Ten riders set off bang on 9.30 from Allenburys, bound for Thremhall Park, Takeley, right next to Stanstead Airport runway. You might detect a trend here as we were next to Luton Airport last week!
We took a similar route as the one to Hatfield Heath, before turning off on the long straight road for Takeley.
Seven gathered in sunshine at Hertford for a ride to the Chilterns. The initial chill was soon dispelled and gilets and arm-warmers were dispensed with along the way. The route was more-or-less straight out and back to Harlington, though with minor deviations to add variety. One such was an unintended stretch of the A6 as a result of mis-navigation by the leader. This might be presumed to be creeping senility - though the leader maintains, after consulting Street View, that the sign for Hexton had been removed.
Bolstered by a couple of Cat 3 regulars who didn’t fancy Barry’s 100 miler, eight set off from Hartham bound for Mill End Garden centre at Rushden. Not quite up to Mike Easts’ immaculate timekeeping, Captain Bob got his group to the venue two minutes early at 10.58.
After my recent crash & bash it has taken a bit of time to get back on the bike. However after a few days back I thought that I had enough in me to withstand a 203km ride and thus save my RRtY. Wanting to ride wind-assisted across the fens I left Hertford for St Neots & then onto Huntingdon before finally settling down to a 25mph crossing to Soham. From there it was down to Newmarket, Saffron Walden & home. With few hills there was little to pull my shoulder apart so whilst there was some minor discomfort it didn't feel too difficult. The main discomfort was my derriere as
Tonight's TT scheduled for the F20 (A10) has been cancelled due to heavy rain and spray on the road.
It has been rescheduled for Wednesday 16th August.
Five riders left Cole Green after the Old Skool TT, some having raced old heavy "built to last " monuments to steel and aluminium (but mostly steel!)
We rode out through Watton, Whempstead, Green End, Haultwick and Aspenden to Buntingford. Finding the cafe full, we rode on to Hare Street for a cake or two.
Return was direct via Puckeridge. Just as well as the rain escorted us over the final few miles!
Not sure of mileage as computers had not been invented in 1972!
From Hellen Holloway at Cammas Hall fruit farm (near Hatfield Broad Oak)
" Just a quick email for those of you who don’t already know that we have now put placed tables at the front of the barn next to the bike parking for the sole use of cyclists visiting us. You will need to order and collect your food and drink from the barn.
