Ride Report by Mark M
With the High Kelling duo sending in sick notes and another Wheeler in Spain, it looked as if it would be just Neil Mc and Mark at PC for a windy and chilly ride. However, brand new Wheeler, Doug from Cromer chose today for his inaugural ride. After admiring his J.Guillem titanium bike and hearing about the many benefits of tubeless tyres, we set off on a mainly wind assisted south easterly route.
We went through Gresham, Metton, past Sally Bean’s House, North and South Repps, Trunch to Paston, before heading back inland for Witton and East Ruston Gardens. Then it was Lessingham and a fast run through to Sea Palling and Waxham Barn.
The roads were dry for a change and though we saw some very black clouds, it remained dry the whole way. The café was fairly quiet and we had a choice of tables inside. As usual the service was quick, the food very good and the cakes were enormous.
We had just about finished when Malcolm S arrived having had to deal with a lot more wind from Gt Yarmouth to Potter Heigham before turning for Hickling and Waxham, he also encountered a heavy rain and hail shower. So we had another mug of tea while we put the world to rights and Malcolm fought with his fried egg baguette.
So eventually we left, with Malcolm looking forward to wind assistance on his way home, while we had the prospect of a stiff head wind, which appeared as soon as we reached Sea Palling. It wasn’t far before we turned toward Hickling and then through Ingham.
Graham A had kindly forewarned me that the bridge between East Ruston and Honing was completely closed, so we took a diversion staying east until we could turn for Crostwight to pick up the route again.
It was here that Doug showed us how to plug a tubeless tyre when the sealant doesn’t seal. I will admit that it was quicker than changing a tube, though we didn’t have an opportunity to show him a tube change. We also had a brief rain and hail shower while we were stopped.
Our route then took us along the North Walsham road for Swafield and Bradfield. Here we changed from the planned route of Thorpe Market and north of Gunton Park to take the Suffield route south of the park. So we sent Doug on a direct north route through the Repps again back to Cromer.
Neil and I parted ways outside Aldborough, with Neil heading for Mannington and Saxthorpe, while I rejoined the route at Bessingham for Gresham and PC.
PC to PC was 61.8 miles at an average of 14.9 mph
Riders: Neil Mc, Doug, Mark M, Malcolm S
Hopefully Doug will recover from his first Wheelers ride and will join us again before too long.
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 27th March – Crosskeys, Dilham
Saturday 30th March (Easter) – Biagios, East Rudham
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 