Thursday 20th February
It was a ride of two halves today, a steady run out into the wind and a handy wind-assisted ride back! Six set out from the fountain initially, with myself Adrian, Andy E, John D, Kris, Geoff H (long time no see!) and Angie heading off into the drizzle, then picking up Andy S near Redcoats. We took the route through Shilley Green, Easthall and Rustling End, which was of course extremely mucky, and on approaching Rabley Heath the way was blocked by a substantial flood, which we were able to divert around via Sally Deard's Lane (more mud and muck!) The delay was only a few minutes, and on arrival at Spokes Mick and Pete were waiting, having ridden from Harpenden. We were the only customers, so most of us were served in quick time, but we were left wondering why the soup took so long! Perhaps they used a candle to heat it... but it wasn't too bad, and everyone was ready to depart at the same time. Andy S had already set off for Hitchin, and almost immediately sent us a pic on WhatsApp of a tree that had just come down, on the approach to Codicote! He assured us we could clamber over it, and so it proved, thankfully.
The remainder of the group (Angie making her way, as is her wont) set off for Whitwell, where first Andy E turned off toward Hitchin, and then Mick and Pete for Bendish, leaving four for the last leg. We had one further diversion, having to climb up to Offley and back down again to avoid some resurfacing works, though I'm not convinced it was entirely necessary! Adrian
