1 July 2018: St Albans to Aldbury

Yet another scorching hot day forecast, and it was already hot at the start in St Albans where six of us headed off towards Amersham, our first stop.  Because Amersham is quite a way we took a straightforward route westwards via Nash Mills, up Rucklers Lane and on through Flaunden followed by the inevitable steep climb up to the main road (with cycle path) that leads to Amersham.  There are a number of cafes in the town and many of them seemed to have cyclists sitting outside, probably looking, as we were, for a little respite from cycling in the heat.  So we refreshed ourselves at “Masterchef”, our chosen cafe and debated where to go next.

Time for a snooze

The original plan had been to go to Lacey Green some way further west and involving quite a bit of climbing. However it was decided to abandon this and go somewhere which would be shorter and easier overall. In the event we headed north through Chesham, and then a long gentle climb to Wigginton (near Tring). It was on this stretch that Ronnie had to mend a puncture and, as he was very proficient doing this, a couple of us decided that we might as well take the opportunity to have a gentle snooze lying on the grass at the roadside. Then it was an easy downhill to Aldbury where there is an excellent pub; “The Valiant Trooper”.  Having lunch there in the garden underneath a tree was almost idyllic.


Then, as it was still extremely hot, we decided to take the easiest route back by taking the flat route down the valley through Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead to Nash Mills again. From there it is a relatively easy climb up to the main road leading back to St Albans. So we ended up having our afternoon tea stop back in St Albans at the Waterend Barn. Although in the circumstances we actually dispensed with tea and had large soft drinks instead.

peteR
01/07/2018

30 June 2018: Fun ride to Chipperfield

Today’s ride was a pleasant, hilly affair and the whole point of this particular ride is to get people used to long, gradually ascending climbs. We took an easy route out of St Albans via the park and then made our way over to Rucklers Lane via Bedmond. Just as we were beginning the climb up to Chipperfield one of our number spotted her husband cycling past us (he didn’t spot his spouse though). Rucklers was unusually busy and we had to pull over a couple of times. After the climb we were rewarded with tea and cakes at the garden centre.

When we emerged from the café we could feel the heat had risen quite a bit, so I decided to miss out on going into Chipperfield and opted for going back the way we came and go to King’s Langley via Barnes Lane. Once in Kings Langley we made quick work of the busy area and were soon huffing and puffing up the delights of Tom’s Lane.

It was a very hot but pleasant morning’s ride, looking forward to the next one ☺

Neil 30/06/2018

24 June 2018: Wheathampstead to Maulden

Our Sunday ride started in Wheathampstead from where we headed north into the Chiltern Hills. This meant a few climbs but also some downhill through a tranquil countryside along small roads.

The crops started to turn yellow, together with blue skies, green woods in the distance, and colourful meadows it felt like a good summer day (just shortly after the summer solstice). Once we reached the top of Hexton Hill we could enjoy how the hard worked for potential energy was transformed into forward speed down towards Stondon. There we had breakfast, after which Alistair and Phil went back home but therefore we were joined by Adrian and Jeff.

Ronnie, Jeff, Jackie, Steve & Adrian at Maulden

Going along the Scenic Route we went around Southill Park and climbed up Haynes Church End. From there it was another descent into Clophill, where we had lunch at "The Dog & Badger". Enjoying our drinks and food in the garden we were still able to count the vast amount of goals shot by the English team before the half time.

On our way home we enjoyed the empty roads while the game was continuing (although the short bit along the A6 was still busy with cars). Another big hill needed to be climbed when leaving Barton-le-Clay. After the Hill Jeff and Adrian went back, and Jackie, Steve, Richard, and Ronny descended the dry Mimram river valley to Whitwell, where we stopped for tea at Emily's Cafe, before attacking the final hills on the way home.

Ronnie 24/06/2018