Saturday 10 November - bella mattina d'autunno

Recognising the risk of rain in the ride schedule gave us.... a beautiful autumn morning. Bright blue sky, not too cold and glowing leaves.  Six out today, the Alban Way was a golden tunnel for us to ride through, heading west.  From the end of the Alban Way we would up through the houses to Watling Street and on to the Watford Road.

We had sent a further faster pair on ahead, they put in an extra loop up to Potters Crouch, the other four just bimbled along Stanley Avenue.  The two groups arrived simultaneously at Valentina's cafe, next to the Chiswell Green Post Office.  A good selection of Italian treats and hot drinks in classic crockery kept our inner women going.

We rode back in one bunch, through Greenwood Park.  This section was gloriously colourful.

We came back in via Verulamium Park and the Alban Way, a very enjoyable 8.5 mile ride.