A good turn-out today, with 11 riders at the start in St Albans, so we split into two groups of six and five for the trip out to Great Offley. Only after the first six had set off did we realise that Gary was just saying "hello" and wasn't actually planning on riding with us. There was a bit of excitement leaving along Sandridge Road as a large branch had broken off a tree and was blocking the carriageway.
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Sandridge Road tree
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We headed north-east via Wheathampstead and east of Codicote before passing the edge of Knebworth Park where we stopped to look at the herd of deer close to the road. Although the deer are always there, it's unusual to actually see any as they usually hide in the woods. After passing through Preston we stopped and chatted to Steve and Jackie Clarke and waved at Stuart of the Stevenage Cycling UK group. Phil B had decided to join us and came to the Barn Cafe behind the butcher's shop at Offley Hoo farm.
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Knebworth Park deer
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The first group had just about finished their coffees, so they left ahead of us and took Eamonn's planned route back to St Albans. We took a more leisurely shorter route back via Mill End and the cycle path to Harpenden; Ronny peeled off at Lilley Bottom to head back to Stevenage and we got back to St Albans shortly after the first group, but we only did 36 miles, a bit less than them. I forgot to take a photo of the group at the cafe stop, but managed this shot of a cyclist in front of our tree in full blossom!
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Flowering Cherry tree
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Thanks to Eamonn for planning and leading the ride, and welcome to the new riders out with us today.
Carol B
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