Report by Ian A
On what promised to be a sunny, dry but windy day, three Wheelers met at PC and picked up Ian a couple of miles down the road by Hill Farm at the Rectory Road/New Road junction. He was apologetic for being a minute or two late…
Because of the anticipated strong headwind on the way out, we’d agreed to get all disciplined and ride as a tight bunch and take short turns on the front, rolling to the back for a rest. This worked well and we achieved a good average speed in the morning despite the windy conditions. The route took us southwest via Baconsthorpe, Edgefield, Briston then across to Hindolveston and the Ryburghs. Then a tough stretch south to North Elmham, east-ish to Sparham and up the last hill of the morning (hurray!) directly into the headwind (boo!) to The Chrysalis Cafe at the Bug Parc.
We all enjoyed a very reasonably priced and hearty brunch with plentiful beans, wind quickly becoming the theme of the day. (Yes I saw you pop out of the saddle a few times on the way back – you know who you are…) It was warm enough to sit outside, though the promised full sun had been replaced by complete cloud cover. Unfortunately none of the steady contingent had made it this far south today so it was just the four of us for lunch.
After lunch, the first few miles comprised a few tacks with, into and across the firm southerly before finally becoming a fairly consistent tailwind. We free-formed it a bit more on the way back i.e. didn’t stick so close but regrouped at the top of the hills. Our new (and very welcome) member Doug had perhaps burnt a few too many matches on the outward leg and was paying the price. (With the “windy” conditions on the way back, having no matches was possibly a good thing from a Health & Safety perspective.)
More seriously, the return route took us through Brandiston and up to Cawston and then a fast, straight 1.5 miles up Heydon Road. We swung through Heydon Park, onto Oulton and Itteringham where we pointed Doug in the general direction of Cromer. (I wonder if he did have that cheeky coffee we suggested at the Itteringham Village Shop? – highly recommended.) The remaining three pushed north before Neil waved goodbye and turned left to head back to Corpusty via Mannington Hall. Mark and Ian put the hammer down (only kidding) and continued through North Barningham to the top of Plum Lane where Ian turned left for High Kelling and Mark headed back to PC and then Sheringham.
Riders: Mark M, Neil Mc, Doug H, Ian A.
PC to PC was 54.4 miles at an average speed of 15.2mph
PS – just a footnote to mention that Andrew B didn’t have time to join us as he was packing for Oz, but managed to get out for a solo 38 mile ride to Reepham, and this time had the route with him.
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 10th April – Binham Parlour
Saturday 13th April – Watsons, Bacton
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 