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.
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!
It was my first venture into leading a cat 3 and I was feeling a bit nervous. The main advantage of leading is the chance to direct the pace, especially as I was still a bit under the weather from the previous day's race.
We started from Hertford and went out via Datchworth, Walkern, Gravely, Hitchin, Ickleford and then shot up the A600 to Henlow and Southill. Other cycle groups were at the cafe, but we had a table reserved and we soon made ourselves comfortable.
Lots of people must have been otherwise engaged on Bank Holiday duties (or they didn’t fancy the ride) as only 7 assembled for the run to Church Farm, Ardeley. Sunny, and warm enough for shorts, but still with a strong wind.
Nine riders left on a 60m ride to Blackmore via Epping, Passingford Bridge and Kelvedon Hatch. The sunny cool and not too windy conditions made for a good pace, and after tea and cakes we left to return by the Norton Heath, Fyfield and Sheering route. No punctures or mechanicals made a good days cycling.
