Another day, another visit - to Redbourn

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Fat Man at the Back
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28 May 2014 11:20 #1 by Fat Man at the Back

Another day, another visit - to Redbourn was created by Fat Man at the Back

Monday dawned, wet and grey. However the wind was quieter than on the Sunday club ride and the temp. was OK

Four hardy (foolish to some) souls set off for cake at The Hub in Redbourn. It didn't take too long for the first (and thankfully only) puncture of the day in Old Warden. Through Ireland and Campton we got a glimpse in the distance of our first climb of the day to get over the Chilterns.

Speed was not the aim of the day (consuming cake was!), so a steady pace was maintained even if the rain changed from drizzle to rain and back to drizzle again.

Up to Gravenhurst and Kings Walden, around the back of Luton airport the route on quiet country roads was great fun. Even the Hexton Road Hill climb which just kept on going skyward for ever was enjoyed by the posse once we reached the summit. Who said there were no longish climbs in the area?

Undulating roads all the way to Harpenden kept the legs warm and heart working at a fair pace. The last 2 miles of the route then followed a cycle way (The Nickey Lane) which would have been fine in dry weather, but with the monsoon conditions encountered it was time to get dirty down the country lane. Arriving at The Hub, apart from the great smell of coffee and hime made cakes, the site of an outside tap, brush and watering can were very welcome so we could take about 1 kg of mud off the bikes and get the brakes working again. (Other options exist for the last 2 miles on normal roads to Redbourn from Harpenden)

Soup, toasted sandwiches, cake, coffee and more coffee were consumed with great gusto. And the price was OK too! And all this in a cafe crammed full of books, memorabilia and bikes. What more could you want on a wet Bank Holiday Monday?

But only half way there on our 100 mile day out. And it was not to long till we were again climbing. Through Knebworth, old and new, onto Walkern via Ford Lane which through in an interesting (even though short) 14% climb. What a kick!

Baldock soon came into view from the top of the ridge at Weston were a wrong turn delivered us at the foot of the ridge about a mile further out of town than planned. No drama. Bygrave and the road to Ashwell brought us our last meaningful climb of the day and the smell of victory was beginning to get stronger by the mile. Wrestlingworth and Gamlingay soon turned into the club TT course and the final sprint home. Not a chance. By now the posse was grinding out the miles, tiredness had well and truly set in (except Neil who just stronger and stronger as the day went on!)

And there we have it, a great, challenging day out with fantastic cycle buddies from the club.

So what did we learn?
1.) Its good to get out on the bike even in the rain - with cycle buddies it so much easier
2.) The Hub Cafe (Redbourn) serves amazing coffee and cake. Thanks Simon and team there. Go when you can
3.) When a cycle buddy said the route includes a challenge, check. Do they mean one hill or quite a lot of hills
4.) When doing a 100 mile bike ride with a lunch stop, ensure you have planned for a full day of fun;
104.9mi Distance; 7:10:03 Moving Time; 3,748ft climbing

and most of all, do it with St Neots CC members its more fun and it's heaven when you've done it. Speaking of which...........

A devout cyclist dies and goes to heaven. Saint Peter meets him at the gate. First thing the cyclist askes is if there are bicycles in heaven.

"Sure," says St. Peter, "let me show you," and he leads the guy into the finest Velodrome you can imagine.

"This is great," the cyclist says.

"It certainly is," says St. Peter. "You will have a custom bike and the best cycling clothes you've ever seen, and your personal masseuse will always available."

As they speak a blur streaks by them on the boards riding a gold plated Cinelli.

"Wow!" the cyclist exclaims. "That guy was so fast that can only be Chris Frome!"

"No," says St. Peter, "that was God on the bike, he only thinks he's Chris"