I haven’t done a great amount of gravel riding but when I do I always enjoy it. It’s another level being able to take your bike off road and see things you wouldn’t usually see, and when you do it with friends, it’s even better!
The meeting point was Church Farm Cafe (formerly Musette) just outside the beautiful village of Aldbury. A lovely cafe, perfect for cyclists and my first but not last visit. There were two routes available, a 38km and a 50km. I opted for the 38km as I didn’t want to be out all day. I met my friends Nunziella & Alessandro who I’d previously met on the Moloko London to Brighton ride.
Riding conditions were perfect, no wind and a chill in the air. It’s been pretty dry so there wasn’t a lot of mud either which was an added bonus. We set off on the adventure riding trails in the edge of forests before riding into the Ashridge Estate. The trees looked incredibly beautiful and there were so many leaves covering the floor. We came across runners, horses, dog walkers but all were polite and courteous. The riding was great, just my cup of tea. Then we get out to Ivinghoe Beacon and the view was breathtaking. We cycled along the tops and back up through Ashridge and then past the stunning Ashridge House.
It wouldn’t be an adventure without a mechanical (fortunately not me this time) so it was good to be riding with someone who knew what they were doing and had every conceivable piece of equipment! We finished the ride and then it was lunch back at Church Farm. I’m really looking forward to my next gravel adventure! Big thanks to Wild Cycles for organising such a great event.
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