After some pre-ride discussions about the quantity of precipitation and the subsequent reassurances from the ride leader and chief meteorologist that very soon the clouds would give way to uninterrupted sunshine, four Wheelers met at PC in light rain, which then continued for the rest of the morning. In fact the sun remained elusive until somewhere around Southrepps on the return leg, but we did see the sun, so I will count that as a win.
As it was the shortest day of the year, our route was fairly direct, heading south east through Hunworth, Suffield, Felmingham to Swanton Abbott where we were pleased to be joined by John S, braving the weather to have lunch with us.
We continued through Worstead, then north via Honing, and Pollard Street looking forward to warmth and sustenance at our planned destination Watsons of Bacton, alas the Christmas holidays had come early and they were shut.
We quickly decided to go to Café Carmel (Brian P’s favourite café), it is very small and they were full, so we moved on again into driving rain to the Kingfisher café at Walcott, now closed for the season. With dissent in the ranks growing, we headed to the ever reliable Lighthouse Inn at Walcott, which was open, mutiny averted.
While everyone else ordered warming soup, the ride leader decided that the steak and ale pie was too good to miss and when it arrived it looked as if it was a portion for two. Every last morsel was delicious! We then decided that mince pies would round off the meal nicely, so we tested the kitchen by ordering them with a choice of cream, brandy butter, ice cream or custard. With one Wheeler choosing both brandy butter and ice cream (Chris). See Ian’s photo evidence in the Club Run Gallery: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/
As we reluctantly left, we were pleased to see that the rain had stopped and the wind was in our favour, though it remained cold. John S headed back south as we made our way to Bacton and picked up the original route home.
Around the back of the gas terminal to Paston and then through a very deserted Mundesley, onto Gimmingham, along the recently reopened Wellspring Road (closed for years due to Badgers- it’s true), Northrepps, Metton to the split at Gresham.
Did I mention the sun had come out.
PC to PC with our lunch detour was 47.6 miles at a 14.1mph average.
Riders – Andrew A, Chris S, Ian A (photography), John S and Mark M leading.
Upcoming Rides – Saturday 24th to Letheringsett
Wednesday 28th, the Rising Sun, Coltishall – I have checked it is open and serving food!
Routes for both rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
North Norfolk Wheelers 