A last minute notification that staff shortages at Jane’s, East Rudham had enforced Saturday closure led to a switch of venue to the Lighthouse Inn, which is always a reliable alternative. With a very strong and gusty westerly blowing, as well as a threat of squally showers, only four Wheelers were out from Pretty Corner, collecting one more on the Burgh Road at Aylsham. From here it was a fast wind-assisted ride out to the east coast, by way of Burgh, Skeyton, Swanton Abbott, Sloley, Frankfort, Dilham, Honing, the mile-long avenue of cream daffodils and Witton Bridge to the pub. The group of five lost a member near Crostwight church, where Harvey, not wanting to stop today, headed back west into the persistent gusty wind.
After a comfortable break with the usual high quality food, the foursome followed the plotted return route as far as Bacton Woods, where Mark and Neil decided to continue west as far as Hanworth, thereby giving the latter a shorter route back home to Kerdiston, as the wind slowly eased, but the heavy showers intensified. Club runs into the north eastern segment of Norfolk have always been a bit awkward for Neil, but he is soon to move house to within eight miles of PC. Meanwhile Chris and Ian continued along the planned contorted route via Gimingham, Trimingham, Southrepps Hall, Northrepps Hall, Metton, Sustead and Aylmerton to Gresham church. So, a rather scrappy day, but at least a few people managed to fit in a hard-working ride on the last day of GMT.
Group: Chris; Harvey; Ian; Mark; Neil Mc.
Distances: 52 miles to 63 miles (Ian). Despite significantly higher levels of energy being expended on the return leg, it turned out to be 2.6 mph slower.
North Norfolk Wheelers 