Little Green Ride

Little Green Ride back for 2012

2012-01-11T19:23:00.000Z

The first LGR of 2012 takes place this Sunday 15th January. Look forward to seeing you all there!

No Little Green Ride in December 2011

2011-12-13T18:44:00.001Z

Unfortunately there will be NO Little Green Ride this Sunday, 18th December 2011

But don't worry - we will be back on January 15th 2012. Hope to see you all then.

In the meantime, seasons greetings!

Stephen

Little Green Ride this Sunday

2011-11-16T17:16:00.001Z

November 2011's LGR will take place on Sunday 20th November.

As usual we will be meeting at the ticket hall for Finsbury Park mainline station (on the corner of Seven Sisters Road and Stroud Green) at around 9.45am to catch the 10.11 train to Knebworth.

For those of you a little further south the train will leave Kings Cross at 10.06. If you are planning to join the train at Kings Cross do remember to buy a return ticket to Stevenage as will be coming back from there.

If you are driving out to meet the ride the train is due to arrive at Knebworth at 10.38am. Remember that we do not return from Knebworth so you may need to make your own way back at the end of the ride.

The Little Green Ride goes for a Chinese

2011-10-20T21:31:00.003+01:00

A typical Little Green Ride usually includes a pub lunch with traditional pub fayre - ploughmen's and roast dinners. Just occasionally, though, we try something different. In September we went to the farm for lunch and in October we decided to go for a Chinese. Our destination was the Lamb and Flag at Colliers End. We cycled there from Knebworth via Alston.

I think the food was liked by all. The pub is quite big and there were virtually no other customers so we were able to enjoy our drinks in the comfort of the lounge bar area before proceeding to the restaurant area to eat when the food was ready. The staff coped with us very well despite us not being unable to book beforehand.

After lunch we cycled via Watton at Stone to Welwyn North where we boarded the train home without having to carry our bikes up stairs. As we were early several people decided to cycle back to London. A great day out with some new faces as well as regulars and returnees. We cycled about 25 miles. Thanks to Sue, John Snuggs and Bill for back and mid-stopping.

John Silvertown

October Little Green Ride

2011-10-13T08:29:00.002+01:00

This month's LGR takes place on Sunday 16th October. As usual meet at the ticket hall for Finsbury Park mainline station at 9.45am to catch the 10.11 train to Knebworth. The same train leaves Kings Cross at 10.06.

When you buy your ticket make sure you get a return to Stevenage as we will be coming from there at the end of the day

The Little Green Ride down on the farm

2011-10-09T12:43:00.002+01:00

In September we went to the farm for lunch.

We started off with 13 riders...and ended with 13 riders! We went out east this time, with a spontaneous half time lunch at the farm cafe in Ardeley (http://www.churchfarmardeley.co.uk/) which had a variety of all-day breakfasts. I had a very interesting variety of cauliflower in a mornay - it looked almost too pretty to eat! The ride was just under 32 miles, and the route for this ride is here: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5109787.

Thank you to Neil for looking after the ride in September.

October's ride will be next Sunday (16th October) watch this space for more details

Little Green Ride September 2011

2011-09-16T09:53:00.002+01:00

The next Little Green Ride is this Sunday 18th September. Meet 0945 at Finsbury Park mainline station to catch the 1011 train to Knebworth. The same train leaves Kings Cross at 1006. Remember to buy returns to Stevenage as we will be coming back from there at the end of the day.

Little Green Ride August 2011

2011-08-15T20:14:00.002+01:00

Meet Finsbury Park mainline station on Sunday 21st August at 09.45 for this month's Little Green Ride. We will be catching the 10.11 train to Knebworth. For those catching the train from Kings Cross it leaves at 10.06.

Make sure that you buy return tickets to Stevenage as we will be returning from there at the end of the day.

