Two slower and four faster riders all set off west along the Alban Way. The faster group was soon well ahead, and by the time the slower duo turned into Holyrood Crescent the quartet was a distant blur heading uphill.
The duo cycled under the M10 roundabout, along the A414 cycleway then a nifty nip through to the Mount avoided us having to toil uphill on Watling Street and launched us down through Park Street. We turned into Whippendell Lane, then got ourselves across the park and into Frogmore pits. This is a delightful ride, we took it nice and slow to enjoy nature and avoid being stung by nettles, the path is a bit narrow here and there.
Onward across the former quarrying site, under the M25 and past Moor Mill, we took to the riverside path and gently ambled along. Up Drop Lane, we were soon at the station, where we recognised the bikes parked on the platform cycle stands and thus we joined the faster foursome, who had reached Bricket Wood via Ragged Hall Lane, Potters Crouch and Noke Lane.
Look at that piping hot coffee and fresh-out-of-the-oven-scone! The old station building has been splendidly restored, you can read more about it on the Bricket Wood Station Heritage Trust website. The Tearoom has its own website.
The slow riders were so enthused by the railwayana that they opted for a train ride back to St Albans. The fast riders had not stopped to take photos on the outward journey, but having returned to St Albans via How Wood and Greenwood Park, they paused on the Alban Way at the bridge over the Ver to admire the fine view of the Abbey.
