With most of the younger Wheelers in party mode, it was left to the senior section to maintain the tradition of the annual mince pie run (minus the mince pies). This cultural phenomenon isn’t too traditional though, as the original version can be traced back only as far as 1978 at Long Whatton in north Leicestershire. The only exception from the younger group was Ian, who was in delayed party mode, completing the route alone in order to get home early to prepare for the drive to Cambridge for the festivities.
Jim, Brian and Harvey maintained a steady pace to Purdy’s Tea Room, where they had a quick chat with Ian before he pushed off home into the gusty westerly. Jim left the homeward route at Corpusty, continuing westwards for Melton Constable. Harvey accompanied Brian as far as Thurgarton before continuing north and then west via Sustead, Felmingham Woods, Gresham and Lower Bodham.
Set route: Upper Gresham, Lower Gresham, Metton, Northrepps, Southrepps, Antingham, Suffield, Colby, Erpingham church, Ingworth, Drabblegate, the hidden back lanes of Aylsham, Woodgate Nursery (break), Abel Heath, Oulton, Irmingland, Corpusty, Little London, Ramsgate Street, Cross Green, Baconsthorpe and Bodham Hill.
Conditions: Very strong and blustery westerly, which eased slowly during the afternoon. It was pleasantly mild for ‘midwinter’, with increasing sunshine for the return leg.
Distances: 49 miles to 61 miles.
MERRY CHRISTMAS.
North Norfolk Wheelers 