Apps vs Maps

2011-07-25T09:17:00.004+01:00

We had a lucky Little Green Ride on Sunday 17th July, once we'd escaped the cycle path of Stevenage (no thanks to me, despite Simon's minute instructions, I got lost within 50 yards of the station, Mihal had to come to the rescue with the map application on his I-phone). We got to the Red Lion at Breachwood Green with a combination of Tom’s 20th century OS map and compass, and Mihal’s 21st century technology. I do recommend that pub, they’ve got a varied menu, pleasant staff, and bike racks. Despite threatening skies , the only rain we got was a well-timed shower while we were at lunch, and a brief downpour in the afternoon, which hardly dampened us as we sheltered under trees. The real monsoon didn’t hit til we got back to London, so some of the group went for coffee in the café opposite Finsbury Park station.

There were ten of us in total, and we only cycled 19 miles. We decided to miss out the tea stop to maximise our chances of getting back before the serious rain set in. We returned from Knebworth, partly to avoid navigating through Stevenage, and partly because Edward’s ticket was only valid from there, rather than Stevenage.

Sue Dorey

Little Green Ride June 2011

2011-06-13T13:10:00.003+01:00

The next Little Green Ride will take place on Sunday June 19th. The usual meeting place - Finsbury Park mainline station ticket hall at 10.45 for the 10.11 train to Knebworth. The same train leaves Kings Cross at 10.06.

IMPORTANT:
Remember to buy a return ticket to Stevenage

Little Green Ride Lost and Found

2011-05-21T22:13:00.004+01:00

There were eighteen of us at Knebworth station before we set off to Lilley for lunch. We said we would be at the Lilley Arms by twelve and, taking a relatively direct route up Lilley Bottom, we just about managed it. It was hard work with a head wind and a slight uphill all the way. We were rewarded with excellent fare and welcoming staff at one of the Little Green Ride's popular watering holes.

After lunch things went slightly wrong. The plan was to head down Lilley Bottom but turn off to go up to Kings Walden and Preston. Unfortunately some of us missed the turn and found ourselves heading all the way back down to Whitwell. A little bit of shepherding meant that some of us were reunited but a small group continued to Knebworth.

For the rest of the us the afternoon was an up and down affair. After the climb to Preston we descended to the tiny village of Charlton just outside Hitchin before taking the short sharp climb to St Ippolits. After that it was a quick run into Stevenage in time to catch the train home. And we were finally all reunited as the lost souls clambered aboard the same train at Knebworth.

This month we didn't fit in a teastop about which there was some mumbling. We will definitely make up for this in June. In the meantime, here is a picture of a slice of cake.

Little Green Ride - April 2011

2011-05-06T10:57:00.003+01:00

We were a group of about 22 and the sun was breaking through the morning haze. We headed south to Woolmer Green and then the picturesque Burnham Green and Tewin which I had never been through before. We stopped by a lake of bluebells (English apparently, not the Spanish imports) and the official photographer took the first shot. You'll have to imagine this wonderful site as the official photographer for the ride hasn't been in touch and no one knows who she was. Then across to Waterford, first puncture, then Dane End and lunch at the White Horse at High Cross. They told us that we'd have to wait a long time and for some it was but the food was good.

We left two hours later at about 3PM and took a relatively short route back to Stevenage via Benington and Aston. Due to a small map reading error, I managed to include some off road cycling as a special bonus at no extra charge. We passed through a farm and a woman started banging on the window; others reported she was tired and emotional and was in fact very happy for us to use the public bridleway through her farm.

As time was passing and people had to go to work next day, we stopped by Knebworth just in time to catch the hourly train to London. However 3 very keen cyclists didn't want the ride to end so we wandered back through Knebworth Park to Stevenage and got the 6.30PM back to London.

April Little Green Ride

2011-04-11T17:04:00.002+01:00

Sunday 17th April. Meet 9.45am Finsbury Park Mainline station ticket hall for the 10.11 train to Knebworth. All are welcome. You can also join the train at Kings Cross where it leaves at 10.06.

IMPORTANT: Make sue you buy a return ticket to Stevenage as we will be coming back from there

To the castle

2011-04-03T20:40:00.002+01:00

On the little green ride in March we stumbled upon a castle! Well, when I say, more an old house. And there isn't much left it (it fits into the corner of a farmyard).

