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

26 Aug 2012: Hatfield to Wareside

We had a great day out with a group of 15 riders, and we welcomed two first timers.  Two 'new' cafes were planned.  The morning stop at Roydon Marina was a success, but unfortunately the Carousel Cafe in the afternoon had closed very early.  Not that Rachel and Andrea minded too much - you should see what they cooked themselves for lunch...

Rye Road Lea Valley

Stort at Roydon Mill

Carol & Steve at Roydon Marina

Steve pumping up

Judy navigating Barwick Ford

Giles riding and Talia paddling

Rachel cooking lunch in Standon

Andrea & Rachel in Standon

Lane to Ardley

Carousel Cafe - closed

19 Aug 2012: St Albans to Quainton

We're having some great rides this year and this was to be one of the longest and maybe most challenging rides of our summer programme.  It was already warming up when we met at the start of our ride and forecast to be one of the hottest days of the year.  

Richard makes it up the hill in Berkhamsted

It's what trees are made for

Wendover Woods Cafe

Time to relax

Our numbers were down on our normal turnout (wimps?).  We muttered about not doing the full ride if conditions proved too difficult, but resolved to at least get to the coffee stop and then decide the next leg.  We headed off towards Hemel and, dodging round the centre of the town, picked the quiet lanes running along the valley towards Berkhamsted.

Here the stiff climb brought us through the lanes to Cholesbury and on from there to Wendover Woods and the very welcome morning stop.

The cafe was full of cyclists of all persuasions.  After a spot of refreshment, we decided we would do the full route - the stretch to lunch another 20 miles skirting to the east of Aylesbury.  We were just moving off when a sweaty and weary figure came into view; it was Adrian.  Having had mechanical problems on his way to the start he had struggled to catch us.  We hung on while he grabbed a cup of tea, then fixed a puncture, and we were off.  Down the steep descent to Aston Clinton, through Astrope (what an odd village name), Wingrave and Cubblington and then turning west to Whitchurch.  

Passing through Oving, we were on Pitchcott Hill with its superb views across the vale to the Chiltern escarpment beyond.  But ominous black thunderclouds were forming over the hills - would we be in for a soaking?  Soon we were arriving in Quainton, one of the most attractive of villages, and into the George & Dragon a highly recommended stop.  

Adrian not having a great day

Vintage bike of a different kind in Quainton

The thunderclouds seemed to be just missing us as we set off for the return leg.  Adrian said he knew the way through Waddesdon Park; we gave it a try but still finished up at the bottom of Waddesdon Hill having missed a right turn in the park.  But soon we were going down hill again through traffic free Eythrope Park, over the River Thame and then on for a long stretch heading due south.  We went through Halton and then, picking up the path beside the branch of the Grand Union Canal, arrived gasping for drink at the Zebra Cafe (Natural History Museum) in Tring.  Mercifully it was not full of screaming summer holiday kids.  From here we all felt that the quickest and flattest route was to be preferred, even if it wasn't too attractive to look at.  So straight down the valley through Berkhamsted and Hemel soon got us back to the start.  I certainly knew I had been for a cycle ride when I got into the soothing bath, but a great day out.

Richard 19/08/2012