11 April 2021: Hatfield to Standon

 The forecast showers luckily didn't appear but it was a bright sunny cold day that greeted us gathering at the bike stands by Asda in Hatfield. A decent turnout of nine people including some new riders to the group. It's always a bit of a slog getting out from Hatfield to the North East and we went through Welwyn Garden City using a slightly different route to reach Panshanger and the countryside. A hilly ride headed fairly directly to Standon, via Datchworth, Watton and Dane End. We crossed the river Rib on the footbridge at Standon Ford which fortunately didn't look like this photo. I found a short (40 seconds) video showing an old Landrover attempting to drive through showing the dangers of deep water.

Standon Ford

Unfortunately, my idea of buying a coffee at the shop in Standon was scuppered as they didn't have a coffee machine. It seems to be the only rural shop without one that I've encountered during the last year of closed cafes. After a short stop we re-crossed the ford, then headed south via Barwick Ford where Ronny took a photo.

Barwick Ford

A direct route via Wareside and Ware took us into Hertford where a few people took the direct route back via Hertingfordbury and four of us went through Little Berkhamsted back to Welham Green and Hatfield.

A longer route than planned meant we were a bit late and hungry getting home.

Carol