Someries Castle is just outside Luton. In fact it is almost under the flight path of Luton Airport. The current building which is apparently one of the oldest brick buildings in the UK, was built in the fifteenth century and was a more a fortified manor house than a full blown castle. It was the home of Sir John Wenlock who fought on both sides in the War of the Roses, first for the Lancastrians, then for the Yorkists, before switching back again. He was killed at the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471 possibly as a traitor. He has been called the Prince of Traitors by one historian.

Lunch had been at the Bright Star in Peters Green. The managers were moving on (to run a coffee shop at London Bridge) so there wasn't much food left, although they very kindly went out to get extra bread so they could lay on sandwiches for us.

The castle was near to Peters Green so we took a detour to see that after lunch before meandering on to Whitwell and Emily's tea room for a tea stop. Because there was so many of us (nearly twenty) and because of the detour, the ride took a little longer than usual. We didn't make it back to Stevenage station until gone five. However, it was nice rehearsal for those longer, more leisurely rides with the longer days ahead of us.

Discovering new byways

2011-03-03T09:05:00.004Z

The great thing about the Little Green Ride is that although it covers the same countryside it always discovers new tracks and byways.

For February John had unveiled a shortcut that gets you out into the countryside without traversing half of Stevenage although it is only really passable in a dry spell. A lot of the dozen or so punters had no mudguards, and those who did had more clearance than me, so had no problems, but my wheels jammed with mud quite quickly. John helped me drag my bike across the field, and scraped the mud from under the mudguards with his screwdriver, then cleaned the soles of my shoes. You must amend the job description for LGR leaders to include this duty in future, I've already told Simon it's been added to his.

Lunch at Lilley worked out well, as always, then we set off for Hatfield. But after a few miles, there was a sudden explosion, and for a second I wondered if Al Qaeda were targetting the lanes of north Herts, until I realised that Ash's back tyre had suffered a catastrophic blowout. Inner tubes, tyre boots and mechanical assistance were offered, but it was clear that the tyre was not for resuscitation, so Ash set out to wheel his bike the four miles to Welwyn North, which was the nearest station.

There were quite a few new faces, including Trish, who was keen to repeat the experience, a 73 year old American who looked , and cycled, a lot younger, and various others. Nobody minded the muddy start, I think they enjoyed being away from the traffic.

Sue Dorey

Little Green Ride February

2011-02-14T12:22:00.001Z

The February Green Ride will be on Sunday 20th February.
Meet at 9.45 at the Ticket Hall, Finsbury Park mainline station to catch the 10.14 to Stevenage (engineering works means that there are no trains stopping at Knebworth in the morning)

Little Green Ride for January

2011-01-20T21:01:00.001Z

Little Green Ride for January

by Andrew Cornwell

It was a good start to the year for the ‘Little Green’ on Sunday with 13 riders turning out, ten at Finsbury Park and three having already joined the train at Kings Cross. Along with veterans such as Sue Dorey and John Ackers we welcomed several newcomers.

I had opted to head west of the A1(M) hoping that the slightly more open roads here would be in better condition than among the high-hedged lanes of east Hertfordshire.

So we were soon heading through Old Knebworth to Codicote, and onto one of the classic Little Green routes along Lilley Bottom. The first mild weekend for aeons had brought out many cyclists and we encountered two club runs, numerous solitary riders and even a bunch of about ten off-roaders gathered at a farm gate. Indeed two-wheeled traffic far outnumbered motors, and the only thing to spoil the bucolic scene was the roar of a couple of Easyjets in final approach to Luton airport.

At Lilley it was apparent that while the majority were keeping together well, we had the usual stragglers, and we split into two at this point – my partner Rachel shepherding the slower group through Hexton and Higham Gobion towards lunch.

Into a headwind, the main field splintered entirely as we approached Pirton, but all managed to find their way into The Fox for a selection of roasts, soup and sandwiches. It was a timely stop as the only real rain of the day passed briefly over while we were in the pub.

