Month: May 2024

Ride Report by Mark M
Being a longer ride of 81 miles we had decided on an earlier start time of 9am. So Ian, Andrew, Duncan and Mark met at PC on a dry, warm morning with a westerly breeze and the possibility of showers.
Setting off via Gresham, Aldborough, Little Barningham to Corpusty, where we found Neil Mc waiting for us. Having avoided last Saturday’s rain fest he thought he would try his luck today. So the group of five continued to Foulsham and Bintree Mill for a photo stop in the sunshine before heading through Gately, Horningtoft to Whissonsett. We caught a brief light shower here but it was gone before we needed to stop for rain jackets and it remained dry through Tittleshall and on to Litcham at 32 miles. As we arrived Andrew announced he had a slow rear puncture (Conti Gatorskin).

Graham A was already eating his lunch and had bagged a large table, having taken a more direct route from Cromer and the Deli was busy with other cyclists and customers all arriving at the same time, which made for a hectic 20 mins for the lady running the place. Andrew took the opportunity to change his tube and even managed to recruit some of the other cyclists to help.
After lunch Andrew and Graham set off together, with each taking a more direct route back home, leaving four to tackle the last leg into the wind to Great Dunham, Castle Acre and West Acre.
At West Acre we took the Tumbley Hill Road, past the very nice West Acre Gardens and café and on to Great and Little Massingham, East Rudham, Shereford and another photo stop at Sculthorpe Mill, which had high water levels.

Then it was up to Cranmer and on to West Barsham. As we descended the hill, Ian called for a visit to Barsham Brewery as they now have a shop and we ended up having a beer in their sunny yard, a birthday treat from Duncan, thanks Duncan.

After that unscheduled stop we continued on to our planned stop at 63 miles, Norton’s in Little Walsingham for tea and cakes, again sitting outside in the sun.
After a splash through the ford at Great Walsingham it was the regular route home of Wighton, Binham, Langham, Wiveton and up the hill (I was dropped) to Salthouse Heath and on to High Kelling, where Duncan and Ian headed home.
Neil and I continued to the end of Red Barn Lane, where we were surrounded by very black clouds, Neil opted to continue to Gresham and follow the route back to Corpusty, while I headed to PC. Within a minute the heavens opened, I quickly put on my rain jacket and it poured back to PC, finally easing as I descended Holway Road back into Sheringham, shortly after getting home the sun was back out! Neil would have had a very soggy ride home with rain soaked roads keeping him wet after the rain stopped.

PC to PC was 82.2 miles at an average speed of 14.9 mph
Riders: Ian A, Andrew B, Duncan S, Mark M, Neil M, Graham A

Saturday 1st June – Bruce MacEwen Memorial Ride
Wednesday 5th June – Java Bean, Badersfield
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/

Ride Report by Chris S
Despite heavy rain at 8.00am it had eased off to light rain by 10.00 am. However, only two wheelers, Chris S and Mark M met at PC. A third Wheeler, Ian A, joined the two wheelers at the end of Red Barn Lane. Neil M wisely decided to opt out of the ride as did the riders of the Steady Group.

The three Wheelers headed through Saxthorpe, Heydon and Reepham where a short detour was taken to avoid the recently re-laid gravel surface on the Reepham Road. Just after crossing the A1067 the group encountered a road closure due to the enabling works for the Hornsea wind farm cabling. Heros fencing stretched not only right across the road but also well into the verges. However careful manoeuvring of one panel allowed a very narrow gap which with a bit of lifting of the bikes enabled the three to squeeze through and continue with the ride without having to take a detour.

The route then continued through Elsing and onto North Tuddenham where despite a balmy 13 degrees centigrade and light rain a pitstop was made at Dann’s Dairy to partake of their excellent ice cream. (Chris kindly paid for all the ice creams, thanks Chris – Ed.)

On leaving Dann’s Dairy the rain then became heavier as the group rode through Yaxham, Mattishall and Shipdham cutting out a mile off the route before arriving at the King’s Head. A hot meal was then enjoyed before climbing back onto the bikes in much heavier rain which increased in intensity the nearer the Wheelers got to PC.

The homeward route took the group through Scarning, Gressenhall, Worthing, Billingford and Bintree where Chris’s rear tyre punctured (so much for Marathon Plus puncture proof tyres!).
Conveniently the puncture happened beside the bus stop which gave shelter from the continuing heavy rain whilst repairing the puncture.

Three very wet riders then continued through Foulsham, Guestwick and Briston where Chris then managed to hit an unforeseen submerged pothole due to the amount of surface water now covering the roads. Although he managed to stay on, the jolt caused by the front wheel hitting the hole broke his Garmin holder resulting in the GPS flying off the bike and hitting the road. On its recovery it was found to have a cracked screen.

