25 April 2021: St Albans to Edlesborough

We gathered at the War Memorial in St Albans and admired the flowering cherry trees before setting off in two groups to head up the old A5 to Redbourn on our outbound route to Edlesborough. Sometimes we just have to thrash up the main road for a few miles before reaching the country lanes and just hope that the traffic isn't heavy early in the morning. We welcomed two new people for the ride, both coincidentally called Clare. A late arrival meant there was a total of eleven of us on the day.

Cherry trees in bloom

We took the back lane to Flamstead then went into Markyate on the Old Watling Street running parallel to the busy old A5, before the long gradual climb to Dunstable Downs via Kensworth and the unusually named Isle of Wight Lane. We then swept downhill through the edge of Dunstable to Totternhoe, then headed west to our planned "break" in Edlesborough. No coffee available, so just a "break" for a short breather and rest. 

We were somewhat perplexed that the group that had set off ahead of us were not at the agreed rendezvous when we arrived there. Had they paused en-route for a wee stop (Scottish term)? They turned up some minutes later and admitted they had had a Garmin/brain malfunction moment and had gone along part of the planned return route at Hogg End Lane. This required a detour to rejoin the outward route near Redbourn.

Looking chilly before leaving snack stop

After our break, we headed back via Dagnall and the gentle climb up the Downs below the White Lion, before the usual route home along Gaddesden Lane. Rather then go back along the planned Hogg End Lane, our group went though Cupid Green and along Buncefield Lane North and used the brand-new push-button signalised crossing at Breakspear Way to reach Buncefield Lane South which is now blocked off for cars. This gives a safe route to Westwick Row. After a short section of the A4147 we turned down to Potters Crouch and back to St Albans using Bedmond Lane.

A cold but dry Sunday morning and we were back at about 1.15 after 37 miles. Pleased to see such a good turnout and hope to see the new riders again.

Carol B