Ride Report by Ride Leader Ian A.
It was a bright but windy day (18-20mph ESE). And it’s complicated, so pay attention. This is the one where one of the three swallows at Cley disappeared and the remaining two turned into magpies and popped up at Blakeney instead. See, I told you so.
Mark was the only rider expected at PC so set off to pick up Ian at the junction for Selbrigg Pond. The route then went via Hempstead and Pond HiIlls Road, skirting Edgefield and Briston and on to Melton Constable, then north to Blakeney. Maybe it was the pair’s excitement at the prospect of ham, egg & chips and a pint for only £11 at The Three Swallows at Cley, or maybe the prevailing tailwind too, but they were on track to arrive 30 minutes before opening time(!) so decided to go the the Two Magpies cafe in Blakeney instead… (You see dear reader, it all makes sense now!)
With a good view over Blakeney Marshes from the window seats, they enjoyed good coffee while waiting for sausage rolls to arrive. And they waited. After 30 minutes they chased up the order (which had clearly been lost) and after a further 10 minutes they arrived – hot on the outside but stone cold on the inside. But tasty. So they ate them anyway. And the ride leader managed a very good brownie too. (Consistently chaotic service from this chain at both Holt and Blakeney.)
Heading out of Blakeney they tried to spot the new cafe ‘Folks’ but looked up the High Street and it’s actually on Westgate Street – it gets good reviews so probably worth a return trip. From Blakeney the route headed to Wiveton, Newgate (Three Swallows) and then the long drag to Holt into a head/crosswind all the way. Heading out of Holt on the Hempstead Road, the route crossed the outward leg and went on to Baconsthorpe, Plumstead, Matlaske and Aldborough. It then swung north to Bessingham and Gresham, where Ian turned for home, leaving Mark to head back via PC.
A decent route with bright weather but the strong wind made it hard going on the return leg.
Mark plus Ian A leading.
PC to PC was 42 miles (14.6mph average)
Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 21st – King’s Café, Shipdham
Wednesday 25th -Litcham Deli
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/
North Norfolk Wheelers 