Post lunch we headed towards Hitchin, where the two slowest members chose to head for the station there. The remainder continued on a rather more coherent run-in to Stevenage on lanes via Gosmore and St Ippollitts. With good timing we picked up the slightly delayed 3.40pm train for town.

A good (if grey) day out for January with 48 km / 30 miles covered.

Little Green Ride January 2011

2011-01-13T09:31:00.002Z

The first Little Green Ride of 2011 will take place on Sunday January 16th.

As usual we will be meeting at Finsbury Park mainline station by the ticket hall at 9.45am to catch the 10.08 train to Knebworth. For those wishing to catch the train, it leaves at 10.03. Make sure you buy a return ticket to Stevenage as we will be coming back from there at the end of the day.

NO LITTLE GREEN RIDE IN DECEMBER

2010-12-12T18:47:00.002Z

The December Little Green Ride has been cancelled.

We will be back in on Janaury 16th 2011 - look forward to seeing you then.

I would also like to use this opportunity to thank all the people who have led the Little Green Ride throughout 2010. Without your enthusiasm it would not be possible to keep this wonderful institution on the road (literally).

Stephen

Little Green Ride - November 2010

2010-11-22T14:46:00.014Z

It couldn't be done, they said; Lilley Arms in one day. We'd need to book an overnight stop at the Travelodge outside Stevenage, they said. Go the most direct route, they said. And we almost did. We swept up from Knebworth to Kimpton and around the edge of Luton airport. There were no punctures, it was too cold to stop for long and we were ahead of schedule.

We picked up a recumbent cyclist along the route. I did warn him that we could be slow. He said he'd done his serious ride on the previous day.

By noon, we were within 4 miles of the Lilley Arms but they didn't want to see the nine of us before 1.15pm. So we took a diversion around the countryside just east of Luton. Well at least it was countryside marked on my old map. However since it had been published, the Elizabethans had erected a housing estate. Surprised we didn't run into Time Team.

After lunch we wandered south through Preston. Following a democratic vote, we ended up at Emily's tea room at Whitwell just after 4pm. Emily was running a restricted service now, they'd just washed out the coffee machine. So two of us left to go back to Knebworth left the runt of the group drinking tea and eating cake.

Anna B led the dissidents back to Stevenage station in the dark. See her comment.

More photos from this ride from Chas Wilshere

Little Green Ride November 2010

2010-11-20T12:12:00.002Z

The Little Green Ride in November 2010 will meet as usual from Finsbury Park mainline station at 9.45am to catch the 10.11 to Knebworth. Buy return tickets to Stevenage. If you plan to join the train at Kings Cross it leaves there at 10.06.

The Little Green Ride in October

2010-11-20T12:08:00.000Z

In contrast to the previous weekend’s balmy temperatures, it was on with the overshoes and long gloves for the first time since spring ahead of a chilly departure from Finsbury Park station. However the sun was already out, and the Little Green Riders were in for a delightful autumnal day in the Hertfordshire lanes under bright blues skies.

Nine of us set off from Knebworth, climbing first to Datchworth and then taking the valley road north from Watton to Walkern.

Now the Little Green attracts all kinds of riders and today was no exception. In amongst the Ridgebacks and Condors were two bikes laden with enough luggage for a week long tour, and soon the task of keeping the group together became interesting to say the least for the leader as the burdened backmarkers lost touch. We resolved to go our separate ways at Walkern, with the tourists not seen again by the rest of the bunch – although apparently they did manage to visit a church, a farm shop and a pub on their subsequent travels.

The remaining seven headed on via Ardeley and Wood End to the White Horse at High Cross on the ‘old A10′ where we enjoyed the usual warm welcome and hearty lunch portions outside in the sun.

On the return we kept astonishingly good discipline and a fairly high speed for this ride, largely forming a single bunch. Waiting briefly for stragglers by the duckpond at Chapmore End and outside the church at Bramfield offered a chance to enjoy the charming village scenery. After a speedy descent of Swengleys Lane we were back in Knebworth in time for the 15.43 train with 52 km on the clock.