By then the rain had become even heavier as the three passed through Baconsthorpe to the junction with Rectory Road where Ian then turned left to head back to High Kelling. Chris and Mark headed home by way of Upper Sheringham.

Riders: Chris S, Mark M and Ian A
Distance 64.6 miles. Average speed 15.0 mph

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 29th May – Litcham Deli – 9am Start
Saturday 1st June – Bruce MacEwen Memorial Ride
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/

Ride Report by Mark M
A cold north westerly breeze made for a foggy, damp and chilly PC when Chris and Mark met for the day’s ride. With a forecast of 17-18 degrees inland we were looking forward to finding it. We set off and picked up Neil M at Edgefield, then it was Briston, Guestwick to Foulsham.
Here we found Jim H heading in the opposite direction, he told us that having just returned (Thursday) from his motorhoming trip abroad he wanted to get back on the bike and had met the steady group at Gresham and went as far as Foulsham before heading home to catch up with many jobs. Well done Jim on getting out and clocking up some miles.
A short distance later we met up with Graham A and Neil S, who would take a more direct route to the cafe as we continued down to Bintree Mill, Broom Green, Brisley and East Bilney before looping around towards Mileham and past Bittering quarry, then joining the larger Litcham Road to Gressenhall.
It was our first visit of the season to Mardlers’ and other than some new menu boards and signs, it was as reliable and good value as ever. We all sat outside, though it was still cool as the sun had not been able to break through until we were just leaving.
The route back took us to Hoe and Worthing and along the Wensum Valley. Graham and Neil planned to take the more direct Bawdeswell route home, while we continued along the river to Attlebridge. At the customary stop on the bridge, we had warmed up enough to remove jackets and gilets. It was noticeable how the river seemed to be back to normal levels after the winter flooding.
Looping around Swannington Upgate to Cawston and then the familiar route north, into the wind to Itteringham and the Mannington Hall turn, where Neil M left us and on to North Barningham and back to PC.

PC to PC was 65 miles with an average speed of 15.9 mph
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Neil M, Graham A, Neil S, Jim H

Fun Fact – Giro d’Italia stage 14 time trial winner, Filippo Ganna used a 68 tooth chainring

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 22nd May – Java Bean, Badersfield
Saturday 25th May – Shipdham, Kings Head
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 took part in for a run to Stanfield Old Dairy on a muggy and wet spring day, with two starting from PC and two joining at the Selbrigg pond junction (including the leader!) having started from High Kelling. The route took us through Hempstead, Edgefield, Briston, Craymere Beck, Nethergate, Hindolveston, Wood Norton, Stibbard, Great Ryburgh, Colkrik and Whissonsett. Having arrived rather damp we were a bit concerned about going into the Old Dairy but we were made welcome, quickly shown to a table and orders taken, The drinks and food were excellent, with all but Ian going for cakes as well.

After lunch we were pleased to note that it had stopped raining (although this did not last long!) and we made our way back through Brisley, Broom Green, Twyford, Pockthorpe, Foulsham, Bates Moor, Guestwick, Corpusty, Saxthorpe and Little Barningham. Andrew and Ian left the remaining two at Hill Farm to make their way back to PC. There was a further photo opportunity at Bintree Watermill allowing us to prepare for the steep climb out!

Overall, a good day’s ride despite the weather, with an excellent lunch stop.

PC to PC 53 miles
Average speed 14 mph
Total Elevation 1700 ft

Mark, Ian, Chris and Andrew leading.

Saturday 18th May – Mardlers’ Rest, Gressenhall
Wednesday 22nd May – Java Bean, Badersfield
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/

Ride Report by Ian A
Editor’s note – Mark and Neil had a chat with Geoff P at PC, looking well, he was off to Barningham Crown to enjoy lunch in the sun. Hope you enjoyed it Geoff.
Mark and Neil met at PC on an overcast and cool morning and set off in long sleeved jerseys and jackets. However, when they arrived at High Kelling via West Beckham, they found the sun was shining, it was pleasantly warm and Ian was baring all! After a short discussion on the weather-related benefits of living in High Kelling, the threesome set off over the NNR bridge and onto Wiveton and then predominantly eastwards with a gentle tailwind all the way.
The route took us through Langham, Binham and then onto Wighton where we stopped to admire the impressive exhibits at the Scarecrow Festival. Little Miss Muffet was a little sinister and there were many excellent other examples.

We continued on some pretty lanes to Burnham Thorpe and then decided to detour into and through (a not too busy) Burnham Market where we encountered our first flood of the day as the River Burn was running high. Ian got wet feet and a wet rear and was bemoaning his decision to remove his mudguards for the ride…
We then turned southwest through Docking and Fring and the turn to Great Bircham Windmill. The tearooms were busy but they have an efficient ordering system. We found a table outside in the shade and both the breakfasts and the quiche with salad were very good. (I have to also comment that the road surfaces on the lanes do seem to get better as you move into West Norfolk!)

