Despite the wet forecast and drizzle from before the start, three Wheelers, allegedly of sound mind, met at PC for the ride to Purdy’s at Woodgate garden centre. The strong southerly wind ensured we didn’t have to wait too long between showers.
Fortunately our route meandered east to Northrepps, Hungry Hill and Trunch before heading west to Suffield. Here we turned south into the wind for a few miles to get down to Tuttington before heading west again to reach Aylsham via the hole in the hedge at Dunkirk.
Spurred on by the thought of shelter and hot food we cranked through a busy Aylsham to reach a deserted Woodgate car park, no problem getting a table then, except that Purdy’s was closed.
We didn’t hang around trying to find out why it closed, instead we set off for a bonus mile and a half ride up to Aylsham Garden Centre on the A140, which was open. As we parked the bikes, an ancient steam powered car arrived, which turned the focus of attention away from the weather and extra miles to wondering why anyone would take such an old and valuable vehicle out in the rain, it didn’t even have any windows, just a hood.
Aylsham Garden Centre is undergoing a major expansion, which had demolished part of the old café and it was busy. We found the last large table and enjoyed very good food, tea, cake and managed to warm up and dry out a bit.
As we set off for home we were bathed not in the sunshine that the ride leader had predicted but more drizzle, but now we did have the wind behind us as we made our way through Aylsham again and on to Oulton. Next was Itteringham, Plumstead, Hempstead and Selbrigg pond to drop Andrew off, before the remaining duo continued to Bodham Hill, where the drizzle turned into proper rain for the final couple of miles back.
No flooded roads today, though very wet and a lot of leaf mulch about.
PC to PC 47.5 miles at an average of 14.1 mph
Riders: Andrew B, Chris S, Mark M leading.
Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 11th Nov – Norton’s Walsingham
Wednesday 15th Nov – Hoveton Hall
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 