Confusingly, the meteorological start of autumn is always 1 September, but the Met Office goes by the astronomical start of autumn, which this year is 22 September and is the autumn equinox. Whatever, the season is changing, and some of us were not wearing shorts today.
There were eight of us out for a celebratory start to autumn with a ride to Ayletts, via a somewhat circuitous route. Along the Alban way to Hill End Lane, then through Highfield Park, where the football season has started. A loop down Nightingale Lane, along the A414 path and then up Highfield Lane, where we diverted to say hello to chickens at Highfield Farm.
We were a disappointment to the chickens as we did not offer them any corn from the vending machine, although we did buy some eggs.
Now we went almost directly to Ayletts, using the Heronsway bridleway to get to Napsbury Lane and then roll down into the celebration field. Drinks and cakes first at the Festival Tea Tent, then a stroll around the dahlias and the demonstration garden.
Back to Morrisons via Highfield Park and the Camp Cycle Route, nine miles covered.