Little Green Ride October 2010

2010-09-20T17:58:00.001+01:00

The October Little Green Ride will be on Sunday 17th October. As usual, meet at Finsbury Park mainline station ticket hall at 9.45am to catch the 10.11am train to Knebworth. It will be the usual mix of a gentle meander and a leisurely pub lunch (this time, tinged with autumn colours)

In search of lunch

2010-09-14T21:31:00.015+01:00

In search of lunch

There were over twenty riders on the Little Green Ride in September but with John middle-marking and Sue tending to the stragglers at the rear no-one got lost. (Although one person missed the train at Finsbury Park - it took her longer to get a coffee than she thought. Luckily she found everyone in time for lunch). The original plan (see the map) was to go to Benington but progress was slow so we re-routed to Haultwick, only to find famine conditions at the pub. So on to Westmill, where we found the Sword Inn plentifully supplied. (I don't think we've ever been there before, we normally only visit Westmill for tea). It's a big pub, and they didn't bat an eye when 20 of us turned up unannounced, good for them.

September Little Green Ride

2010-09-13T11:33:00.004+01:00

The September Little Green Ride will take place on 19th September. Meet at Finsbury Park mainline station ticket hall at 09.45 for the 10.11 train to Knebworth, arrive 10.38 (buy return to Stevenage). For those joining the train at Kings Cross, it leaves at 10.06

August 15th Little Green Ride

2010-07-27T12:28:00.002+01:00

The next Little Green Ride will take place on August 15th.
Meet 9.45am at the Finsbury Park mainline station ticket hall to catch the 10.14 train to Stevenage (or catch the train at Kings Cross at 10.09).

July 18th 2010 - different train time

2010-07-11T17:31:00.003+01:00

The Little Green Ride on Sunday July 18th will be catching a different train. There is engineering work on Sunday so we will catching the 10.14 train from Finsbury Park to Stevenage. If you catching the train from Kings Cross, then it is the 10.09 service.

June 2010 Little Green Ride

2010-05-30T18:24:00.003+01:00

The next Little Green Ride will be on Sunday June 20th.

Meet at Finsbury Park mainline station (on the corner of Seven Sisters Road and Stroud Green Road) at 9.45am. We will be catching the 10.11 train to Knebworth. Note that this train leaves Kings Cross at 10.06.

IMPORTANT: Remember to buy day returns to Stevenage. We will be getting off at Knebworth on the way out to be out in the countryside as soon as possible but will be returning from Stevenage where there will be more trains.

This month the ride is being led by Clive Attenborough.

Click here for more details about the Little Green Ride or explore this blog to learn about previous rides

Conspicuous consumption on the Little Green Ride

2010-05-30T18:16:00.003+01:00

A motley crew headed out through bluebell woods to the snug at the Lilley Arms for lunch on our May 2010 Little Green Ride. This included in training triathletes and the usual potterers! After lunch the ride headed for Whitwell and tea... and manure!

On an earlier occasion someone purchased a pair of bike wheels at the teastop at Whitwell (where there is a small second hand bike shop). This time one of the riders decided that the manure on sale was too much of a bargain to miss and bought two bags! There is a precedent to all this conspicuous consumption - on a much earlier ride a lamp standard was purchased and carried home!

Thanks to Jacques Olivier for leading and to Sue for shepherding.

The Little Green Ride in high summer

2010-05-03T16:32:00.010+01:00

A few pictures from last August's Little Green Ride to whet your appetite for another glorious summer of cycling (last year we found the one hot summer day!):

Brief instructions before starting from Knebworth station

The Little Green Ride massing at a country lane

Bicycles stacked at the lunchtime pubstop

The Little Green Ride is all about conversation

There are always willing hands to help fix punctures

Leaving the pub after lunch can be difficult - but it is made easier on a sunny day!

The Little Green Ride heads off down a country lane into the distance

(with thanks to Keith MacFarlane for taking the pictures)

May bike ride

2010-04-20T21:03:00.005+01:00

The next Little Green Ride will be on Sunday May 16th.

