Club run reports - 29th September

Category 3 ride led by Paul Henderson 

A warm gentle breeze, bright blue sky and brilliant sunshine was what the ride leader wanted on his first ever lead. What he got weather wise was not quite as bad as forecast, it was bad, which I hope was the reason why not many turned up as only 3 hardy riders set off at a brisk pace to Stanstead Abbotts, Hoddesdon and into Broxbourne Woods. A detour took us via Newgate Street to Northaw for a couple of steep climbs, through Brookmans Park, for house hunting, to South Mimms and the the final destination of Shenley and the Cafe in the Orchard.
Prompt service, good food, value for money prices. 3 cups of tea from 1 pot, I call that good!!!
Refreshed the return route included some steep climbs up West End Lane up into Essendon, Bucks Alley and into Brickendon. From there via Hertford Heath and back to Ware. Poor John H had 2 punctures, otherwise no problems.
A tad over 55 miles at 15.05 mph average and just shy of 3,000 feet of climbing. An enjoyable ride was the comment from all and we were all surprisingly dry on finishing. Hopefully my next attempt at leading will attract more interest!?

Category 6 ride led by Mike East

Where were they, the rest? Out buying medicines, tinned food, avocados, pineapples, truffles and croissants to stock up before 31st October? I am not bothering, but I eagerly await my delivery of chlorinated chicken on 1st November. Maybe the real deterrent was the forecast of iffy weather. As it turned out, the forecast rather than the weather was iffy, at least until a brief downpour in Wadesmill on the return journey.

Another three avoided the panic purchasing option, preferring a 34 mile jaunt to Mill End Plants. Out via Buntingford and Sandon, back through Ardeley and up Whitehill. Delicious home made food. All over by 1.15 and no incidents.

Category 7 MTB ride led by John Farnham

Despite being rained on at least half a dozen times the weather was not actually as grim as forecast for our annual ride from Welwyn Garden City to Hemel Hempstead. Four Wheelers turned up to navigate our semi off road route via the Ayot Greenway, assorted bits of bridleway and small lanes to the Imagine Cafe - a somewhat curious combination of cafe, car wash and Renault dealership. Return via the Nickey Way, more small lanes and bridleways and finally back along the Ayot Greenway to WGC. Lots of large puddles on route but nothing to warrant breaking out the flippers and snorkels. No punctures or tumbles and only one slight brake adjustment required. 35 miles.