Seven Wheelers set off from Pretty Corner to pick up one more around the nine mile mark at Ingworth. The bunch pushed into a fresh S.S.E. wind in mild showery conditions, by way of Banningham, Tuttington, Swanton Hill, Worstead, Honing, Brumstead Common, Ingham and Sea Palling to the Dunes Cafe, where Malcolm was waiting after his ride up from the Broads. The cafe was quieter than usual, which presumably had something to do with a poorish forecast for today succeeded by an excellent forecast for Sunday. During the refreshment break, Ian A took the opportunity to claim his prize as the winner of the recent ‘Spot the Bird’ competition.
To avoid the traffic snarling up behind us, the nine rider bunch split into three bits for the first couple of miles main road section to the turn off north west of Sea Palling. As a consequence of these splits, Malcolm and Neil S failed to see the leaders turn right at Calthorpe Fen, while the duo off the back were unable to whistle/shout them back. After waiting a few minutes for the anticipated return of Neil, Brian and Harvey had to chase him down in order to save him detouring via Acle en route to his Beeston Regis destination. Bidding farewell to the southbound Malcolm, the trio set out to rejoin the planned route at Ingham. It was all plain sailing on a helpful wind until Crostwight, where Neil’s rear mech, which had looked hazardously bent all day, sheared off at the hanger. So, it was split the chain, remove thirteen links**, detach the derailleur, tie the cable to the seat stays, rejoin the chain with a Quick Link, and thereby convert the bike to a 39-25 single gear machine. It was then a shorter route back, dropping off Brian at Alby Common, leaving Harvey to guide Neil to a point where he could shortcut home via Aylmerton and West Runton.
Meanwhile the main group continued on the planned route to Calthorpe Street, Lessingham, Crostwight, Ebridge Mill, White Horse Common, Swafield, Thorpe Market, Hanworth Common and Sustead church to Gresham church. Lone ranger Malcolm completed a circuit by way of Yarmouth, Hemsby, Waxham, Hickling, Potter Heigham, Acle and Halvergate church.
Group: Neil S; Neil Mc; Mark; Ian A; Harvey; Chris S; Brian; Andrew. + Malcolm at the cafe and a few miles of the return route.
Distances: 53 miles to 80 miles.
** PS – The Chain Length Calculator reckons 100 links for 39-25 on 410 mm chain stays.
North Norfolk Wheelers 