All the same details as usual.

Jacques-Olivier will be leading the ride this month

Meet 9.45am at Finsbury Park station for 10.11 train to Knebworth. It leaves Kings Cross at 10.06 for those who want to join it there - remember to buy a return ticket to Stevenage as we will be returning from there even though we get off at Knebworth on the outward journey.

February 2010 Little Green Ride

2010-02-04T20:37:00.002Z

The second Little Green Ride of 2010 will take place on February 21st. As usual we will be meeting inthe ticket hall at Finsbury Park mainline station from 9.45am to catch the 10.11 train out to Knebworth. For more details on the ride click here or e-mail or call Stephen (sltaylor001_at_yahoo.co.uk or 07977 235 735).

First ride for 2010

2010-01-21T18:08:00.000Z

Frustrated by the weather for weeks, this Sunday was the first opportunity for many to ride for some time and hence a large turnout for the January ‘Little Green’ was to be expected. Even so the group of 18 that assembled was probably a record for the month. Those Londoners who left the train at Knebworth were joined by several local riders and we climbed up Swengleys Lane under blue skies and helped by a useful tailwind. Large patches of snow were still lying in fields on the higher ground but thankfully even the smallest lanes were now free of ice.

Gentle pace is a polite description for some Little Green Rides and we meandered towards lunch at High Cross via the pretty villages of Bennington, Whempstead and Dane End. Even so an ‘autobus’ of stragglers formed, patiently shepharded by my co-leader and partner Rachel. The typically huge plates of food served up at the White Horse in High Cross (very cycle friendly as ever) may have been out of proportion to the 24 km covered by lunchtime.

As expected the roads were in dire condition after the winter weather, with fresh potholes and skip loads of loose stones featuring throughout. This brought the party to a halt soon after lunch as the third puncture of the day was dealt with. Still the duck pond at Chapmore End is probably one of the most scenic places in Hertfordshire to deal with a mechanical and the break was appreciated by the ride.

Then it was back to Knebworth via Waterford and Bramfield (with a brief stop at the latter to point out the 11th century church where Thomas a Beckett once served as priest). With the winter sun setting as we descended into Knebworth to complete a leisurely 43 km, the day felt like an excellent antidote to previous cancelled outings.

December Little Green Ride

2009-11-23T17:05:00.004Z

Our next Little Green Ride - and the final one for 2009 - will take place on Sunday 20th December [cancelled see below].

As usual meet at Finsbury Park mainline station at 9.45am to catch the 10.11 train to Knebworth.

We will be joining other riders from Central London CTC for a joint Christmas lunch at the Lilley Arms, Lilley. Hope to see plenty of you there.

Hi all

In view of the of the ongoing weather conditions, and with Sunday's forecast for the Hertford area still showing 'heavy snowfall' at 3am & sub-zero temperatures during the morning; I am taking the decision to cancel tomorrow's LGR, in timely fashion.

I would be grateful if those with access to the LGR blog, and possibly other websites to please flag up this decision. Thank you.

The next LGR - the first of the new decade - is scheduled to take place as usual on the third Sunday of the month: January 17th January 2010. Meet at 9:45 at Finsbury Park station forecourt, near the ticket booths.

Best wishes for happy & safe cycling over Christmas, and throughout the New Year.

Clive

November Little Green Ride

2009-10-18T22:10:00.000+01:00

The next Little Green Ride will be on Sunday 15th November 2009.

As usual, meet at 9.45 am at Finsbury Park mainline station for the 10:11 train to Knebworth. Make sure you buy day returns to Stevenage as we will be coming back from there at the end of the day. Buying Groupsave tickets reduce the cost.

We will cycle approximately 30 miles with a lunch break in a pub. At the end of the day we will return to Stevenage station and be back at Finsbury Park at around 5pm. Key thing to bear in mind - Buy day return to Stevenage but disembark at Knebworth.

