Fourteen riders today made a chilly start from Hertford, going via Bramfield, Datchworth, Aston, and Walkern to receive a warm welcome at Mill End Plants, as always.
The weather improved for the return journey, with the sun showing its face and warming things up a bit.
Back to Walkern and then up to Benington and Whempstead, where three of the group took the road to Dane End and Ware. The remaining 11 headed for Watton at Stone and back to Datchworth for the final leg to Hertford.
It was stotting down at Allenbury’s before 9.30, and the forecast for later was poor. The ride leader was unimpressed and cancelled the ride, leaving a couple of keen aquaplaners to take their chances on some form of category 2/3 ride.
I turned up to lead on this glorious day; precipitation was 100% and I expected the full compliment of riders! I was going to phone the cafe, to advise them we were coming, but I held off. As I waited in anticipation, the realisation struck me that no one else was coming! Then thoughts of my lovely warm house came streaming into my head (like a warm sunny day) eating bacon sarnies and drinking cups of tea. But no, I decided to ride.
Five Wheelers proceeded on their merry way from Ware to overtake the category 6 group early on in Fanhams Hall Road, pleasantries of the day being exchanged. We continued via Barwick Ford, Standon, Mentley Lane, Gt Munden, Buntingford, Sandon and Roe Green to the excellent Mill End Nursery just as a large group from the Verulam Club were leaving full of cake; fortunately there was still plenty for us. Returned by way of Cromer Mill, Wood End, Haultwick, Standon Green End and Barwick Ford. 40 miles in pleasant weather.
