Six riders out from Pretty Corner picked up one more at the five mile marker, but one Wheeler was forced by the effects of an old back injury to turn for home from Cawston. Aided by a stiff north westerly, the group of six continued south via Swannington, the old Wensum bridge at Attlebridge, Marl Hill, the long descent to Ringland, the steep climb to Merryhill and onto Telegraph Hill, Weston Green, Lenwade and the steeply undulating lanes through Great Witchingham to a busy Reepham Station Cafe, where a fit-looking Geoff was waiting after following the traditional route from Sheringham. The bunch of seven Wheelers managed to commandeer two small tables in the side room for some good quality nourishment.
While Geoff headed directly back, the bunch set out initially southwards before turning north and north west by way of Whitwell Hall, Jordan Green, Themelthorpe and Foulsham. The more north easterly direction of travel from Skitfield Lane gave the bunch welcome relief from the nagging headwind en route to Thurning, where Neil Mc turned for his last few miles home while the remaining five looped round by Rookery Farm into Briston, where the leading trio didn’t like the look of Mack’s Loke after the recent rains, so continued north east on the more conventional ways to The Old White Horse, Hempstead, Baconsthorpe and West Beckham. Meanwhile Brian had stopped to chat to NNW timekeeper John C., after which the rearguard pair decided that it would be fruitless to pursue the vanguard, so stuck to the planned route along the Mack’s Loke shortcut, Roper’s Farm (inexplicably serious flooding), a fast mile on the B1354 and up Ramsgate Street to five lane ends, where Brian turned for Barningham Green, Erpingham and home.
On another cold day of mainly light showers, the only heavier spell of rain was over the couple of miles between Telegraph Hill and Weston Green.
Group: Neil Mc; Mark; Ian A; Harvey; Chris; Brian. + Neil S (Beeston Regis to Cawston and back) and Geoff (direct routes to and from the cafe).
Distances (main group): 60 miles to 68 miles (Brian).
North Norfolk Wheelers 