Saturday 19 November 2022 - the season closer

Better weather than last time, bit grey and cold even so.
Four riders set off to go Further and Faster, checking the route map before they went.

They set off westward along the Alban Way, then headed up through St Julian's to Watford Road, and over to Ragged Hall Lane up to Potters Crouch.  Onward down Bedmond Lane and under the motorway where there was a huge flood across the road. 

At Bedmond we turned around to come back via Serge Hill, Blunts Lane and Chiswell Green Lane and along to the Lazy Llama in Greenwood Park for coffee.  Back to the Alban Way by NCN6. About 15 miles ridden.

"The hills were tough, but we managed them. It was nice to be out in the country." 

The three Fabulous riders set off east along the Alban Way, which was splendidly autumnal.  From Ellenbrook they came back via Wilkins Green.

A photo stop at Smallford on the return to Hillend Lane and through Highfield Park.  The intended coffee stop was Highfield Farm, and we celebrated the end of the rides for this year with mince pies.  Unfortunately, the coffee machine was out of order! Fortunately we had water bottles with us, so did not lack for drink.

After a chat with the chickens we returned to Morrisons via the Camp cycle route. About nine miles ridden.

Saturday 5 November - damp squibs and whizz-bangs

Forecast for light showers....hmmmm.... we gathered under Morrisons canopy having got proper wet on the way over.

The Further Faster quintet set off northwards and whizzed off in a northerly direction, through the lanes to Amwell and Wheathampstead. They had planned to go to Ayot St Lawrence, but cut the ride short at Gustard Wood and cycled straight to Wheathampstead for coffee.  Although there were a few hills, the group all managed to ride up them. We split in Sandridge, with some going back along Sandridgebury Lane, and others up Jersey Lane. We all got quite wet, but were pleased to be out on a ride.

The Five Miler trio have the confidence to ride less than five miles if so inclined, after a confabulation they elected to do a short and slow ride to St Albans Abbey.  

To make sure the Abbot had time to get the cakes ready, the trio paused to admire the view over the watercress beds, but decided that it would be too soggy to go for a walk around.  They then called in at the St Albans Cycle Hub for a chat with Mat and the team, who have been very busy refurbishing bikes for refugees in Hertfordshire and running lots of Bikeability courses for children.  Adult courses coming soon.

The Abbot had put out an excellent selection of cakes - gluten free Victoria sponge, vegan brownie and banana and walnut loaf seen here.  Having had a relaxing and nourishing chat, we split for home after an epic four mile ride.  The bell-ringers played a lovely tune as we were unlocking our bikes, sorry, it's a just a pic, no sound.