Hedgerow harvest

2009-10-13T21:57:00.004+01:00

There were seven of us on the Little Green Ride in October taking a gentle meander to the Elephant and Castle close to Wheathampstead. Along the way we spent a good deal of time gathering sloeberries (left) from the hedgerows to make sloe gin.

My favourite recipe for sloe gin begins "drink half a bottle of gin." Now that is my kind of recipe!

Along the way we passed a ruined church in Ayot St Lawrence. It was partially demolished in 1775 apparently because it spoilt the view for the local landowner. The parishoners complained to the bishop and it has been left in a semi-ruinous state ever since.

Lunch was at the Elephant and Castle where we speculated on the origin of the name. The best suggestion was that it was a corruption of "Infanta de Castille", referring to a princess of Spain.

After lunch we took in a little more culture with a brief visit to all that remains of a cottage where John Bunyan was once thought to live.

August Little Green Ride

2009-08-05T22:33:00.002+01:00

The next Little Green Ride will be on Sunday 16th August.

Meet 9.45 am at Finsbury Park mainline station and buy day returns to Stevenage (buying Groupsaves or using Network cards will substantially reduce). Take the 10.11 train and get off at Knebworth. Your leader will meet you in the car park at the station.

We will cycle approximately 30 miles with a lunch break in a pub and, possibly, a teastop as well. At the end of the day we will return to Stevenage station and be back at Finsbury Park at around 5pm.

Key thing to bear in mind - Buy day return to Stevenage but disembark at Knebworth

Look forward to meeting you all

Stephen

07977 235 735

Chocs away!

2009-07-21T21:21:00.007+01:00

A small group ventured out this month. Lunch was at the White Horse in Kimpton, as recommended by a member of Central London CTC. He has led many rides around Hertfordshire and beyond and so knows most of the best cycle friendly pubs in the area.

After lunch we swung round to the old aerodrome at Panshanger.

It had been built as decoy during the second world war to the German bombers away from the real airfields, and sometimes it proved so successful the British pilots kept trying to land there as well! Nowadays it is a flying school and tea can be taken close up to the little single seater planes that graze there.

Sue and Simon

The Little Green Ride

2009-07-21T19:58:00.000+01:00

The Little Green Ride is something of an institution in North London. For many years a group of cyclists have met at Finsbury Park station on a Sunday morning to take a train out to the Hertfordshire countryside.

Once off the train, they meander through pleasant country lanes seeking out a pub for a long and leisurely lunch. When they are finally prised from the fireside, they wander back to the railway station at Stevenage (sometimes with a teastop interlude) to catch the train home.

The ride is usually around thirty miles, sometimes a bit less. There are some hills but we always wait at the top for everyone (it is a good excuse to look at the view). The only cost is a price of a train ticket and a pub lunch.

Nowadays the ride takes place on the third Sunday of every month.
The next rides will be on:
17th May 2009
21st June 2009
19th July 2009
16th August 2009

(above - reflections on a rainy Little Green Ride - July 2009)

For more information click here or contact Stephen Taylor (sltaylor001atyahoodotcodotuk - replace at with @ and dot with .)

Very hot June 21st Ride

2009-07-01T12:29:00.005+01:00

Brian (red shirt) greeted me at Finsbury Park station with "Are you leading...then we are going to get lost". Well, we started off well from Knebworth with 15 people most of whom had not been on the Little Green Ride before. As always, I was keen to get at least 30 miles in and as it was going to be a gorgeous day so I suggested going to Furneux Pelham. Brian thought we'd never make it before sunset but Richard, who volunteered to be backstop, was quietly confident. By LGR standards it is a fair old distance (17 miles?) but we got there at 12.45.

Then it all went wrong in the afternoon. Someone called me to say that she was on a motorway with 3 others and they were lost. I wasn't sure which motorway she meant but we tried to meet at the BP garage at the roundabout at the edge of Buntingford which we could both see. We could even see the poppy display under the Buntingford sign but we couldn't see each other. That's because all roads leading into Buntingford have BP garages, all have signs and all have poppy displays; they were at a different roundabout. Anyway, the group leading from the back of the ride was now drinking tea and eating cake at Westmill. The first shall be last and the last shall be first.

