A day of weather contrasts, leaving home in fog and wondering what the day would bring, the sun appeared past Reed and The Golden Fleece was was bathed in golden light. We gathered in the bar too a warm welcome from Jess and Peter and free coffee, what was not to like.
Jeremy was warmly welcomed, to tell us of his adventures in Antarctica, although he had travelled in style. Clearly modern Antarctic travellers are not hewn from the same cloth as those earlier adventurers, such as Scott or Shackelton. Should cruise ships be allowed in the pristine world of Antarctica, shouldn’t we be satisfied with armchair travel. Why risk an ecological disaster?
The sun was still shining as we departed, in two groups, for the ride, was all that warm weather gear needed, time would tell. Into Puckeridge and the first of the Road Closed Ahead signs, fortunately not on our track. Crossing the ever busier A120, we headed onto the quieter lanes, with only the usual gravel, water and mud to contend with. Making steady progress as the sunshine slowly dwindled and before long we were back in a damp gloom, winter gear was required. Our coffee stop was the Old Brewery Tearooms in Walkern, voted Hertfordshire’s best independent coffee shop. The warm welcome for coffee more that made up for the gloom outside.
The downside to the coffee stop is that there is not a lot of space inside, not usually a problem as we can use the marquee outside, but not on a cold winters day. So we had to spread ourselves around the vacant tables. not helped when another group of cyclists arrived, but the staff and customers are understanding on the needs of cold cyclists. When group 1 left not all were ready but our Leader decided the stragglers were capable and would catch-up, we did eventually!
An uneventful ride back, although again the dreaded Road Closed Ahead sign appeared, this time it was closed and only a diversion up a grass bank got us round the blocking vehicle, all in a good cause though, pot hole filling. Many more to go though, but I think slowly they are winning the battle.
However, group 2 had a less easy return with both Deborah and Roger puncturing, as a result Group 1 were well into their meal before the others returned.
Back to the pub and birthday boy Jeremy, of Antarctic fame, bought the beer. Thanks Jeremy.
The riders were, in no particular order: Maurice, Howard, Nigel, Paul, Ken, Andrew, Deborah, Jeremy, Alan, Roger, Charles, Rod.
The Windmill Cycle Club 