30 May 2021: Wheathampstead to Rushden

 The forecast indicated loads of sunshine at temperatures just below 20C for today. However, when I sat off from home I was glad that I took my jacket with me. At the start in Wheathampstead our group was split into the optimists and cyclists who weren't cold. While it was still overcast when 10 riders left town, the hill out of the Lea valley warmed us up. I choose the road through Ayot St. Lawrence and then along the back of Ayot House towards Tanyard Lane. My memory was less muddy and stony than the reality, luckily, without any slips or punctures we made it into the Mimram valley.

Muddy bridleway

We continued our way along Three Houses Lane and through Old Knebworth into Stevenage. The first gaps in the clouds appeared and the temperature got higher; layers were put away after leaving Stevenage. With the sky becoming completely blue, the landscape seemed to change. It felt like proper spring, the strong greens and blue, white cow-parsley, and some colourful spots from other flowers - a pleasure for the eyes. Traffic was low on the back lanes, which assisted a very relaxinged feeling. We went around Cromer, over another hill, and then reached our goal at the Mill End garden-centre cafe. After enjoying coffee/hot chocolate and a piece of home-made cake (baking started at 4am, we were told), most of us headed back.

Superb looking cakes, fresh from the oven

I choose the route that followed the Beane valley till Watton-at-Stone. However, with the road not staying close to the water, we also had a few climbs.

Wind-assisted on the way to Watton

But with the wind behind us and a general downwards ride, we made it easily into Watton-at-Stone and also up to Datchworth. From there it was slightly downhill into Old Welwyn. Unfortunately, the current roads do not follow the Roman Road exactly, otherwise we could have even skipped a few small hills. At the last large incline towards Ayot St Peter, we were already too warm and enjoyed the shade under trees. What a change to the morning weather. Most of us followed Codicote Road back to Wheathampstead.

Ronny

16 May 2021: St Albans to Ivinghoe

Only five people were at the start for a ride on a day with a pretty poor wet weather forecast - some regulars we knew had other appointments, but plenty others seem to have wimped out. 

We took a fairly direct route out of St Albans and soon stopped to remove outer waterproof layers, apart from Clare who had optimistically turned up already in short sleeves at the start. After sneaking through the edge of Hemel Hempstead industrial area we made the long gradual climb to Ivinghoe Beacon passing The Dockey Woods bluebells en-route. 

We paused for a break at the top to admire the view across to Dunstable Downs and the White Lion. My photo didn't seem to capture it, 

Near the top of Ivinghoe Beacon

but Mark's one of me did!

Carol and the lion

A great downhill took us to Curiositea team rooms which initially looked overwhelmed with cyclists and many others, but miraculously there was only a short queue inside and we were served quite quickly. The sun even came out properly as we relaxed outside at the front. By the time I took the photo all the other cyclists had moved on.

Curiositea patio

As the rain was forecast to come through at lunchtime we took a very direct route back to St Albans through Aldbury and Berkhamsted, then Boxmoor and Nash Mills. About 37miles and home for a late lunch on a surprisingly warm and dry day.

Carol

09 May 2021: Hatfield to Much Hadham

We met in our usual place by the bike stands outside Asda in Hatfield and thought there were a couple of no-shows as the departure time approached. A quick phone call determined Clare V was indeed at a bike stand outside Asda, just not the same one we were at!

We went through the edge of WGC and picked up Ronny at Panshanger then the Clarkes at Tewin before looping round via Bramfield and Stapleford and climbing up to Chapmore End where we regrouped by the pretty village pond. 

Crouch End pond pause

After descending into the Rib valley we wiggled along to Wadesmill then passed through the unseasonal Cold Christmas before going through picturesque Much Hadham to reach Ash Valley Golf Club where we were horrified to see vast numbers of cars parked. Fortunately there wasn't much of a delay getting served and we sat in the sunshine next to their marquee. Most of the cars seemed to be accompanying some very junior-looking golfers which was good to see.

Eamonn tests Richard's bike for size

After the coffee stop we took a direct route back through Ware and Hertford, then after a short distance on the Cole Green Way we took the traditional Old Coach Road route back to the edge of WGC and into Hatfield. Another good turnout of 12 on a dry but windy day,

Carol B 

02 May 2021: Wheathampstead to Baldock

 On a fresh Sunday morning, 10 cyclists met in Wheathampstead for the ride to Baldock. Additionally, a potential member of future Sunday rides came to the start to get an idea what gear we use. He found a diverse selection, from road bikes with thin tyres to trekking bikes which happily ride along dirt tracks. After a chat we headed out in two groups with me leading the first group. Not having done any ride leading for many months, meant I started a bit fast until getting a hand on what is a good speed for everyone. Out of Wheathampstead means going uphill; we went towards Kimpton. I enjoyed the sunshine, it was a nice surprise that the sun was out much more than indicated by the weather app earlier in the morning. We continued our ride through the Hertfordshire countryside, avoiding any major settlements until Great Wymondley. I was surprised to see the pond at the corner of Langley Lane nearly empty, a few months ago the road towards Preston was impassable as it was submerged by the overfilled pond. Once we crossed the B656 the wind was at our back pushing us towards Willian and Baldock. While we didn't see each other along the way, thanks to Carol's experience of quick paths through Baldock, both groups arrived at the cafe at the same time.

Baldock

Some just had the snacks they brought with them, some of us ordered a hot drink and a bit of food. Clouds had covered most of the sky and the breeze that pushed us along was still going. The preparation of food took surprisingly long, hence the cyclists that brought their food left earlier before cooling down too much. As I had ordered something, the route had to be transferred to Mark K, which, after overcoming a few technical challenges, worked out and four of them set off, while the others eventually could start enjoying their ordered food. As the sun came out again, we headed to Warren Lane, where we could watch a model aircraft flying around the club premises. The sunshine didn't last long and a few drops fell, however, our group was lucky with the rain. While we passed wet roads, we didn't get wet. In Stevenage we passed by Rooks Nest, which, I learned then, was the inspiration for "Howards End" by E. M. Foster. 

EM Forster's Rooks Nest house

We passed through Stevenage using the well established network of bicycle lanes and headed back to the country side along the freshly tarmacked Old Knebworth Lane. By coincidence we met Eamonn, a regular rider with us, from St Albans. After a chat, some of us diverted from Old Knebworth to their homes, while the rest continued heading back to Wheathampstead.

(Note from Carol, we nearly got flattened by a group of about 8 deer jumping across the Codicote Road on the way back!)

Ronny 4th May 2021