Month: February 2024

Report by Ride Leader Ian A
On another chilly but dry morning 5 riders met at PC for a ride out to The Kings Arms at Blakeney.
Most of the miles were front-loaded before lunch, but most of the climbing was saved for after lunch.
The route took us through West Beckham and past Selbrigg Pond to Hempstead, Plumstead and Edgefield. Then down the hill to Briston, the drag to Melton Constable where we swung north via Briningham and Brinton to cross the A148 at Sharrington, then past the pig farms and west to Saxlingham, Field Dalling and Binham where we regrouped (again) to allow the steadier contingent to catch up.
We looped to Langham via Cockthorpe and past the Langham Dome with its shiny Spitfire (Note: THE BIG ANNIVERSARY Open Day on Sunday 21st July 2024). From Langham it was a short climb up the Langham Road before the descent into Blakeney and the welcoming Kings Arms.
The food was good: seafood chowders, jacket with tuna, chilli and baguettes were all declared good. Three of us enjoyed a refreshing pint too!

Not far lads, only 13 miles back to PC. But the Ride Leader had engineered it so the route took us from Wiveton to Holt, pretty much uphill all the way. We did the usual detour to see Duncan’s ‘new build’, now looking quite resplendent in wooden cladding that nicely matches the brickwork (a bit of weathering should sort that out…) and even the garage looks nearly finished. Can’t be long now before Duncan moves in.
From Holt we took the undulating Hempstead Road to Baconsthorpe and North Barningham. We regrouped here (again) after a short ‘retrace’ to find Graham – he’d received an urgent phone call. At the foot of Mill Road in Gresham we said goodbye to Graham and the remaining 4 headed up the hill to the top of Red Barn Lane where Ian & Andrew headed back to High Kelling, leaving Chris & Mark to make their way back to PC. A chilly day but at least the sun came out for some of it.

PC to PC was 45 miles at 14.4mph
Riders: Ian A (leading), Andrew B, Chris S, Graham A and Mark M.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 2nd March – Holkham Hall
Wednesday 6th March – Erpingham & Reepham Dial House
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/

This should have been a 62 mile ride to Mundesley and back, however misfortune changed the itinerary, but let’s start at the beginning. The usual five met at PC on a chilly, dry, windfree day with the promise of the sun burning off the mist and providing a bit of warmth.
Our route took us through Gresham, Bessingham, Aldborough and Erpingham to cross the A140 for Colby. At the main road we met Jim H, part of the day’s steady group, who had just had his second puncture/same tyre (rear Gatorskin) of the day and was on the phone to International Rescue to be collected.
We continued on to Colby and were nearing Banningham when a van appeared, Brian P rode through a puddle to allow some room and hit a deep pothole, throwing him over the bars and into the road.
It was obvious Brian was not in a good way as he had a deep cut in the back of his head and his left hip was causing a lot of pain. An ambulance was called, the van driver, a local businessman, provided some bubble wrap and a towel to help keep Brian warm & then took Brian’s bike home for him, before coming back to check on progress. A paramedic duly arrived along with a couple of police officers as we were effectively blocking the road and the ambulance arrived within an hour. They gave him some pain killers and scooped him up and got him into the warmth of the ambulance.
The rest of us then went to the Banningham Crown to warm up, have coffee and some lunch.
After lunch, we decided to make our way back home via Ingworth, Calthorpe where Graham left us and the remaining four went to Plumstead, Hempstead, Selbrigg Pond with a quick stop for the swans. Then Ian and Andrew turned for High Kelling, leaving two to take the Upper Sheringham route home.

30 miles for the day
Riders: Ian A, Andrew B, Neil Mc, Chris S, Mark M, Brian P, Graham A, Jim H, Phil S.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 28th – Kings Arms, Blakeney
Saturday 2nd March – Courtyard Café, Holkham
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/

We start this report with the sad news that on Wednesday 14th Feb, Chris Brown collapsed in his garden and died. Chris had a passion for all things cycling, had a vast knowledge of the history of cycle brands and race teams, a much admired collection of bikes and parts and was an all-round good man. R.I.P. Chris.

