Saturday 14 July 2018 - Further Faster Alban Way Ayot Greenway Loop

After the success of our cool-in-the-hot weather #wfoc2018 5MTF ride, the Further Faster riders decided they needed a bit of a leg-stretcher.  Teresa organised a ride to take in both the Alban Way and the Ayot Greenway and their shady trees, and a short lakeside bimble for that cooling off-the-water breeze.  Goodness, what a lot of rhyme and aliteration.  Here we are at Stanborough:

Handside Lane is a lovely road, and we appreciated the kind drivers.  The old railway line through Sherrardspark Wood is a treat and wound us up to Ayot Green.  A quick whizz down the lane and onto the Ayot Greenway.  If it is a while since you have been along here, it is time for a revisit, it is lovely.  Bit dusty just now!
We piled our bikes up outside Charlie's in Wheathampstead, some of us preferred a cool indoor table and others enjoyed the alfresco sunshine.
A fairly straightforward run back, over to Sandridge by way of Beech Hyde Lane and Coleman Green Lane to Sandridge.  Riders began to peel off for home as we headed back to town via Jersey Lane.  The circuit is about nineteen miles.

Saturday 7 July 2018 - #WFOC2018 - a hot day to ride to Hatfield

Bunting up and riders  gathering.  Meeting point repositioned slightly to get us in the shade.    We had 14 riders today, our highest yet turnout.   Womens Festival of Cycling goody bags were well received.

Group photo: note to self - make a neater job of knotting the bunting in future! Thanks to Teresa for the super picture.

The route was repositioned  to keep us in the shade too - with the numbers and the heat, we opted for the Alban Way.  Rather than get completely tangled up in the Refugee Tales 2018 walk, we diverted at Smallford via Wilkins Green and Comet Way, then down Wellfield Road.  This brought us neatly to Hatfield Market, where we relaxed with takeaway coffee from Erol's and a chat in the shade of a tree, and for some, a bit of shopping at the market.  Not many stalls these days.

Alban Way all the way back, and we were delighted to find that Nast Hyde Halt had their bunting out.

Distance covered - 9 miles.

Womens Festival of Cycling

This is running for the whole of July, with rides and events up and down the country.  Find out more at https://www.cyclinguk.org/ride/womens-festival-cycling

Our ride is on Saturday 7 July, we meet at Morrisons on Hatfield Road - by the cycle stands natch.  Setting off at 0930 for a morning meander on quieter roads and traffic free trails. As some of the tracks are unsurfaced, skinny tyres are not suitable for this ride. You do not need a special bike to ride with us, but please make sure it is roadworthy - there are links on our web page to the M-Check, or pop in to any of our super local bike shops to ask about a check or a service.  The check is usually free, any repairs and servicing will be charged.
We will have a coffee stop, so bring some cash.