Club run reports - 17th March

Category 3 ride led by Graham Knight

Just two intrepid category three riders assembled on Sunday morning. Ian, with touching faith in the constancy of British weather, had decided that, since it wasn't raining when he left the house, it would remain dry throughout the day and had omitted to wear a waterproof. No doubt this faith was shaken by the increasing downpour that accompanied our departure from Ware but, coming as he does from north of PB, he was undaunted by trivial impediments like being cold and wet.

Our route out of Ware did something to warm us as we were straight into the climb up Walton Road, a prelude to a southerly route via Hertford Heath, Hoddesdon and Brookmans Park. Destination was a new one for us - West End Barns in Nomansland, just south of Wheathampstead. We arrived in reasonable order having braved some busy roads near Smallford and muddy ones thereafter. The food was good and reasonably priced though somewhat limited in choice.

The return took us on more muddy, flooded roads through Mackerye End then cleaner and faster ones through Kimpton, Knebworth and Tewin. The stretch along the B1000 into Hertford reminded us just how dreadful Hertfordshire road surfaces can be!

No rain and even some sunshine after lunch and we were back by 2 pm.

Category 6 ride led by Ian Bailey

Undeterred by persistent heavy drizzle, seven hardy Wheelers assembled opposite Ware Lido - start moved so that our quick getaway wouldn't embarrass those doing the Ware-Cambridge Sportive. We were joined for the first time since his injury in January by road captain Tony.  It was clear from early on that his intensive off-bike training was paying off as he started at a fierce pace.  The rest of us plodded behind, then caught up, then passed Tony, then waited for him to catch up.

Following a rain in the face headwind struggle across the Parsonage Lane plateau, we descended to Spellbrook and paused at the level crossing to discuss underwear. Tony then set off at a fierce pace.  The rest of us plodded behind, then caught up, then passed Tony, then waited for him to catch up.

The cafe stop was, as usual, excellent (I recommend the baked cheesecake).  Kevin had clearly worked up an appetite on the way out as beans flew everywhere when he laid into his feed. Fortunately, he had remembered to pack a tea towel (see photo), so we left the table in a decent state.

The world had changed as we left the cafe to blue sky and spring sunshine.  Tony set off at a fierce pace.  The rest of us plodded behind, then caught up, then passed Tony, then waited for him to catch up.