One Wheeler was sensibly taking it easy while awaiting the full results of recent medical tests. Two more had holiday weekend commitments. Seven assembled at Pretty Corner on a cold dry morning, but Neil Mc and Scott were out for the morning only, heading for home from the Corpusty area. It was a pleasant surprise to see Scott out again following a long absence from the bunch. For the remaining five, the route down to The King’s Cafe was largely wind-assisted, heading generally south westwards to the centre of Norfolk through Reepham, over Whitwell Common to Sparham, descending to cross the Wensum and on through Elsing, North Tuddenham, Mattishall, along Cutthroat Lane to Yaxham and the little lanes leading to the large village of Shipdham and the former King’s Head pub, known locally as The King Billy*. It was an inside table today, out of the chilly north easterly. On exiting the cafe, Brian became involved in bartering for a classic bike made in Dronfield, North Derbyshire.
The group then pushed the breeze back along the lanes by way of Daffy Green to the A47 underpass at Scarning to access the Podmore ford on the quiet back roads to Gressenhall, from where it was a fairly direct route up the Blackwater to Worthing watermill, Billingford, Foulsham, Guestwick, Craymere ford, Briston and the familiar direct route to Bodham Hill and Red Barn Lane. Having downloaded the day’s route file, Mark and Chris pushed on for home from the Gressenhall area, while the rump of three followed on, enjoying the welcome afternoon sunshine.
Group: Brian; Chris; Harvey; Mark; Neil S + Neil Mc and Scott out for the morning.
Distances: 67 miles to 78 miles (Brian, building up the miles following his recent intrusive medical treatment).
*Which, on 9th August 1900 ‘was found to be in a filthy state with two horses (sic) heads and other horse parts strewn about. Some pigs were feeding on the horse flesh. … He (Isaac Skipper) was ordered to abate the nuisance at once and pay the costs of 15s’.
North Norfolk Wheelers 