WCH Breeze to Miss. Darmon's Tearooms, Little Heath. A Challenging Route but at a Steady Pace Averaging: 8-10 mph

Hi Everyone,

This is one of my favourite routes to one of my favourite places to retreat to.

It's a 'Challenging', hilly route, over 32 miles, winding through quiet country lanes, with about 535 metres / 1750 feet of climbing in total.

However, I will be pacing the ride at a 'Steady' pace, averaging 8-10 mph, so more ladies can have a chance to take part. :)

There are also three points where you could comfortably drop out and either catch a train home, or ask someone who loves you to bits to meet you and drive you home at these points:

Dropout Option One:

First train back option at Hemel, after 10 miles, with two lovely cafés near by, if dropping out. Catch train back from Hemel to Watford Junction.

Dropout Option Two:

To Miss Darmon's, Little Heath, it's about 15 miles, with 300m / 1000ft climbing

You could have a friend meet you there for lunch, then lift you home...

Dropout Option Three

We will again pass Hemel Railway Station at 20 miles on the return journey to Watford. You could catch a train from Hemel back to Watford Junction, at this point.

Please bring:

- MONEY / DEBIT CARD for cafe and just in case you need to catch a train or taxi home; on any ride this is good practice

- Two spare inner tubes.
If you don't have any, you can buy them from Watford Cycle Hub before we ride. Changing an inner tube is always faster if a puncture occurs, than waiting for rubber glue to set.

- Appropriate clothing for the conditions on the day and perhaps a small rucksack so you can take layers off / put on layers as you need

- Helmets are compulsory. Watford Cycle Hub can loan you a helmet for free, if you do not own one; I will be wearing mine.

- Drinks / Cycle snacks

- Bike lock. Or you can leave your bike unlocked at the cafe, at your own discretion, or a few of us maybe able to use our cable locks to lock multiple bikes together to help those ladies who don't yet own bike locks...

A 'Challenging', hilly route, but at a 'Steady' pace, averaging 8-10 mph.

Mainly quiet, country lanes.