For a few years now, the circulation of downloadable route files has enabled the club run bunch to split naturally on the road into a keen vanguard group and a more senior steady riding rearguard. With two of the regulars currently undergoing courses of medical treatment, the need for sensibly regulated effort from the poursuivants has become more critical. So, the carefully considered plan today was for six steady, but sustained, riders to join the plotted route at the 4.6 miles mark, allow the anticipated five hard riders to sweep them up, then follow the route for some time before splitting, in order to head for two separate destinations for the refuelling break.
Problem: only three of the hard riders turned out today and one of them (Ian) was going only as far as Reepham before turning for his home base in High Kelling. Consequence: only Mark and Chris completed the scheduled club run, riding by way of Corpusty, Reepham, Whitwell, Lyng, Cadder’s Hill, East Tuddenham, Welborne, Barnham Broom and the stiff climb up to Colton church to a quiet Goat Shed Cafe to the south of Honingham, where they enjoyed substantial refreshments, while watching the new season’s kids enjoying the mild spring weather. The return route took them round the back of Mattishall, the A47 bridge, Elsing Hall, Sparham, Kerdiston and the quiet lanes via Briston, Edgefield and Baconsthorpe. A good solid ride of 63 miles.
Meanwhile, the touring element stuck to a lot of lanes, climbing over to Peaseland Green and Primrose Green before descending to the quiet cafe at Lyng Stores. The return ride climbed again to the high plains before crossing the Wensum and keeping on the back lanes through Swannington, Brandiston, Cawston, Itteringham, Wolterton, Wickmere, Matlaske, Bessingham and Gresham. Just south of Swannington, Neil S suffered a front tyre sidewall blowout, which required careful patching. Three of the bunch assumed that the explosive noise emanated from a misfiring passing motor bike, before they realised that something was amiss. The damage resulted from improperly balanced vintage brakes causing the 13.6 mm deep cuboid Mafac blocks to rub along the side of the tyre.
This secondary (larger) group, consisting of Brian, Graham A, Graham J, Neil S and Harvey, covered distances ranging from 52 miles to 60 miles.
North Norfolk Wheelers 