Short sharp chilterns
Posted on Monday 21 January 2008 by Charlie Keep
The weather on Sunday was a bit better than had been forecast earlier in the week, which was a relief as I didn’t much fancy a proper drenching. We had a decent turn out of 12 to start with only one early abandonment meaning that the attrition rate on the ride was a healthy 8.33%.
There are a couple of points at which the route got “a bit cyclo-cross” in the morning as we wended our way from Amersham up to Wendover before turning southwards to go past Chequers and towards Great Missenden. There were even a couple of impromptu water features to keep everyone on their toes, or more accurately gave everyone cold wet toes and prompted grumblings about whether the leader’s duties extend to cleaning the bikes afterwards. I actually left out one bit where I had walked through a farm track with my bike on one shoulder when I recced the ride as I sensed it might have led to something of a sense of humour failure.
Lunch was at the Rising Sun in Little Hampden Common, great food complete with blue bags for shoes and the tightly coiled spring of a landlord. The fruit crumble was a notable success.
After lunch we cruised back to Amersham for the first drop off point before continuing with around hlaf the group on to Northwood along the Chess valley and then up through Harefield.
Thanks to all for making it a very nice day out!