As the first local ride of Bike Week we thought we might be mobbed. But it turned out to be a select duo who hit the roads and tracks (there was another slightly longer CTC ride starting at 10am).
The sky was grey, so we felt going to Notcutts for coffee was likely to end in a drenching (see reports passim). Instead, we only went so far along the Alban Way, then through the Oaklands College grounds and across Sandpit Lane. Up to Nashes Farm, enjoying the views. Down to Osprey, where we browsed the eclectic merchandise before a relaxing cuppa in the Saddlery Cafe.
We liked the sentiment on the mug, very appropriate and topical. Refreshed, we headed over Woodcock Hill to Sandridge and back home via Jersey Lane. For those of you who have not been along Jersey Lane recently, we can advise that part of the surface has been renewed with bitumenised gravel, so our fears of a squishy muddy surface after all the rain were not realised. We made a slight diversion to admire the pond.
