Ciara and Dennis we had a storm-free Sunday, but it seems all the regular riders wimped out today. Steve and I cycled to Poppins but no-one else turned up. Jackie and Steve Whatsapped to say they might join us at the planned lunch stop at the edge of Letchworth. This meant we would actually do the planned ride so we set off at 10:30 into the stiff south westerly breeze. Cycling along to cross the A1(M) we were nearly knocked off by the wind as we passed gaps between the houses, so as we reached the crossing we decided to abandon the ride and return home. Proof below.

As far as we got!
Afterwards we spent a while in the Galleria looking for a new windshell jacket for Steve before getting home and stripping a 30-year-old wallpaper border in the afternoon. Total 15 miles I think! Better luck next week I hope.
Carol

2 February 2020

02 Feb 2020: St Albans to Asheridge

Seven of us came out on a blustery day and, after a good breakfast, set off from St Albans to Asheridge, just outside Chesham.
A grey breezy day
The route went though some lovely lanes via Potters Crouch, Abbotts Langley, Belsize, Flaunden and Ley Hill, although, thanks to the heavy rain last night, we met with substantial puddles along the way!
National Air Traffic Control "mast"!
The big "golf ball' we saw was actually a relatively new Air Traffic Control "mast" built sometime after 2010 when the locals of Bovingdon objected to it. From Langleybury towards Flaunden the lanes were closed for a marathon event but the marshalls kindly let us through and we cheered the runners on as we made our way to our lunch stop at the Blue Ball and a good meal . It was a long climb up to Asheridge so we were pleased to head downhill on the way back and, with a tailwind, followed the river Chess via Waterside to Latimer and back to Flaunden, where we went our separate ways home. Thanks to everyone for coming and I look forward to another ride soon.
Talia

Note from Carol: Thanks to Talia for volunteering to lead a ride for the first time for our group and choosing an interesting route out and back. Also welcome to new rider Jules ( or is it Jools?) from Gaddesdon Row.
Route here, about 40 miles out and back from St Albans: