Today was the first time since March that Steve and I rode (suitably distanced) with other people. I'd planned a route of just over 20 miles to the park in Dunstable using back lanes, then the new cycle path from Caddington into Dunstable, the whole of which was off road on tarmac. Sue, Richard and Jon joined us in St Albans and we set off through Sandridge and across Nomansland Common to Southdown, then up to Kinsbourne Green. The sun shone and it was a glorious day to be outside. Others agreed, as we saw the most model-aeroplane fliers I've ever seen on their little airfield up behind Markyate. We passed Harpers at Pepperstock who were doing a roaring trade at their outside tables, before passing through Slip End and seeing the empty long-term car park for Luton airport. In the park we hastily ate our sandwiches in the shade of the bandstand before trying to find an open public lavatory. No luck, so we all held on until after a circuit of Totternhoe and Eaton Bray we found a suitable hedge, just before crossing the main road between Dunstable and Tring to start the ascent to Dagnall and Studham.
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Bottom of Bison Hill
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Jon's electric-bike battery held up well and he showed off its power-assist by shooting past me on the hill up to Studham.
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Near Studham
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We carried on along Gaddesden Row then cut back into the edge of Hemel Hempstead and crossed the main road on Breakspear Way where we were disappointed to see the the recent road works had only inserted two dropped kerbs and there was no more sign of the proposed push-button crossing to help pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road. After Westwick Row, Richard carried on along the main road home while Steve and I went to Potters Crouch where we said goodbye to Jon and Sue. We did about 52 miles and Jon let me know later he'd done over 70 miles on his round trip. The power of electricity, and in Sue's case - legs! Next week I'll make sure I plan a route where I know there will be an open public-toilet. We found one in Chesham and another in Wendover this week. Both were very clean and respectable.
Great to ride with other people again and have a chat,
Carol
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