February's ride for food

[HaloJ]

Check this out for fun - it describes some of what you're up to this weekend!

Steve is being very caring. There is an odd one-way bit in Hertford though...I like ducking right to Much Haddam et al

Steve's original suggestion zigged and zagged through Little Birkhamstead taking in some extra climbing but I went for the more easily navigable option. I rather liked riding through Essendon when I did this ride last year but I'm inclined to agree that it's not such a good route when there's more than a couple of us. Even when I rode it I had a close call when "Dipshit" decided to overtake on the corner where the road turns East. "Dipshit" discovered an oncoming vehicle and decided to swing in towards me rather than hit it.

 

[Aperitif]

Steve's original suggestion zigged and zagged through Little Birkhamstead taking in some extra climbing but I went for the more easily navigable option. I rather liked riding through Essendon when I did this ride last year but I'm inclined to agree that it's not such a good route when there's more than a couple of us. Even when I rode it I had a close call when "Dipshit" decided to overtake on the corner where the road turns East. "Dipshit" discovered an oncoming vehicle and decided to swing in towards me rather than hit it.

You'll be OK - you're riding with Ian - he's cool. Any bother, and 'Roman' will be on speed-dial... (His return bit is a delight - especially 'Spurs' supporters's shop).

 

[HaloJ]

Only checked xc as I'm on my phone but reports look like misty fog all day. I'm hoping this is wrong but if it's correct may I ask who else would drop due to poor weather?

Keeping my fingers crossed.

Abs

 

[StuAff]

According to Metcheck, showers in the afternoon as well, but a bit of a tailwind No mention of fog either by them or the Beeb.

 

[HaloJ]

aye I'd agree with that must have been a processing error overnight. Chance of a dunking on the return leg. Misty morning as the dew point is forecast to be the same as the temperature. Looks like it'll lift into a murky day. Heh it's warm though.

 

[redjedi]

It's not looking as good as it was yesterday

I'll try and decide before I leave work so I know how long I can spend in the pub

 

[Tynan]

yes yes

the wheel is in for a rebuild, even the hard bitten mechanic raised is eyebrows and 'hoo hoo'ed at the size of the most recent ding and expressed suprise that the tyre had satayed on and I'd managed to ride on it

the weather's the weather init*


*this breezy attitude does not preclude me from moaning like a grumpy old git if i get wet tomorrow

 

[stevevw]

Us North Herts boys will meet you outside Shorter Rochford's bike shop 27 Barnet Road, Potters Bar, Herts EN6 2QX or if it is wet across the road in the Cafe Brunch. we will be there by 9am I would expect you will do the 17 miles to arrive between 9 and 9:15

 

[frank9755]

Updated outbound route : http://ridewithgps.com/routes/297404
It cuts across using backroads on the approach to Hertford after advice from Steve. Two people riding the B158 is fine but a group could be dangerous due to the width of the road, the blind corners and the speed cars go down the section between Essendon and Hertford.

Looks like a good route, Abs.

One small suggestion - would people like to take the scenic route through the city? I can guide for that bit if so. Can point out some of the sights, such as where I got doored by a white van!

 

[martint235]

A wuss I may be but I'm afraid I'm dropping out now rather than leave it to the last minute. Websites seem to be showing crosswinds and rain for the return.

I may be out for the Sunday ride though and hopefully it's be dry for Hilly 50 next week.

 

[stevevw]

And probably best that we do not ride against the traffic on the duel carriageway in Hertford.

Two options here either take the climb up Bullocks Lane and down the other side to the roundabout or we could dismount at the end of West Street and use the peds crossing to Castle Street.

 

[HaloJ]

See, those things are the reason I prefer bikeroutetoaster.....

EDIT : Route corrected. Frank, we'd all be more than happy for a scenic route to the pub.

Still on an aside, the ease of being able to edit a route on ridewithgps and it's speed advantage over bloaty mapmyride is rather handy. Maybe there's a programming project to get my teeth into. A google maps extension for route planning that does allow easy editing and can export to a myriad of devices. Now just need to find the time.

 

[stevevw]

The Herts boys are taking this route back

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/297818

Not a bad route for the london crew either with a good split point of Hertford for East and West folk.

 

[redjedi]

Decision time as I'm about to head to the pub.

So I'll stick to the 2 or 3 pints and I'll be at HPC for 7.30.

Hopefully the downpour that's forecast for tonight moves past quickly and doesn't linger for too long.

 

[HaloJ]

Good chance of seeing some Scottish weather. Light misty rain. XC is saying low cloud so it's a good chance of a wet start and finish. WU say 20% chance of precipitation. The afternoon should see a respite but only a small one. Westerly wind with us all the way. I'm going to use caution and pack my over trousers.