Decided to dust off the Heckler today and while away a few
hours exploring the byways and bridleways of north
Hertfordshire.. Chance also to check the Fifth Element after
its service and fettling by shockmeister Tim Flooks a couple
of weeks back
That nice time of year before the nettles have totally
encroached on the tracks but boy do they sting if one gets
you. Saw absolutely no-one else - must have all been inside
watching Schumacher driving round in his red three wheeler.
Most of the big puddles had gone, bar one that needed a
snorkel, and all that was left was Hertfordshire's boulder
strewn trails - well muddy trails churned up by horses and
then baked hard then.
Shot out of the bridleway onto the road climb up to
Barkway just in front of a roadie. I was surprised how
long he took to catch me up and pass me. "Hi, grand day" I
shouted. He turned round, looked me in the eye and hissed!
Takes all sorts
Cycling alongside a wood just south of Royston three large
deer leapt out of the trees not 20ft in front, leapt across
the track and shot of through the fields. By the time I'd
got the camera out all you could see was three small heads
bobbing above the crops in the distance. The last bit of the
fun downhill into Royston had sadly been sanitised over the
winter with all the rain channels, loose stuff and
occasional small steps swept under a new smooth hard mud
surface :-(
Passed two village cricket matches, three deer and loads of
baby bunnies scampering around. No horses, one hissing
roadie, no walkers or other cyclists on a warm sunny Sunday
afternoon.
Got back just in time to swap to the Brommie and shoot down
the village college to see the girls performance after an
afternoon in a jazz improvisation class. All rounded off
with a tub of Ben & Jerry's Cookie Dough.
Mmmmmm. Perfect day unless you were the roadie
Tony