It was a fairly odd route today, although certainly not without interest and varied terrain. There was also a last minute alteration to the refuelling destination. A number of Wheelers would have liked to get out today, but were prevented from doing so for a range of reasons. So, only five riders headed out on a dull day that was marked by a very strong and chilly southerly as the weather systems started to change. The route went initially eastwards by way of Metton, Roughton, Northrepps, Southrepps, Thorpe Market, Tops Hill, Hanworth, Aldborough, over Thwaite Hill (but missing out an originally scheduled circuit of Thwaite Common), Erpingham school, Ingworth and the back lanes of Aylsham town to the The Conservatory (formerly Food Lovers), an old favourite of many North Norfolk Wheelers, but which has passed through a period of unpredictable closures. The cafe was busy, but the staff, consisting of two ladies, was remarkably efficient and friendly, despite there being only one printed menu to share between twenty three people.
The morning ride featured a meeting and a chat with a pedestrian Graham A, apparently adopting a rather extreme method of avoiding punctures. Further along the road, Brian and Harvey took the leisurely approach to new levels when stopping for a long chat with Johnny, the Aylsham postman/fireman.
A shorter afternoon leg saw powerhouse Chris driving Andrew and Neil Mc to a rapid ride home, while Brian and Harvey maintained a steady pace, and also truncated the plotted route to enable Brian to get back east in reasonable time. The full scheduled route was Abel Hearh, Oulton Street, Cawston, Brandiston, Booton, the edge of Reepham, Salle, Heydon Park, Itteringham and Barningham. Neil departed at Barningham and Andrew turned west at the top of Plum Lane.
PC to PC was about 49 miles, but individuals rode between 50 miles and 60 miles.
North Norfolk Wheelers 