21 Nov 2021: St Albans to Dunstable Gliding club

Eight riders gathered outside the Blacksmith’s Arms on a cold but very bright morning, so dark eye-shields were in order. Gary had kindly agreed to lead the ride so we followed him north up the Redbourn Road, noting that all the roadworks had been removed following the completion of the laying of a new water main beneath its surface. We departed from Redbourn along Lybury Lane to Flamstead, then along Friendless Lane to Markyate and followed the road to Kensworth. We then rode along Isle of Wight Lane to turn right at the National Trust café at the top of Dunstable Downs for a fast descent to cross the busy B489 dual carriageway and putting in a two-mile loop through Totternhoe so as to get to the gliding club without enduring the traffic. 

A lane near Flamstead

There is a very steep slope up to the buildings requiring bottom-gear engagement.  Outside the café there was a rank of vintage scooters from the 1960s. It has only recently been re-opened to the public and is called Curiositea, the same as the café in the old school-house in Ivinghoe where the trustees have served notice forcing it to close next January. So when we climbed the stairs we were pleased to see an apparently thriving business with most seats already taken. It was also good to see that we were followed in by the Aylesbury CTC. With a spectacular view up to Dunstable Downs we enjoyed our coffees and snacks; Richard was evidently in training for the month of gluttony about to engulf us all by shamelessly consuming double beans and cheese on toast.

60's scooters outside the café

After our break, Tim went back to Luton and Philip remarkably chose to go up Ivinghoe Beacon to return home via Berkhamsted. The rest of us took the easy route back using the gentle climb of the Downs via Dagnall and Studham before using the direct route of Gaddesdon Row, the western edge of Hemel Hempstead using the new cycle crossing over Breakspear Way, then Westwick Row and back into St Albans. The traffic was chaotic in the town centre as St Peters Street was closed for the Christmas-Lights funfair. We had never seen such a jam around the town centre since the infamous one-way system that was very briefly implemented in the late 1980's. However, enjoyed the feeling of immense smugness as we threaded our way through the stationary traffic. We got home by 1.30 after pleasant sunny morning ride. Thanks Gary!

Steve B

 

14 Nov 21: Colney Heath to Potters Bar

On a mild and very damp morning five of us met at Colney Heath for Sue’s round-about ride to Potters Bar, which is only six miles away by the direct route. Leading us to Welham Green she turned north along the cycle-path past the Tesco distribution centre into Hatfield, and then into the How Dell recreation area, where the signs did not forbid cycling but the squeeze-through barriers certainly discouraged it; it was fortunate that none of us had a pannier bag. This is part of National Cycle Route 61!

At the start (note from Carol - surely one of the worst photos ever published on our blog)

Emerging into the civilisation of the Old Town we continued north into WGC where again following NCN61 we negotiated a succession of minor roads and cycle-paths to Peartree Primary School where Gary announced he had a puncture. Fortunately, although it was in the rear tyre, he quickly found the cause, a long thorn, without even tyre removal, and replaced the tube and restored the tyre with little effort, denying Eamonn the chance to demonstrate his prowess with his tyre-putting-on tool ( Read a Road.cc review here of Crank Brothers speedier tyre lever ).

Eamonn's putting-on tool

We then progressed about 100 yards when an anguished cry from Eamonn indicated he too had a puncture. Proclaiming that he would replace his tyres, which is exactly what he had said four weeks ago after suffering front and rear punctures, he insisted that the rest of us carry on and he would return home, fearing severe consequences from his family should he be late. Feeling slightly guilty at heaving him alone in the mean streets of WGC with only tyre levers to defend himself, and disappointed that we would miss seeing his tool in action, we continued to the start of the Cole Green Way and exited to access the Old Coach Road, formerly the A414, following it to Hertingfordbury and turning south to Bayford.  We then followed a fairly direct route to Potters Bar and arrived at The Admiral Byng at 12:20, too late for the standard breakfast menu, but bacon sandwiches and panini were still available. Over brunch, Peter regaled us with how he was indulging in fencing ( he was anxious to inform us that this was NOT receiving stolen goods ) and how he had easily negotiated a 20% discount on the cost of his wooden panels and posts from a local supplier. After we emerged from the pub at about 1 pm, Sue left us to head only 4 miles back home while the remaining three headed back to Conley Heath, where Peter had left his car. Gary and I crossed the long-about and picked up the Alban Way back to our homes.

Thanks to Sue for leading us on an interesting route today.

Steve B

7 Nov 2021: St Albans to Pepperstock

Following last week's downpour it was good to have bright, cold dry weather for the ride this Sunday. There were ten of us at the start including three new Sunday riders, and four regular Wednesday evening riders. Peter led us through Sandridgebury and Nomansland Common, before we crossed the Lea Valley and climbed up to Mackerye End. We then took the quiet lane to the top of the hill towards Kimpton water tower, before climbing again to the appropriately named Peters Green.

Peter leading in Peters Green!

After a descent back into the Lea valley we had the long slog up and over from Mill End past Luton Hoo then took the back roads via the edge of Kinsbourne Green to get to a fortunately not too busy Harper's café.

Here we met Steve and Jackie, who had cycled there directly and must have just missed us as we passed through Kimpton. As the sun was shining we sat outside and enjoyed some late-year warmth as we consumed various sausage rolls, cakes and coffees.

Ready to leave Harpers

Tim and Sandy made their own way back home directly from the café, as did Steve and Jackie. The rest of us took a direct route back towards St Albans using the small lanes to Harpenden, then meandered through East Common admiring the autumn trees before using the cycle path back to the start. A shorter ride today meant we were back in St Albans by 1.30 even though we left the coffee stop quite late.

Carol