Working with Welwyn Hatfield Council to improve and promote cycling in the district
Events Planned for 2012
We are running a ride every month from February to November 2012. The rides generally use the off road cycle paths around our area so are suitable for children of all ages. One of our recent rides included three 6 year olds.
Please note that the start time and starting point vary depending on the ride, so do check the events calendar. Rides are free and open to all, but when you arrive you will have to sign in
If you'd like more information on any ride, do please email us. Details on the contacts page.
February 2012
Great Amwell Nature Reserve - Winter Wildfowl
DEPART MORRISONS CAR PARK 10:00 Sunday 5th FEBRUARY 2012
20 MILES THERE AND BACK
Update Saturday 4th Feb. Due to the weather forecast please make sure you check with the ride leader that it is going ahead.
Join us for a leisurely ride to watch wintering wildfowl on the lakes forming Amwell Nature Reserve near Ware.
The ride will be leaving from the entrance to Morrisons supermarket car park on Black Fan Road WGC, AL7 1RY at 10h00. If you expect to be late, but still wish to join the ride, please call the ride leader as soon as possible. If you come to the start by car, we do not suggest parking in Morrisons car park. It is supposed to be for shoppers and you risk getting clamped if you park there all day. There should be plenty of 'On Street' parking nearby.
The route mainly consists of off road paths forming National Cycle Network Route 61, which follows the old railway formation to Hertford and the Canal towpath through Ware to Amwell. A small section of the route through Hertford is on quiet streets. Total return distance is approximately 20 miles.
Amwell Nature Reserve is a flooded former gravel pit which supports internationally important numbers of wintering wildfowl (which is why we can't wait for a warm Summer day) and is said to be one of the best places to see elusive wintering Bitterns, along with many more common species. There is even a colony of Otters. Don't forget to bring your binoculars and a bird identification book, if you have one. We don't know anything about birds!
For more details about the reserve see Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust web site
Remember February is still Winter. You may be warm enough cycling but it could be very cold standing beside a large expanse of water. Bring a hot drink and some extra clothing to put on when you arrive.
There are no toilets, or refreshment facilities and very little shelter on site, but Van Hage's nursery with a warm cafe and toilets is only a short ride away. Depending on the wishes of the group, we will either go for lunch at Van Hage's, or stop at a pub on the return journey. Please bring sandwiches if you want to picnic by the lakes!
The ride back will start early enough to ensure we arrive back at Morrisons well before dark.
We will brave most weather, but if a severe weather warning has been given, it may be necessary to cancel this ride. Please check with the ride leader before you leave home.
RIDE LEADER - Roger Moulding 07507 335304.
October 2010
To Broadwater and Beyond!
A cycle ride to celebrate the opening of the Broadwater Road cycle path.
Saturday 16th October 2010
Find out more...
July 2010
Kaleidoscope Festival
Once again, we had our stand - handing out cycle route maps and other cycle information.
Saturday, 17 July 2010
Find out more...
June 2010
Tour de Havilland 2010
Sunday, 20 June 2010
Find out more...
Steaming Cyclist's Family Cycle Ride
Saturday, 5 June 2010
Find out more...
March 2010
"Science Week" Family Cycle Ride to Mill Green Museum (WGC)
The March family cycle ride was to Mill Green Museum (WGC)
to coincide with National Science and Engineering Week.
Sunday 21st March 2010
Find out more...
Welwyn Hatfield Cycling Forum organised two social events during 2009:
- Steaming Cyclists
(September 2009)
- Tour de Havilland Family Cycle Ride
(June - as part of Bike Week 2009)
... and took part in:
- Kaleidoscope Festival 2009
(July)
Steaming Cyclists
Sept 2009
On Sunday 13th September 2009 the WHCF departed from Wrestler's Bridge, Hatfield and
cycled along the Alban Way to Colney Heath to see the
North London Society of Model Engineers www.nlsme.co.uk where they and their families enjoyed rides on live miniature steam
trains.
Kaleidoscope Festival 2009
July 2009
After last year's success we again ran a stall and cycle parking at the Kaleidoscope Festival 2009.
We handed out over 200 copies of the local cycle route maps pack, so many that we ran out!
Tour de Havilland
June 2009
WHCF's first major event took place on 14th June 2009 as part of national Bike Week.
Aimed at families, groups had a map and quiz to do as they road
round a 3 mile course entirely on cycle paths within Hatfield Business Park.
40 people took part, with the youngest rider doing the 3 miles on her push
along bike.
Members of WHCF were on hand to help at major road crossings
and at the Howe Dell Community Centre which was the start and finish point.
All the children were given de Havilland Partnership gym bags with various
goodies including information from the police.
The photos show happy children and pleased parents, plus our guest of
honour, the Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield Borough, Councilor Kim Langley.
Our thanks go to all who took part, the Police for riding round and marking
bikes of those attending, the Mayor for attending, Lillian Goldberg
(Hertfordshire County Council) for advice from previous events and, in
particular, the de Havilland Partnership Coordinator Terri Floyd whose
support and help turned an idea in to a practical proposition.