02 Jan 2022: St Albans to Abbots Langley

 BUT NOT DIRECTLY! It was a bright sunny day and the streets of St Albans were deserted as we left The Waterend Barn on our first ride of the new year. The planned ride was shorter than usual as we had anticipated poor weather at the beginning of January. As it was, we didn't need to take any shortcuts and pedalled through Bedmond and Kings Langley to Chipperfield where there was an opportunity for a photo shoot. 

Two Brewers on a sunny day

The first pub, the Two Brewers, looked so good, we went down past Blackwells and took another one outside the Windmill, where the director's instructions almost caused Steve to fall off as he was going so slowly.

Steve wobbling at the Windmill

We went through Commonwood Common then turned across Bottom Lane and climbed to Sarratt, before going through Chandlers Cross, passing the Langleybury Film Studios, then did the last climb up to Abbots Langley village. The aptly named Village Café served us drinks and bacon rolls in double-quick time and will be a contender for the fastest service of the year, I suspect. They also kindly made space for our bikes round the back of the premises. A great place to visit, but probably a little close for most rides. However on a bright day at the beginning of a new year it was fine to get back to St Albans at 12.30.

Carol