Saturday 25 May 2024 - Bank Holiday sunshine

The Alban Way is severely flooded at Smallford (again) after the very heavy rain on Wednesday.  One of our riders checked the depth on her way to the meeting point - knee deep.  Water was still running out of her shoes as we gathered.

There were no takers for the slower option today, but we still split into 2 groups anyway: with a leader to spare and a soft tyre, it meant the main group of six could set off and the trailing twosome could pop along to be looked after at Trek St Albans before following on.

Along the Alban Way and on the NCN6 route up to the Watford Road at Chiswell Green, up Ragged Hall Lane (not as flooded as expected, hardly flooded at all) to Potters Crouch, then southward.  There a huge articulated lorry squeezed past on the narrow lane down to Plaistows Airfield.  We took the gravelly Noke Lane very slowly, as there were numerous potholes.

The laggards came down Chiswell Green Lane from Potters Crouch, and tagged on the back of the main group on Tippendell Lane.  What fabulous route-matching and pace-judging! The funfair was gaudy in Greenwood Park, but we were not distracted, coffee was calling.  Very good fare at the Lazy Llama kiosk, and a table for 8 was free.

It had been a while since our last ride and everyone was on the mood to just relax and catch up.  Four of those present had been at the South Herts CTC AGM on Zoom on Monday evening, so we were feeling very clubby.

Our homebound route was through Greenwood Park, this section of NCN6 is delightful.  Lots of people enjoying sun and fun in the Community Garden.  Back to Morrisons via NCN6 and the Alban Way again.  Twelve mile loop.