Four North Norfolk Wheelers at Nelson’s Cafe via Holkham Hall – wondering where the other four have vanished to!
A steady group of four set out a bit early to be pursued by four more Wheelers. However, the handicap system fell apart as soon as Salthouse Heath, where Graham experienced an exploding rear inner tube inside a Vittoria tyre that looked as though it had been fought over by a pair of Rottweilers. So, the PC contenders swept on, following a direct route to The Courtyard Cafe at Holkham Hall, only to be greeted by a ‘Temporarily Closed’ sign. Undaunted, the intrepid foursome continued along the set route, which, conveniently, passed by the old NNW favourite of Nelson’s in Wells, where they reported being well looked after with some excellent nourishment.
Meanwhile, back east, Harvey had to ride into Holt to collect a replacement tyre and a new inner tube. The heavily-delayed semi-bunch eventually headed west, but decided that Walsingham would now have to suffice on a winter’s day. Inexplicably, the ride leader, who had earlier in the week warned the Wednesday Wheelers that their programmed destination at the Norton Centre would be closed this week, led the steady riders to —- the Norton Centre**. So, it was over the Stiffkey ford to O’Brennans in Great Walsingham for fancy pies.
Both contingents enjoyed a lot of tailwind for the return trip. The Holkham/Wells people rode by way of Warham, Binham, Clipstreet, Sharrington, Brinton and Stody to Cross Green for the first split. Close to home, Ian picked up a staple through a tyre, which miraculously remained inflated following careful removal of the said object. The Walsingham group took a more southerly route back to north east Norfolk, despite the repeated protestations of Graham, who strangely insisted that he wanted to go through Briston.
Conditions: cold with a stiff westerly wind, but again more sunshine than forecast.
Riders: Andrew; Chris; Ian; Neil Mc; Brian; Graham A; Harvey; Neil S.
Distances: c.42 miles to 61 miles.
**Psychiatric research has demonstrated that exploding inner tubes can disrupt normal rational thought processes.
North Norfolk Wheelers 