Four of us met at the Wheathampstead start, and in order to retain warmth generated on our respective journeys there, quickly headed up the climb to Gustard Wood. After Kimpton and Whitwell we took the Lilley Bottom road to Hexton, which reminded us all how lucky we were to be able to ride in that beautiful area. After going the wrong way near Shillington we back tracked and picked up the correct road to Lower Stondon. By the time we reached the clubhouse the sun was making its presence known and we were all thinking we should have worn bib shorts and short sleeve jerseys.
Sitting at the terrace outside the busy clubhouse, three enjoyed paninis/sandwiches. However something went wrong with my roast pork order and, so that we could set off without undue delay, it was refunded- with apologies.
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| Lower Stondon sunshine |
We returned to the Stondon turn-off and headed for Hitchin, where one rider's legs were feeling the strain and decided to head to Hatfield by train. The rest then picked up the sign for Gosmore but not before we debated whether this route would lead to Pinnacle Hill, which none of us wanted to take on. However as the only alternative was the busy Codicote road, we stuck to the plan -which thankfully did not involve Pinnacle Hill. By now the clouds were more abundant resulting in less warm weather and all of us grateful that we did not wear bib shorts and short sleeve jerseys! At Preston we took the short cut to Whitwell (ie not passing The Strathmore Arms) and took the direct route via Ballsclough Hill back to Wheathampstead.
Tired legs? Well, the elevation was 2,600 feet from St Albans, so I think perfectly excusable at our ages. Mileage was 42.
Philip
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