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/
North Norfolk Wheelers 