Planes, Trains and (not many) Automobiles

To make the most of the Autumn colours, this route will take you through the leafy Herts countryside.

This route is suitable for riders that want to stretch their endurance and hit the 30 mile mark without having to ride up many steep hills. You are likely to already be able to ride 12 miles without a break. The route is undulating in some places but not challenging and we are on quiet roads or cycle paths a lot of the time, although we are on some moderately busy roads in some places. We will go at the speed of the slowest rider - no-one gets left behind.

We start off at the Spires and then take quiet roads to Galley Lane, over the horse bridge and up the pretty country lanes to Crossoaks Farm. Here we will cross to Shenley Cafe in the Orchard and can have a hot drink in the outside courtyard maintaining social distancing and make use of the toilets.
From Shenley we have a steep descent to London Colney where we then can start making use of the off road cycle paths around Napsbury Park. It’s then on to Sopwell and the start of Alban Way near Verulamium Park, which used to be part of the St Albans to Hatfield Railway line. You will see a ghost station along the route which is beautifully maintained by volunteers.
Although full tarmacked, there may be areas that are wet and slippery with leaves so we recommend suitable robust tyres. Once we have cycled the 6 miles along the railway to Hatfield, we can stop at Simmons bakery for a well earned drink and brunch.
Here again we can sit outside under cover maintaining social distancing. We then start back along National Cycle Route 12 past the old site of the De Havilland Aircraft Company. There is a small exhibition to the history of De Havilland as we cross the curly wurly bridge on Travellers Lane. The route takes us back through Welham Green and Water End. There are chances of flooding here where it lives up to its name so there is an alternative route if that’s the case. We then head back to Ridge and make our way back over the horse bridge and back to the Spires.

Participants should bring with them a fully working bike (please check yours before arriving as we are unable to make repairs on the day). Road bikes with skinny tyres are not suitable. Helmets will be compulsory on this ride. Please bring cash/card for the cafe, water and snacks and check the weather forecast nearer to the time to decide what to wear.

Participants are also asked to bring with them a face mask (for the cafes) and also hand sanitiser for their personal use. We will ensure social distancing measures are in place throughout the ride.