Refuelled and refreshed we now faced the prospect of a headwind all the way back to PC. Fortunately the wind wasn’t too strong and the left hand hedges gave us some shelter for much of the way.
The return leg went via Syderstone, South Creake and up to North Barsham and Houghton St. Giles where we turned east to Great Snoring. The River Stiffkey was in full-flood at Houghton St. Giles and we had to dismount to walk over the footbridge due to the levels of water and mud. From Great Snoring it was the well-ridden route of Thursford, Gunthorpe, Brinton, Stody, Hunworth and the climb up to Edgefield. Our last wet and muddy encounter was on the Gunthorpe Road up to Brinton which was also a bit unexpected. So yes, dear reader, a bike wash was necessary afterwards. At Edgefield, Neil turned off to head downhill to Corpusty, leaving Ian and Mark to return via Baconsthorpe and Hill Farm at the bottom of New Road, where Ian turned left for home, and Mark continued back to PC and Sheringham.
Overall an excellent, pretty route with a few smatterings of wet muddiness.

PC to PC was 66 miles with an average speed of 15.3mph
Riders: Ian A, Mark M, Neil M

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 15th May – Stanfield Old Dairy
Saturday 18th May – Mardlers’ Rest, Gressenhall
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 Mark M
Chris and Mark met at PC on a windless though chilly morning, setting off to meet Ian and Andrew at High Kelling. From there it was Cley Newgate, Glandford and the hilly Bayfield route to Letheringsett and Sharrington. By this time the sun was shining, skies were clear and it was getting warm enough to stop and remove gilets and arm warmers.
Onwards through Bale, Hindringham to Great Snoring where Ian and Andrew, having other commitments, left us for a shorter 40 mile loop, visiting Norton’s then picking up the return route home.
That left two, enjoying the sun and views through the Barshams to Waterden and up to Quarles and Holkham’s Triumphal Arch. The south gates were open and we had an unobstructed view across the park and out to sea.
Graham A, having taken a more direct route was waiting for us at a very quiet Courtyard Café, and we enjoyed a good lunch outside in the courtyard.
After lunch Graham set off on his own route home, while Chris and I took the east gate out of the park for Burnham Thorpe and the long climb back to the south gate then on to Wighton.
Wighton was ready for the annual scarecrow festival and most gardens had a scarecrow or two appearing out of the hedgerow, some were very comical.
We went through the Walsinghams, then up to Little Snoring, Thursford Green, Gunthorpe to Sharrington, Thornage, Hunworth and the final long climb of the day, up to Edgefield. The final leg took us through Hempstead, past Selbrigg lake to Bodham and PC.

PC to PC was 68 miles with 925m of climbing at an average of 14.7 mph
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Ian A, Andrew B, Graham A.

Saturday 11th May – Bircham Mill
Wednesday 15th May – Stanfield Old Dairy
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/

Ride Report by Mark M
Surprisingly, for the start of a bank holiday weekend the sun came out, the skies were blue and most of the roads had dried up from Friday’s rain.
Mark and Ian left from PC to pick up Doug at Gresham Church and Neil M at Aldborough, then through Suffield, Antingham to North Walsham. The Dilham canal bathed in sunshine looked very inviting as we headed to Crostwight, East Ruston Gardens and joined the Sea Palling road at Ingham.
It made a change to ride a single road for a few unbroken miles through Sea Palling to Waxham, where we had a detour past Waxham Hall and church before the final 2.5 mile push into the wind to Poppylands.
As we arrived Graham A was already tucking into his lunch, having followed the coast road down from Cromer and Malcolm was just ordering lunch having had a wind assisted ride up from St Olaves.
Poppylands is a 1940’s themed café and is very popular, with Horsey Gap car park just a short walk away. While we had lunch a group of roadies arrived, all carbon and aero, then a small group of MTB’ers who had found some tracks to ride.

After a good lunch and plenty of chat, we all set off for Sea Palling, where Malcolm left us to head for Hickling and home, while the rest took the small lane beside the dunes, past the wooden chalets to Lessingham. We had short tour of Happisburgh, past the lighthouse and down to the car park, where part of the entrance and the route down to the beach has fallen into the sea.

We passed Hill Sixty water tower enroute to Ridlington and Witton, before heading to Knapton, Trunch, South and Northrepps, Ian stopped here to visit the church yard, the rest continued up to the top of Northrepps hill. Graham and Doug headed for Cromer, Mark and Neil for Crossdale Street, Metton and Sustead, where Neil turned for home.

PC to PC was 63 miles at a 15.2 mph average. Ian won the mileage prize with 70+ miles.
Riders: Ian A, Mark M, Doug H, Neil M, Graham A, Malcolm S

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 8th May – Holkham Hall
Saturday 11th May – Bircham Mill
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/