Among the organised trips for Field Day, a small group of Year 12 mountain bikers took to the trails around Habs, with Dr Chapman, Dr Hobbs and Mr Roncarati acting as guides. Despite the conditions, the students dived in, embracing the challenge.

Given the weather, the group took two shorter loops with a lunchtime stop at School. After the requisite bike checks, the morning circuit saw the cyclists travelling around Aldenham Country Park, out past Aldenham, across the Munden Estate and back through Radlett, visiting local landmarks along the way as well as the odd climb. Cranks kept turning hard and the rain abated through the morning, with Mr Roncarati using a break in the weather to give a bike skills masterclass to improve bike handling.

With the weather appearing to clear, all looked set for a decent afternoon ride up to Shenley and a promised café stop at the top of a challenging climb. Dr Hobbs led the way, but after the encouragingly dry start, the rain set in. However, the group remained buoyant (figuratively and literally) and kept going. The promised ice cream at the top of the hill was bypassed to make a prompt return to Habs, stopping only to fix a puncture and navigate up paths that were more like waterfalls. The team arrived back at Habs drenched but still smiling.

It is a credit to the group who remained positive throughout, keeping each going and making the most of the experience.

The School would like to thank Dr Chapman, Dr Hobbs and Mr Roncarati for their assistance, experience and local knowledge.