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Two Wheelers met at PC and it started raining hard enough to make us put on rain jackets before setting off to collect Andrew and Ian at Bodham Hill. By Baconsthorpe it was dry and warm enough to take off the rain jackets for the rest of the day, though there would be occasional spells of drizzle later on.
On our way to Briston we picked up Neil Mc at Edgefield, then at Hindolveston we turned south for Foulsham, Bintree and a stop at Bintree Mill to look at the amount of water flowing through the mill and the bypass sluice.

It was here that we met up with Harvey, who was making sure that guest rider Kay B from North Elmham found us and joined the group, before he set off on his route again.
Then it was up the poorly surfaced and busy B1110 before turning off for Gateley, Great Ryburgh, up the Ryburgh Bergs to a surprisingly quiet Pensthorpe café. Here we found the steady group of Brian P, Neil S and Graham A already tucking into their lunches. As usual with Pensthorpe, our food arrived quickly and was very good. While we were eating, the café filled up and the queue became so long, it stopped Andrew from going to order cake!

Brian and his crew set off a good while before us and though we followed the same route via Kettlestone, Fulmodeston to Hindolveston, we didn’t see them again. In Hindolveston Kay turned south for North Elmham while the rest turned north for Melton Constable, Sharrington, Saxlingham and Wiveton.
Then it was the last big effort up Bridgefoot Lane onto Salthouse Heath, High Kelling where Andrew and Ian peeled off, leaving two to take the West Beckham, Upper Sheringham route home.

Steady Group report from Graham A;
On the outward journey Brian, myself and Neil missed out the loop from Hindolveston via Foulsham, Bintree, Broom Green and Gately. Instead we went via Fulmodeston and Stibbard joining the route near Ryburgh.
On the way back at Hindolveston we went via Thurning, Heydon park and Itteringham. Brian peeled off at Wolterton and Neil at Sustead. I had a mileage total of 55 Cromer to Cromer. Brian would be similar and Neil slightly less.

PC to PC 56 miles at an average 15 mph
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andrew B, Ian A, Neil Mc, Guest Kay B, Brian P, Neil S, Graham A.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 21st Feb – Crosskeys, Dilham
Saturday 24th Feb – No17, Mundesley
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/

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Report by Ride Leader Chris S
On a somewhat overcast but warmer than average Wednesday morning four riders turned up at PC – two from High Kelling and two from Sheringham. Even Valentine’s day couldn’t stop the intrepid four venturing out into a rather brisk head on wind for the outward leg – the forecast was for a “light breeze”. The four comprised ride leader, “No wrong turns Chris”, Ian A, Mark M and Andrew B.

The outward journey took the four through Bessingham, Calthorpe, Ingworth, Heydon, Salle, Reepham and on to Junction 21 café at Themelthorpe arriving just before 12 noon. No major incidents were reported along the way although the roads were very wet with a number of floods due to the recent rain. Graham A was already at the café and was halfway through his lunch having made the journey solo from Cromer. However having asked nicely he was permitted to join the foursome for the return journey. As usual the food at the café was very good.

The return journey went through Foulsham, Guestwick, Thurning, Edgefield and Plumstead where Graham left the group to return to Cromer. The remaining four then continued to Pond Farm where Ian and Andrew turned off to High Kelling leaving Chris and Mark to return to Sheringham via upper Sheringham. All riders took a turn at leading the ride throughout the day. Luckily the weather generally remained dry.

Riders: Chris S (Leading), Mark M, Ian A, Andrew B and Graham A.
Distance 47 – 52 miles Average speed 14.21

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 17th Feb – Courtyard Café, Pensthorpe
Wednesday 21st Feb – Crosskeys Inn, Dilham
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/

After a couple of very wet and windy days, Saturday was calm, dry and unseasonably mild, with some occasional sunshine for good measure. So the five Wheelers that met at PC were looking forward to enjoying the good conditions, though we would find that there was a lot of water on the roads and a number of flooded sections.
The first leg of the route was mainly south, taking us through Itteringham then Oulton Street and to within sight of the main Holt Road when Chris’s crank arm decided to fall off. Unfortunately the securing bolt required a 10mm hex key and the largest we had available was 8mm. So we pointed Chris back in the direction of Oulton Street and various farm buildings to see if he could find someone with the correct key, failing that he would have to call home for rescue.
The remaining four bravely carried on through Cawston, Swannington to Attlebridge where we stopped to admire the Wensum in full flood, dirty brown and surging under the bridge. Then it was a loop round to Ringland, round Attlebridge airfield and down Cadder’s Hill through a huge flood at the bottom and into Lyng. Again the Wensum was in flood and as we climbed the hill out of Lyng we could see a huge expanse of flood plain covered in water.
We had not been at Chrysalis café many minutes when Brian and Neil S arrived, having used a mix of road and muddy trails for their route. They reported that they had seen Chris and stopped to help, though they had nothing larger than 8mm.
Before we had reached the cake and extra coffee round, Chris arrived. He had found a farmer with a 10mm key, fixed his bike, followed the full route and made it in time for lunch, Chapeau Chris!

