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