Ride Report by Mark M
Another cool morning with a westerly wind greeted Doug, Mark and guest rider Phil at PC. We set off to pick up Ian at High Kelling, who had previously seen a field of poppies along Bridge Road near Lowes Farm. We found the field and stopped to admire them and to add more colour to the view we took a photo of the new club kit.
We then went to Wiveton and on to Blakeney quay, where we found Graham J sat on a bench admiring the view. He had been riding with the steady group of Graham A, Neil S and Jim H, and a recent ear infection meant that he was only out for a short ride. We also saw Andrew B returning home from his sailing.
The sky had become very black so we all put on rain jackets for the imminent rain. The forecast was for a band of rain to pass over from 11am to 12noon and for once it was very accurate and the rain was heavy, starting as we left Blakeney for Langham.
We dropped down to Stiffkey and as we climbed the hill back to the Warham road, we met a number of classic cars off to an event somewhere. We splashed through Warham to Wells, where the rain was so heavy it pointless visiting the quay for the view, so we continued into Holkham Park through the East Gate and exited from the West Gate towards Burnham Market, by now the rain had eased off, just leaving rivers in the road.
As we approached the crossroads at Leith House we became caught up in a cycling event heading to Burnham Overy Staithe, also on our route. As we approached the village, there were many people on the side of the road cheering and waving, finally the recognition we deserved!
Alas, it was not for us but for the competitors in the annual Norfolk Superhero event, which takes place in the village and consists of a 1mile swim, 4mile kayak, 45mile cycle and 8mile marsh and beach run.
Norfolk Superhero: https://www.norfolksuperhero.co.uk
After that excitement it was a short ride through the Burnhams (Overy, Market, Thorpe) to North Creake Abbey and the Barn Café, which has recently reopened. We were in no rush and happy to enjoy a tasty panini and coffee, followed by cake and coffee as we warmed up and dried out.
There was no sign of the steady group, they must have found food and refuge from the rain elsewhere.
By now the clouds had gone and the sky was clear and the sun was drying the roads, again as forecast. Not only that but we would be heading east with a tail wind most of the way home. From North Creake it was Waterden, the Barshams, Great and Little Snoring, Thursford Green, through the hole in the hedge to Barney and Fulmodestone. Then the run to Hindolveston, Thurning, Little London, Edgefield, Hempstead, Selbrigg to drop Ian off at the High Kelling junction, Bodham to Red Barn Lane where Doug continued to Cromer and Phil and I continued to PC.
PC to PC was 68 miles at an average speed of 15.2mph
Doug gets today’s mileage award, his extra miles from Cromer and back would have been a total of around 80 miles.
Riders: Doug H, Ian A, Mark M and guest Phil from Milton Keynes
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 12th June – Lemon & Rosemary Yard, Elsing
Saturday 15th June – 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/
North Norfolk Wheelers 