After lunch Brian and Neil S headed for Whitwell and the Marriott’s Way, while the reformed five went through Sparham, down the hill and through another great flood and then up to Bawdeswell, Themelthorpe, Foulsham to Briston where Neil Mc turned for home. Just the other side of Briston, Clive turned towards Stody and on to Blakeney, leaving three to head for Edgefield, Baconsthorpe, Bodham Hill where Andrew turned off, while Mark and Chris went via Upper Sheringham to home.

PC to PC was 55 miles at an average of 15 mph.
Riders: Andrew B, Clive A, Neil Mc, Chris S, Mark M, Brian P, Neil S.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 14th Feb – Junction 21, Themelthorpe
Saturday 17th Feb – Pensthorpe
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/

Report by Ride Leader Andrew B
Four riders met at Pretty Corner on a cold but dry morning to ride out to the Artisan Cafe, Alby. The route took us through Gresham, Metton, Northrepps, Southrepps, Thorpe Market, Hanworth, Aldborough and to the back entrance to the cafe. Fears had been expressed before the start that we would arrive too early at the cafe, but the leader fixed that by taking numerous phone calls and puncturing (front Marathon Plus) half-way through the route!

The cafe was busy, but we were shown to a good table and despite being too early for lunch (and too late for breakfast!) we were quickly served with drinks and our order taken. The food came quickly and was excellent, with Mark winning the largest cake eating competition!

After lunch we made our way back to PC via Ingworth, Aylsham, Cawston, Reepham and Salle, where it was Chris’s turn to puncture (rear Marathon Plus)! This gave some of the party a chance to visit the church which was very impressive, while Chris fixed the puncture.

By the time we resumed it was getting late in the day, however, the rest of the journey proceeded without incident, with the route taking us through Heydon Park, Oulton, Itteringham and Plumstead, with Ian and Andrew leaving for home at Pond Farm. Overall, a good ride despite the punctures, with good weather for February.

PC to PC 52 miles – Average speed 14.0 mph
Total Elevation 2200 ft
Mark, Ian (camera), Chris and Andrew leading.

Editor’s Note – 2024 Puncture Challenge – While Graham A leads with an impressive 4 flats, Andrew & Chris have now made it onto the scoreboard.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 10th Feb – Chrysalis Café, Sparhamhill
Wednesday 14th Feb – Junction 21, Themelthorpe
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/

Another windy day, this time a strong westerly, though it had brought much milder conditions, touching 12 degrees, quite a contrast to the frosty start of Wednesday.
The first few miles south towards Little Barningham were in a blustery crosswind, then we turned eastwards for a fast run through Aldborough, Gunton Park, Lower Street, Trunch, Knapton, Witton and up to Bacton.
At the café we found Brian and Graham at a large table already tucking into their lunch, so we joined them and had a good chat while our food was being prepared. They then took the opportunity to get a head start on the route home while we had our very good lunches.

As we left we looked at some vintage motorbikes, mainly Ariels, in the car park. Then it was down to Honing, Dilham, Tunstead, Scottow to Swanton Abbott where we met Brian and Graham, who were being creative with their route choice home. We also met them again a few miles further down the road, so they must know all the short cuts! We continued to Colby, Erpingham and back to Aldborough again, where Neil turned for home and then it was the usual route north to Gresham where Ian and Andrew peeled off, leaving two to make it back to PC.
A surprisingly warm day with mainly dry roads, sunshine mainly in the morning and just a few spots of rain in the afternoon, that were quickly blown away by the strong westerly.

PC to PC was 55 miles at an average 15 mph.
Riders: Ian A, Andrew B, Chris S, Neil Mc, Mark M, Graham A, Brian P.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 7th Feb – Artisan Café, Alby
Saturday 10th Feb – Chrysalis Café, Sparhamhill
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/