Category 6 ride led by Mike East
There were various points to note during this routine ride from Hertford to Wandon End. First, a rare but welcome appearance from Will D, who significantly improved the northernness and, therefore, quality of the ride. Secondly, Bob pedalled a new Mercian steed, whose frame was hewn from props from the old Heanor pit, with components recovered from the winding gear. Finally, two of the fourteen did not bring their I-Spy books of the EasyJet fleet, eschewing the school boy thrills of Luton Airport in preference a quick return to pursue their own far less wholesome hobbies.
And so farewell to summertime from the cat 6 team. The living was easy, the fish did jump and the cotton was high. It was the usual seasonal result - Achievement 0, Fun 1. Alas, tempus fugit, and autumn awaits.
35 miles in fabulous cycling weather.
Category 3 ride led by Leigh Pegg
Ten of our bestest Herts Wheelers decided they would chance my first rider as leader. Having spent 2 weeks on all inclusive training camp (actually it was an eating/drinking & eating camp), I decided it would make sense to do a recon ride on Saturday. Glad I did, as I realised early on that the only way I would survive Sunday would be to not share the route and lead from the back (field marshall style).
The route took us out to out through Amwell to Much Hadham up to and across the A120 turning right just after the infamous 'lights that are always red'. Up and down some rather punchy climbs to Manuden against the tide of the sportive coming the other way (lesson no 1 for the new leader) through Rickling and onwards to Newport. Then naively and rather stupidly avoided the easier less hilly route into Debden, choosing to follow the phallic pot hole road work markings up to Debden Barns. Debden Barns had really different and varied menu.....from Tim's eggy crumpets, Leigh's two tonne quiche, Graham's scotch egg (with perfectly soft yoke) and an assortment of lumps of homemade cake. Oh and Barry's super sized pot of tea
The return leg saw us back start out into Newport up to Clavering, Hare Street then down to Puckeridge and back to Ware via Barwick Ford. The unprotected leader was dropped along the way back but did have Brew Master Barry for company along Hare Street. The peloton kindly waited to regroup at the Puckeridge turn.
I really enjoyed the chance to lead the ride (even if I was the slowest wheeler on the day). Great banter, great company, great food and great weather to boot ......I think (and hope) the guys will agree that's what club riding is all about!
