06 Apr 2014: St Albans to Tring

Sunday morning dawned with a poor weather forecast and heavy rain at 8.30 on the way to the start. Nonetheless a total of eight brave souls had turned out at St. Albans and by the time we got under way it was dry (and it stayed that way for the rest of the day). 

First stop Ivinghoe, so we set off skirting round Hemel Hempstead then on to the steady climb through Nettleden and up to Ashridge and Ivinghoe Common. Then it’s a long swoop down to the village of Ivinghoe itself. Then locate the café, a new one for us called ‘Curiositea’, a community run facility in the old school house, and very nice it was too. 

Curiositea in Ivinghoe

On the road to Wing

Lunch was to be in Tring, which is very close to where we were.  So to keep everyone amused I led them on a large loop going north up to Wing via Mentmore and close to where the infamous ‘Great Train Robbery’ took place many years ago. From Wing we swung around going back south through Wingrave, Long Marston and into Tring for the Robin Hood pub. 

We're not lost, just checking the accuracy of the map.##

After a very reasonable and typical pub lunch it was away again heading for Bovingdon. The original plan had been to go to the Mediterranean Café near there for tea. But as the name suggests this is more suitable for a balmier climate than England in April and the last time we were there it had outdoors seating only.  So instead we went on to an old favourite the Tower Hill Garden Centre and a bit closer to home. 

After that it was taking a well-used route back to St Albans starting down Rucklers Lane.  By the time we got back the overall distance from the start was about 55 miles that we had accomplished in nice easy stages moving from hostelry to hostelry.

peteR 06/04/2014

30 Mar 2014: Hertford to Standon

This little jaunt started at Hertford and was attended by the dedicated and slightly mad few who loved getting up an hour earlier than usual.  We also welcomed new rider Kevin who was training for a Lands End to John O’Groats attempt.

Eight of us blasted off into the countryside and headed straight towards Sawbridgeworth through Stanstead Abbotts, Roydon and Harlow.  The weather was pleasant, nice and bright and not too hot.  Around the lanes one of our hardy crew fell victim to a puncture.  Not to fear, Steve was on hand with the wrong size inner tube, which really didn’t matter as it held up for the rest of the ride.  This minor delay meant we actually made tea stop on time rather than early.  This was the Mint Café in Sawbridgeworth, a pleasant café with a relaxed atmosphere.

Steve to the rescue

Chris & Kevin look on

We want our tea!##

Steve fixes another one

Lunch destination had been changed due to it being Mother’s Day, so after our refreshments we found our way over to Standon via Green Tye, Much Hadham and some nice country lanes.  Kevin was doing very well and having a great time, and then it was Tracey’s turn to discover that wobbly feeling from a puncture.  Fortunately this happened near the lunch stop (The Bell) in Standon.  Four of us had brought our own lunch so we made use of the village bench then it was to the pub for a drink and to fix that tyre.  Steve is really is good at this stuff and he explained all the ins and outs of puncture repair as Tracey nodded dutifully in rapt attention.  So the wheel was fixed, attached to the bike and we were on our way.

Next stop the golf club at Dane End and again a great set of lanes got us over to there.  By the time we made it the sun had decided enough was enough and went in.  After a brief stop for a cuppa and cake - ahhh Steve treated himself to a bit of homemade crumble, and very delicious it was too - we headed off home and all went our separate ways at Stoney Hills. 

It was a superb day out.

Neil 30/03/2014

23 Mar 2014: St Albans to Asheridge

There were only 3 of us today, myself, Bill and Peter. I guess the poor weather was keeping everyone at home. There was a cold NW wind and showers were threatening. 

Buncefield in 2005

We set off towards Redbourn and then turned up Punchbowl Lane then Hogg End Lane towards Hemel Hempstead.  The delightfully named Three Cherry Trees Lane was still closed, 9 years after the oil terminal blew up.  So skirting hastily around the Buncefield terminal we passed through Hemel Industrial Estate and on to Cupid Green Lane via Shenley Road and then Dodds Lane.

Dodds Lane is very open to the weather. By now the sun was out but the wind was keenly felt.  Following the Leighton Buzzard road we eventually turned left along Nettleden Road towards Berkhamsted. Ivy House Lane is nice little lane that took us down to Berkhamsted and a welcome break at the Crown pub.

We all had a good fry up for breakfast and then set off for Asheridge. After crossing over the A41 a small shower of Hail caught us but it did not last long. The weather was looking threatening so Bill suggested we take a more direct route to Asheridge. This proved right. We had a nice easy ride with the wind behind us all the way to the Blue Ball. 

After a leisurely lunch we headed back via Chesham and Flaunden.  The threatening clouds had dispersed and the sun was out. There were a few spits and spots of rain along Rucklers Lane and following Bunkers Lane back to St Albans via the A4147.

Mike 23/03/2014