15 Apr 2017: Hatfield to Hertford Fun Ride

We had a nice little turnout for our trip into Hertford. We welcomed back Sybil and said hello to new rider Jane and it was great to see Jon out after his op. Before we set off though, I was very impressed by the motorized bicycle that was chained up at the bike stands. It looked very much like an early Harley, but it was just an industrious human mind at work (see pic).

Motor Bike

The route was very straightforward. We took in Welwyn Garden City, Panshanger, Tewin and Bramfield on our way to Hertford. As we passed through the woods that lay between Tewin and Bramfield where we were treated to a lovely display of bluebells, which seemed to carpet the whole area.  This is an ancient wood and on inspection they turned out to be English bluebells.

The weather was extremely pleasant, and seemed to be the best of the weekend, as we made our happy way into Hertford and arrived at a packed Rose Café. This place never ceases to amaze me and is always busy, always quick and very polite. We had to take over the seats outside, but having said that it was great to sit in the sunshine and a little quieter than inside.

Bramfield

After our break we made our journey back to Hatfield via the Lower Essendon Road, where we said good-bye to Jon and Judy. We turned off to Hertingfordbury and up along the old A414, which goes through Birch Green, Stains Green and Letty Green.

We took in the last part of the Cole Green way, WGC and back into Hatfield. It was a really nice Saturday morning’s ride and I hope that everyone can join me for the next ride in a months’ time, where we will venture down the Alban Way and explore the Ayot Greenway.

Neil 15/04/2017

09 Apr 2017: Hertford to Aspenden

A beautiful day forecast and 6 of us at the start in Hertford. This included Enrico a new rider with us who had been with N. Herts CTC. First stop was Bishops Stortford so off we went via Ware and back lanes through Perry Green etc.

Herts Wheelers go by

At this point I went slightly wrong and we ended up approaching B.S. from the south rather than from the west. However this gave us the opportunity to cycle right through the southern outskirts of the town and up the pedestrianised main shopping street so it was actually quite interesting. Then from the old centre of town we turned into Bridge Street, where the cafe is situated. This is another cafe operated by east Europeans and we remarked how efficient and good value these cafes always seem to be.

Just as we were about to leave, Enrico found he had a puncture. And in another example of amazing efficiency he dealt with it very quickly. Then northwards out of B.S. past an enormous new housing estate being built on the outskirts which, from a plane roaring overhead, seemed to be directly under the flight path of nearby Stansted, a nice feature for the potential new homeowners. Then out into unspoiled countryside in glorious sunshine through Maggots End (interesting English place name) towards Buntingford. From there a short distance to Aspenden, a very pretty village, with a pretty pub – ‘The Fox’. Here at our lunch stop Adrian and Richard joined us. After a pleasant meal sitting outside we headed southwest towards Codicote the designated tea stop.

Cool saddle

However at Datchworth, following discussions, it was agreed we would split the party. Some would go on in the direction of Codicote but others would head towards Welwyn/Hatfield or the start at Hertford. This latter group ended up in ‘The Plume of Feathers’ pub as the only place open for tea. We were staggered to find the pub garden packed with tables and people still eating lunches etc. Then back to Hertford with a total mileage of about 50 all in the most glorious spring weather.
peteR

04 Apr 2017: St Albans to Upper Sundon

It was a bright and sunny Sunday morning, only marred by a chilly and strong northerly wind. Pity really as our route was due north. Our first destination was Leighton Buzzard Garden Centre - quite a long way out so a fairly direct route for a bit until we had put some distance in.

Bou's new bike

It wasn't long before the strong head wind was sapping some of our natural vigour, but new rider Bou was having no trouble on his sparkly new light-weight machine. We skirted Studham and then Dagnall and Eaton Bray, then through picturesque Eggington to arrive in the garden centre cafe. Here Bou wanted to go directly home, as he wasn't used to doing longer distances. We persuaded him this was a bad idea as he was bound to get lost and really the onward journey was a sort of short cut. But we did take a shorter route to lunch at Upper Sundon, so called because it’s at the top of a extremely long and steep hill.

Downhill from here

After lunch by the pond and a drink in the Red Lion, the planned homeward route lay along Lilly Bottom with a stop at the regularly used Emily's. But instead we decided to take the cycle path through the centre of Luton with a very pleasant tea at the excellent cafe in Wheathampstead. Thanks for your company Bou and hope to see you again soon.

Richard