04 April 2021: St Albans to Chalfont St Giles

Well, finally after several months of COVID lockdown we had our first group ride of the year. We were lucky to have a bright sunny day and although not shorts temperature, it was more than 10°C and a lot warmer than the 4°C forecast for the next day.

There were six people at the war memorial 9.30 start. We headed out using the usual route through St Michaels, then up Bluehouse Hill and left towards Bedmond. We climbed out of the Gade valley, then passed through Flaunden where it was good to see the Green Dragon pub getting ready for outdoor opening with a huge marquee over some smart-looking dining tables and chairs. The new dragon figure-head was peeping over the hedge in the sun.

Yes I know it's an old photo!

We turned right after Latimer to avoid the steepest hill up to Little Chalfont,  so went through the village and out past some properties that made Harpenden look like some kind of down-market sink-housing estate. We reached Chalfont St Giles and surprisingly found a vacant seat on the green by the cafe, which we used as a bike stand.

On the green at Chalfont St Giles

After a short coffee break and use of the rather quaint public lavatories discreetly hidden behind an ancient brick wall we initially retraced our outbound route before going through Chorleywood, Chandlers Cross  and Abbotts Langley before getting back to St Albans at about 1.20 pm. A pleasant ride of about 36 miles. Route below.

Carol B