This was originally the 'plus one' ride, as we decided it would be nice to let our other halves see why we enjoy cycling. Several of them were keen to visit the Dutch Roundabout in Hemel Hempstead. As it turned out, only two significant others were free to come along, so it is the plus two ride, and this is why we made two circuits of the roundabout.
We met as usual in Fleetville, three fabulous women and two lovely men. Along the Alban Way, up to the Watford Road, where we admired the flat surface where the big mounded manhole used to be before turning off onto Ragged Hall Lane. More uphill, so we had a breather by scenic East Farm. The duck pond has dried up, although we could hear - but not see - ducks.
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We paused again at Potters Crouch to record potholes to report (done!) to Herts County Council for fixing.
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We tackled the A4147 as two 'blocks' riding in tight two-abreast formation. This makes it easier for drivers to overtake as we are shorter, they need no more width but less length to get by. This worked well, but we were still glad to get onto quiet Westwick Row. Here we paused for a chat with a horse rider.
It was the first time the men had seen the Quietway, and it is so nice to ride! Over the A414 using the signalled crossing, along past all the new industrial buildings and... there it was in all its glory, the Dutch roundabout. No pictures, just circuits. Then northwards on the northern section of the Quietway, and thereafter by lanes to Holtsmere End and down to Redbourn and into the Hub. Such a lovely cafe and cyclists' refuge.
We came back the more direct route, down the A5183 to Redbournbury, across the fords, admiring the bucolic scene of cattle grazing in the water meadow.
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We had ridden about 18 miles from Fleetville to the Ancient Briton.
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