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