Thursday 28 March 2018 - Further Faster and very wet

Three of us set out along the Alban Way planning to go to Stanborough Lakes. The light drizzle turned into torrential rain. We got as far as Wrestlers Bridge, and decided to cut our losses and head to Hatfield for a hot drink. Our gloves and socks could be wrung out, and we discovered that over trousers and waterproof jackets are not necessarily waterproof! We cycled back as fast as possible to try to get warm. Looking forward to some sunny days for further cycling.

Saturday 24 March 2018 - Further Faster Fabulous - Redbourn Hub via Hemel

At last some reasonable weather, and Teresa reports:

Six of us started the ride from Morrisons on a still, overcast day. We went along the Alban Way, up through the Cottonmill estate to Chiswell Green, along Ragged Hall Lane to The Holly Bush, then along  Appspond Lane to the Hemel Hempstead Road. There one of our number decided to go back home via a cycle shop as her mudguard was rubbing on the front wheel. The rest of us continued along this fast road to Westwick Row, past the industrial area around Hemel via Buncefield Lane. We joined the Nickey Line just before Redbourn Road, and went along to the Redbourn Hub for coffee and cake. 

We then went home via Redbournbury Mill, where I fell off on the gravel having not unclipped in time! The ford was not too deep, and the potholes and mud in the road were being cleared and repaired. 

We all managed Beesonend Lane, and started along the Harpenden Road cycle path. There one of our riders had a puncture, which we couldn’t repair, so I called my husband to come in the car to pick her up with her bike and take her home. An eventful ride of about 20 miles.

Saturday 10 March 2018 - International Women's Day season opener

Ten riders, including a new recruit, set off in rather inclement spring weather.  Along the Alban Way, plenty of families with youngsters in box-bikes or on their own two wheels.  Up through the houses on NCN6 to the Watford Road, and across to Ragged Hall Lane.  The ride split at this point, with Angela leading the gentler option back to the Alban Way.  Our new rider had a very heavy electric bike, which was not coping well with the hilly terrain.  Leader Angela peeled off with a flatter run along the Alban Way to the Galleria and back, giving the opportunity to practice operating the machine on an easier route
The Further Faster bunch carried on through flooded lanes via Potters Crouch to Beechtree Lane and the Gorhambury Estate.  Snowdrops, and impressive low-flying kite and atmospheric ruins enjoyed, then the downhill run to the Inn on the Park for refreshment.