Peak holiday season and a dubious weather forecast resulted in only five of us at the start in Hatfield. It was a morning only ride with a refreshment stop at Dane End golf course. So we headed east to the Old Coach Road leading to Hertford via Hertingfordbury. Then avoiding most of the main road into Hertford by a side route we subsequently climbed up to Bengeo and then had a fast run all the way to Wadesmill.
From here a climb up to Thundridge and then the nice bit along a very quiet and pretty lane running up the valley of the river Rib. Part way along one goes through the hamlet of “Cold Christmas” which I always think is a very evocative name. Turning back west we headed for Barwick ford which some of the party forded in style. Then after a few more miles we were at the golf club which was well organised for outdoor catering.
From here normally we would go down the steep hill into Dane End, but knowing that further ahead the usual junction onto the A602 was completely closed due to road works we went partly back to Sacombe Green. On through the parkland setting at Sacombe across the A602 and back via Bramfield.
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| Sacombe Park |
Shortly afterwards the party split up. Those returning to the start at Hatfield at about 1o’clock covered the total distance of 36 miles at around 12.5 mph average speed.
Despite looking a bit ominous at times, there was no rain, although there must have been heavy rain overnight as the roads were very wet and almost flooded in a few places.
Peter
(Note from Carol, no map this week)
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