Autumn ride to Hatfield

In late October it was great to see so many people turn up for a St Albans start. A cold but bright day saw 11 riders assemble for the 9.30 start from the Waterend Barn JD Wetherspoon pub in the middle of the city. We headed north from the town and took a quiet route via Sandridge where Christine had problems with the rear derailleur on her MTB. After a bit of fettling, the issue was fixed and we continued through Nomansland and Wheathampstead before skirting Ayot St Lawrence and Codicote to arrive at Vanstones Garden centre for our coffee stop. The cafe was quite quick to serve us and we were on our way to the lunch stop by 11.30. A loop near Knebworth before heading south through Pottersheath and the private Danesbury roads took us into Welwyn village via the fortunately dry ford in Mill Lane. We climbed out of the village using the road through the new housing estate on the Fryth estate before going into Welwyn Garden City on the Ayot Greenway through Sherrardswood Park on a remarkably good surface after the recent rain. It was then a flat run on off-road cycle paths to the ever reliable Harpsfield Hall for our lunch stop. Well-fed and watered we went our separate ways , with several of us using the Alban Way to get back to our homes, cars or the railway station. A great day out for the time of year with plenty of sunshine and beautiful autumn foliage on show. Thanks to Kev for the imaginative route.