On the final leg, about 12 miles from Stevenage, we decided to break into two groups, fast and very fast. We looked at our maps. Then some sharp eyed person noticed that my recently purchased O.S. map, published in 1974, didn't actually show the Buntingford bypass on it. Oh well that solved the motorway mystery. But the village of Stevenage was clearly visible. The very fast group caught the 6pm train and the fast group got the 6.30 pm. The heat and sun made the ride harder than normal and we were exhausted but we were still smiling.

Riding through the May showers

2009-05-26T20:25:00.003+01:00

The Little Green Ride goes on, even through the rain (although usually in a much truncated version!).

It was pouring when we reached Knebworth for our May edition so we waited for about 45 mins until the rain had stopped. Eventually six of us ( Clive Dave, Dave, Denise, Tony and myself ) braved the weather and in the event didn't get wet!

We cycled to west to Lilley and returned to Welwyn Garden City for the train home. Just over 30 miles in all.

John Silvertown

Things to bear in mind:

2009-03-05T18:18:00.002Z

This page gives you more information about the Little Green Ride

Riding on the road:

The Little Green Ride takes place on public roads and you do need to obey the Highway Code at all times.

We ride as a group which is a great and sociable activity. However there are a few things you need to bear in mind to stay safe, especially:

Listen for any instructions from the leader about other traffic on the road.
Don't ride too close to the person in front of you.
If you need to stop let the people behind you know and make sure you stop safely and off the road.

For more on cycling in a group visit the CTC's website (will open as pdf).

Your bike:

Make sure your bike is roadworthy with pumped up tyres and working brakes. Check that all the nuts and bolts are tightened up. If you are not sure about how to maintain your bike the LCC has plenty of advice here

Clothing:

Dress for the conditions but be aware that they can change during the course of the day! Bring extra layers and wet weather gear if necessary. Remember that you will be exercising so will warm up quickly. As a general rule it is best to dress so that you are little cooler to start with. You may also want an extra layer to put on at the lunch break.

Food and drink:

We always stop for a pub lunch. However it is a good idea to bring some snacks with you to keep going before and after lunch. Bananas and cereal bars are easy to carry and eat. Also, do bring a drinking bottle of water with you.

Catching the train:

Usually we catch the train out to Knebworth and return up the line from Stevenage so we get day returns to Stevenage. Be aware that engineering work could change this. The ride leader will give you more information. We buy group saver tickets which offer substantial discounts on the regular price of tickets.

Last of the snow...

2009-02-15T17:22:00.000Z

In February the Little Green Ride ventured out again.

After the heavy snow earlier in the month, most of it had now gone. There was still quite a lot of snow in the fields, but the road surfaces were no longer icy.

There were 20 of us on the ride in total, but the attrition rate was unexpectedly high. Kieran, Will and Dave, from Edmonton cyclists, rode up from London to meet us at Knebworth, came with us as far as Whitwell (about 5 miles), then headed back! Was it something I said?

Another left after lunch to make his own way home (I think he lives locally). We dropped a few off at Knebworth, on our way back to Stevenage, and some stayed on the train to Kings Cross, so only about half a dozen actually alighted at Finsbury Park.

About 24 miles in all, at sedate pace, and a lovely relaxed lunch at the Red Lion in Breachwood Green (they're always good to us there, and didn't freak out when I told them that the 12 I'd originally booked for had turned into 20).

Sue

The Longest Lunch on the Shortest Day

2008-12-21T19:58:00.001Z

On December 21st 2008 the Little Green Ride joined other Central London CTC rides to converge on the Robin Hood pub in Rabley Heath, Hertfordshire.

The pub is only around the corner from Knebworth station so before lunch (to build up an apetite) we went for a gentle meander via Ayot St Lawrence (once the home of Bernard Shaw). We arrived at the pub at 12.15 and didn't leave until after 2pm. After lunch we took a shorter route back to Stevenage station.

It was a cold day so it was definitely a day for more time in the pub and less on the road!

Stephen