A group of brave souls decided to go against the odds and joined the last of the social ride of the Autumn/Winter calendar. Despite the fact that at least five different weather forecast services (that was the number I’ve checked during the week anyway) warned of heavy rain and low temperatures we were blessed with dry roads and not a single drop of rain. The original plan was for a stop at the end of the ride but given the nearly perfect conditions one of our riders suggested to do a food stop at the famous sausage roll at Sandridgebury Farm. On the way there Roz had the very sensible idea of pushing it a bit and suggested an all out effort along Swanland Road to get the hart rate up and practice a bit of drafting.
The pace was nicely controlled by Chris Wilson at the front who led us through some pretty country lanes in Hatfield and on our way back to Potters Bar and home. We made it back into London before half noon and covered 82km, perfect timing to enjoy the rest of Sunday. Highlights of the ride were two mighty climbs, first at the switchbacks over High Barnet By-Pass and later at the harpings over North Orbital Road. All riders made it to the top of such monuments and were eager for more.
Watch this space for forthcoming rides led by your cycling coordinators. If you wish to share your rides and are happy to lead a group of us please get in touch we would love to hear from you.
Thanks to Olivier for his superb job as broom wagon/lanterne rouge.
Riders: Cat, Olivier, Roz, Chris, Ali, Lizzie, Charlotte, Ash, Gareth and Luis
Thanks to Luis for the report, and Luis and Olivier for providing photos! 
