Club Run Reports

Cat 5 - PW

Two of us this time, Valdis & myself.  We headed north via the old A10 to Puckeridge and thence onward via Furneux Pelham and Berden until Rickling where we turned South and gained the advantage of a following wind.  Down via Henham in time for the service there and then looped around Stansted Airport to the venue at Thremhall Park off the old A120.  There we became three as we were met by IanS who rode back with us.  A new cafe for us and a welcome change, especially as they refilled our tea\coffee cups for zilch.  

Cold and wind may have deterred a few but the rest enjoyed some excellent rides.

Plenty of riders out despite the dense fog.

Beautiful autumn weather for this week's rides!

Cat 5.  PW.

Cat X led by Barry Page

Barry led 6 off on the post hill climb ride. Brian H soon turned off for home and Peter W diverted to join John F at Hinxworth. Perhaps disoriented by only coming second in a Club event, Barry continued towards Whitwell on an unusual route which seemed destined to run to the east of Stevenage. A bit of quick thinking determined that the real destination had always been Ardeley. Thus Barry, Graham K, Paul Laws and Paul Milner enjoyed sunshine and cake at Church Farm before heading back to Ware via Great Munden and the old A10.

Cat X led by Barry Page

Having destroyed the opposition in the morning TT Barry led his defeated victims plus some non-combatants on a pleasant, sunlit ride to Buntingford via Dane End. After tea and cake the group crossed the Buntingford-Hare Street col and returned via the B1368.

Cat 6 run led by Bob B
Eleven assorted Wheelers left Allenburys headed for The March Hare at Hare Street.
Confused by the varying weather predictions, riders’ garb ranged from summer to
winter! As it turned out, there was not so much as a drop of rain.
Out via Much Hadham, Little Hadham, Albury, Furneux Pelham, Little Hormead and Great
Hormead the group arrived without mishap and at the pre-booked time at the ill named
March Hare. It used to be called the Tortoise and we stopped going there some years

Cat 6 run led by Mike E

Cat 6 run led by Danny H
14 wheelers plus 1 made the grand depart from Allenburys heading to Stapleford
abbotts airfield and luckily 15 arrived there. The great weather and smooth road
surfaces made for a fast pace today,  which was just as well because I managed
somehow to fit in an extra 6 miles to the advertised length and once again lose some
of the group. I don't know what it is about the junction onto the Epping new road at
Thornwood common but for some reason whenever I lead a ride through there it behaves

Cat 6 run led by Mike E
After a lull in participation during the holiday season, fifteen vibrant riders sought autumnal bike heaven on the ride to the outskirts of Luton. (How often do you find Luton and heaven in the same sentence?). No navigational issues arose this week on a route via Whitwell. The golf centre was welcoming.  The return journey took in Kimpton and Codicote. No issues to report over 36 miles

Cat 2 unled by Brian

Brian waited a bit but then realised most people would be off on the Cat 3 then decided to head off as no one turned out. With the approaching rain clouds I decided to do the Wednesday route, which was fast up to Patmore Heath, but as I turned into the Causeway the lovely wind hit me and I chugged back to Ware for a Coffee then home.

Cat 4 led by Barry

Cat 3 run led by Nathan B
12 riders and myself set off from Ware for a loop ride taking in stunning countryside and plenty of hills.  We were accompanied by a nice South West wind in places which was fully appreciated by all.  I also think they approved my hills selection as there were plenty of comments whilst approaching and riding them.  We topped the ride off with a cafe stop at Vanstones just outside Codicote to keep our energy levels up.  Overall a good ride with plenty of banter & laughter and no mechanical breakdowns or punctures. Hoorah!

Saturday Ride led by Graham K

Three met at Allenburys for the early start; Graham K, Kevin P and Peter H. We made our way to Hadham then north to Chishill via the Langleys. Return was down to Barley then down the B1368. Kevin tweaked a muscle just before Barkway which meant a slight reduction in pace - welcome in the case of the leader!

Saturday Ride
Three riders, Nathan Brede, David Scales and Gareth Wignall, arrived at Race HQ for the 3 ^rd Saturday Lanes Loop. Riding out to Hunsdon, a quick pop along the A414, on to High Wych, only stopping for 2 sets of traffic lights and a level crossing. Heading through to Furneux Pelham and Hare Street before making a hard push back to Thundridge into the headwind. 42 miles Av. 18 mph
Cat 6 run led by Danny H
Twelve takers for today's cat 6 ride to 'Coffee corner' cafe in Bishops Stortford.

Cat 6 run led by Danny H
On a lovely Sunday morning, eleven wheelers gathered at race HQ for the jaunt out
through the Essex badlands to Stapleford Abbotts. I don't know if it was the fear of
stopping in bandit country but our pace today was well up to the top of the usual
cat 6 ride. One mechanical happened on outward route and being the Essex boy it was
left to me to stand guard,.......... i mean help with the puncture. After twice
removing the valve from the tube while taking the pump off and then breaking the

Club run led by Mike E
Since last week's one off and valedictory report, I have received significant correspondence, namely a single letter from a Mrs Trellis of North Wales. I think her missive alone justifies a second report. She writes:

Off Road run led by John F
Our occasional foray along the Flitch Way drew a larger than normal off road group
of 8 Wheelers and 1 guest. Some on road miles to get us out of Sawbridgeworth
through Little Hallingbury and Hatfield Forest to join the Flitch Way at Takeley.
Passing by Little Canfield we soon arrived at Dunmow where some busy urban roads
unfortunately have to be negotiated to get us back on route east of the town.
Thereafter a better maintained section of the route gives us a good run into Rayne,

Club run led by Mike E
It's back! Like a cork bobbing in the ocean of Sunday ride reports, the midweek ride review has re-emerged. Post Brexit, it has renewed vigour, self confidence and a swagger all of its own. It flies in the face of  bureaucracy and limited vision. It's your super soaraway Wednesday ride report for 20th July!

Five riders floated via Stanstead Abbotts to Allens Green, did a loop, but found the return journey a bit of a schlepp into a stiffening breeze. 25 miles at 15 mph.

Cat 6 run led by Mike E
A great Sunday of televised sport meant the usual category 6 live feed could not happen. No highlights either. So you will have to make do with this verbal baloney. Ten left Hertford, all arriving at Church Farm, Ardeley, without incident. The return started with eight, then reduced to seven, all by choice. In truth it would never have made gripping sport, but the badinage was up to scratch. 31 miles.
Cat 3 run led by Darren W
An early start from Hertford attracted a trusting trio who were not only