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