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