I was running late again today, so after finding out the planned route from Adrian, planned to join the ride on-route (failed).
On a mild morning we was expecting rather more than the five at the fountain this Tuesday morning… but at least we had a few more at lunch.
At the start it was me, Mia, Nigel, Stuart Collins and Paul Fletcher but Stuart opted to ride direct, so just the four set off toward Baldock.
It was a warm and wind-assisted ride out, and on reaching Buntingford Adrian planned to investigate the road through the new estate linking the old and new A10, to see if it was open… well, it was, sort of; There is still a barrier, but we were able to find a way through with little difficulty, which was handy as the turn for Throcking is almost opposite.
The wind was now against us, and would remain so for most of the return.
On arriving at Church Farm, we met Stuart and Jack, who had also ridden independently, and I joined the group shortly after not taking Adrian’s route from Sandon and going the long way round to Ardley via Chipping, Buntingford, Westmill and Nasty (now I understand why we didn’t meet on-route).
The cafe is still operating with a limited menu with only one staff member, but it was adequate and he was very efficient, so that worked out ok…
On returning to the bikes about an hour later, Paul found he had a rear wheel puncture, so there was a delayed start to the return.
After checking Paul was okay, I pressed on back to Hitchin. The remainder stayed together as far as Weston, where they split for our onward journeys.
A bit chilly on the way back with the head wind (and having stopped), but a good day out.
Note: Paul missing from Photo (repairing puncture)
Alan and Adrian