Ride Report by Ride Leader Ian A
The one where the shepherd lost not only his flock but also lost his way in the metaphorical field. And one rider continues to single-handedly boost the share price of Exxon-Mobil and Polymer Corporation. More anon…
7 Wheelers met at PC for what promised to be a ‘sunny but with a chilly wind’ ride to Hoveton Hall. The route took us through Gresham and Metton where we picked up Graham A and carried on to Aldborough, Suffield and skirted Felmingham to Swanton Abbot. At which point, Andrew’s rear Gatorskin punctured. Again. The decision was made for 5 to crack on while 2 stayed back to watch/help Andrew with a repair.
Shortly afterwards, when the spearhead group of 5 met the busy North Walsham Road, most wanted to head straight over it but the ride leader’s version of the route carried on down the main road. Alas, he had his old version of the route – AGAIN!! (As Mark ‘glass always half-full’ later pointed out ‘at least you maintained your 100% record’. Which is a fair comment.) The other 4 dutifully followed the ride leader but he soon realised his error and signalled to turn around and go the correct and quieter way. 2 of the 5 duly did, but when the ride leader stopped to make a U-turn, he was persuaded by the remaining 2 to take an ‘alternative’ route via the next left off the main road rather than turn round. So by this point the group of 8 was now split into 3… However, with the ride leader fretting for a few miles that all had gone to doo-doos, all was well shortly afterwards as the 3 groups arrived at the Garden Kitchen Cafe at Hoveton Hall Gardens within ten minutes of each other. Phew. And Malcolm joined us for lunch.
Despite having booked a table inside, we chose to sit outside in the sun and the food was good, if a little slow in coming. After lunch we waved Malcolm off and then John as they headed to their respective homes and the remaining 7 headed back through Coltishall, Badersfield, Skeyton, Tuttington, Ingworth and Calthorpe where Graham A turned for Cromer. Shortly afterwards, Duncan turned for Corpusty and the remaining 5 riders headed back towards PC through the familiar lanes via Matlaske and North Barningham. On reaching Mill Lane, the ride leader and Andrew turned left for High Kelling with the remaining riders turning right for PC and back to the Sheringham environs.
PS – a special mention for Malcolm as the first Wheeler spotted in shorts so far this year!
Group: Ian A (leading), Andrew B, Chris S, Duncan S, Graham A, Graham J, John S, Mark M. plus Malcolm S at lunch.
PC to PC was 49 miles.
Upcoming events-
Saturday 22nd club run – No.77, Coltishall
Wednesday 26th ride – Blickling Hall
Routes for club runs and rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
North Norfolk Wheelers 