15 Sep 2012: Super Saturday Morning Ride

Meeting at Morrisons

At 10 am eight of us met at Morrison’s Fleetville, Graham, Carol, Helen, Jackie, Esther, Cath & Jill.

They were a happy and chatty group of riders ranging from all abilities.  Four of them had already met and were familiar with the CTC, as they had been out with Rona on her Five Miles to Fabulous rides.  Cath and Jill were new for everybody and were new to the idea of riding in a group.

We set off for Valley Road via Marshalswick, and from there we headed out to Childwickbury, down through the small but very lovely estate there and onto the Redbourn road which we pootled along until we found the entrance for Gorhambury park.  It was here that we lost two of our company as they didn’t see us turn in, but after a quick look around we found them and the party was re-united.

We proceeded into the park and as we passed the cows happily munching away in the fields, we were shouted at by an epileptic gentleman (or so he seemed).  I didn’t know that the park was closed for shooting every Saturday until January. So that put paid to the main part of my ride.

We made our way back to the entrance and headed down the Redbourn road to the roundabout then up the Hemel road to St Michaels Street, from there we popped into Inn on the Park for a cuppa.  Then we made our way back to the start via the park and The Alban Way.

Although a short ride, it was very enjoyable and everybody had a great time.  The next time I try this one will be after January as I think Gorhambury is a wonderful place to visit if you’re not being shot at.

Neil 15/09/2012

09 Sep 2012: Panshanger to Wimpole Hall

We were pleased to meet two new recruits at Panshanger Golf Club, Yen and Fran, who had previously been out on one of Neil’s Saturday rides.

We took a leisurely paced ride out through Welwyn Garden City and out onto quiet, Hertfordshire, shady country lanes to Wyevale Garden Centre in Hitchin.  After our hearty elevenses, Fran and Yen decided to head back to the start, as it was their first longer, yet enjoyable ride, with Peter.

Hill on the Baldock-Ashwell Road

355 Fighter Group memorial at Steeple Morden

 With a warm tail wind behind us, we picked up the pace into South Cambridgeshire. On such a bright sunny day we could see for miles across beautiful open landscape. Having made good time we entered Wimpole Hall Estate, some of us enjoyed a picnic in the grounds and others enjoyed another hearty meal in the café there.

Entrance to Wimpole Hall

Outside the cafe in Baldock

After lunch the tail wind was now a very warm head wind, which made for a challenging ride to Café Plus in Baldock, where I enjoyed a really delicious chocolate milkshake! It was just what I needed to give me the energy to do the last leg home.

Tracey 09/09/2012

02 Sep 2012: St Albans to Bryant's Bottom

Our ride today was out into the Chiltern Hills; a bit hillier than some but not so many miles.  Setting off from St Albans we headed for Hunton Bridge and then Sarratt.  Descending from Sarratt Church into the Chess valley I realised why we don't often use this road - the climb up the other side is really steep!  Soon we were coasting along the level the other side and arrived at the excellent Ozzy's Cafe.  It was suggested it was named for Ozzy Osbourne who lived round the corner and was a familiar sight.  But the cafe looked too clean, upstanding and decent for that.  (If you read this Ozzy, only joking!)  Some, tempted by the good value prices, put big breakfasts away, but we were soon on the road again. 

On quiet lanes, we passed through Chalfont St Giles and Coleshill and soon along Penn Bottom.  Then through Great Kingshill and down the steep lane to Bryant's Bottom.  A big group of red kites low in the fields was spotted, perhaps attracted by the distressed squeaking of the rear axle on Spencer’s bike?

In the pleasant pub, the big breakfast eaters were soon ordering up another big meal, but a modest sandwich was OK for me.  We continued up the valley to Great Hampden, Hampden Bottom, then the steep lane through Cockshoots Wood (2 arrows).  Then across the main road to yet another steep lane to The Lee.  Lots of signs round here protesting about the high speed rail line, due to pass through this unspoiled countryside.  Then through Lee Common, Ballinger Bottom and Little Pednor.  Through Chesham we took the valley road to Chenies. 

After tea at Chenies Church

In the church we were glad to meet up with Jon, who had been spending the morning leading a Sky Ride.  This is a delightful and historic spot and the refreshments are fine too.  Weariness was beginning to set in, so a fairly direct route back through Kings Langley seemed called for.  A hilly route, but a great day out.


Richard 2 Sept 2012