With the weather forecast predicting rain for most of the day, the turnout of seven people for the long ride to Berkhamsted was pretty good. Leader John Owen was accompanied by Chris Kinsey, Bob Morgan, John MacMillan, Phil Hallewell, Alan Buchanan, and Lisa Elliman. The first part to Watford went well with the rain holding back as we went up plenty of hills and along a few unknown roads to reach the first stop at Cassiobury Park. The rain had just started to fall as we went into Cha Cafe and unfortunately it was still falling when we left and headed towards Berkhamsted (minus Alan who had told us he would only be there for the first stage). It took us 90 minutes to reach Berkhamsted and the rain was fairly strong all the way. A brief discussion at the canal path about mud and stones resulted in another hill as we went via Little Heath and came down into the historic Berkhamsted. We were joined once again in The Crown pub by local resident Mr Ken Organ and it was still raining when we left at 2:30pm (but at least the rain was lighter by now). We stopped at the Latimer crossing of the River Chess for a few minutes taking photographs and admiring the views, and then it was on to the hardest hill of a hilly ride as we went up Bell Lane and through Little Chalfont. Reaching the crossing of Burtons Lane and Roughwood Lane we said farewell to John M and Bob and the remaining four of us stopped soon afterwards for a 'tea' break at The Land of Liberty, Peace and Plenty in Heronsgate. After trying several different types of fine ales, we said goodbye to Phil as we headed off in different directions back towards Uxbridge to finish a very wet ride. John Owen