Month: September 2024

Ride report by Mark M
After a very wet and windy Friday, Saturday was as forecast, dry, sunny, cold and with a noticeable north westerly wind.
Andrew, Mark and guest Ian met at PC before heading through Baconsthorpe to Edgefield to pick up Neil. Then it was Briston, Stody, Bale and Hindringham, where Ian left us to continue his loop back to Holt. From Hindringham we went to Little Walsingham and then a hard slog up to Egmeer, followed by an easier ride down to South Creake. Then the work started again with the climb up Bloodgate Hill, past the Iron Age Fort to Syderstone, then more climbing through Coxford Wood before the road levelled out at the wind turbines. From here it was easier going as we skirted the east side of Hougton Park, up to Great Bircham and a busy Bircham Windmill.
Andrew managed to bag a table on the sunny side of the sheltered courtyard, where we enjoyed both the warm sun and the good food.

As it was the final weekend of the season for Bircham Mill, Mark felt he should have one last Big Breakfast and it didn’t disappoint.

There were a number of other cyclists at the Mill and out on the roads, making the most of the great weather.
Heading back via Little Barwick to Stanhoe, turning for North Creake and enjoying the long descent into the village, before the long climb out of the village up to Holkham’s Triumphal Arch. Then to Wighton, Binham and Langham. On the road to Wiveton Mark’s front tyre became very soft and we had to stop to add some air, which got him back to PC. So according to Mark, that doesn’t count as a puncture as no tire was removed or had to be plugged!
From Wiveton it was straight up the hill to Salthouse Heath, the wind may have been behind us but it was still hard work. Then an easy run to High Kelling where Andrew turned for home while Neil and Mark continued to the final split at Red Barn Lane.

PC to PC was 65.5 miles at an average 14.8 mph
Riders: Andrew B, Neil Mc, Mark M and Guest Ian.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 2nd October – Lily’s Tea Room, North Walsham
Saturday 5th October – Station Café, Reepham
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/

On a dry, cool morning with a very light south wind, three Wheelers met at PC for the ride down to Badersfield / Coltishall Airfield / Scottow Enterprise Park. Many names but just one good value café and coffee roasters on the airfield, which now has a decommissioned Jaguar jet stationed at the end of the building, more on that later.
First we had to get there and there was some initial confusion as only one of the three had the correct route on their head unit, by Bodham Hill that improved to a max of two.
So, it was Plumstead, Itteringham. Oulton, Aylsham, Dunkirk and through the hole in the hedge across the A140 to Tuttington. Then to Brampton, Buxton, past the closed Mayton tip to Little Hautbois and up to Badersfield and the airfield.
Making our way past the old buildings and huge hangers to Java Bean, arriving at the same time as about a dozen motorcyclists. Fortunately they were ordering food for later so once our orders were taken we didn’t have long to wait and it was tasty and great value. I had a breakfast bap, mug of good coffee (naturally) and a slice of cake for just under £10.
Ian A joined us for lunch, making his own way there and back. His knee is improving and he was pleased to be able to increase his mileage without any adverse effects.

On leaving we went to investigate the Jaguar at the end of the building and found a couple of guys working on it. One of them came over for a chat and told us that the RAF had donated the decommissioned plane and they were in the process of tidying it up and fitting a few lost panels. Coltishall was a Jaguar base from around 1974 to its closure in 2006.

He also told us that Lotus were temporarily storing cars destined for Canada on the airfield, so we went to have a look as a transport lorry had just arrived with another ten cars. There were hundreds of cars parked up, each car with a white protective wrapper that had a roll up door section and the wheels had individual covers too.
As we left, Ian headed for Skeyton and the direct route home, including the flooded Lodge Lane south of Erpingham, while the rest went via Swanton Abbott to North Walsham, crossing the A149 and heading for Antingham. Then it was Suffield, Hanworth, Sustead, Gresham, where Duncan headed for Holt and Chris and I returned to PC.

PC to PC was 45 miles at an average of 14.9 mph
Riders: Chris S, Duncan S, Mark M and Ian A
Ian is definitely improving as his route was 38 miles at an average 13.8mph and no train assistance today!

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 28th September – Bircham Mill
Wednesday 2nd October – Lily’s Tea Room, Hadfields, North Walsham
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
On a glorious sunny day with a light east wind, Mark and Neil met at PC. Other regular Wheelers were away or sidelined by ailments.
The duo set off for Barningham Winter, Itteringham then Itteringham Common to Ingworth, where we met Graham who was chatting to a lady cyclist from Holt who was on her way to Happisburgh.
We continued on to Aylsham and across the roundabout to the Burgh road. A little way down Neil turned for Marsham and home as he was on dog minding duty for the day.
Graham and I decided to see if the path from Burgh Church to Brampton was bike friendly. It was a well worn path through the churchyard and across a cow field, fine in the dry but there were two bridges to cross, the first had steps each end, the second also required lifting the bike on and off the bridge, plus there were two gates to get through. So, passable in the dry but it won’t be incorporated into a route, it was shorter than continuing through Burgh to Oxnead and Brampton but probably took as long.
We then continued through Stratton Strawless, Hainford, Frettenham and through the back lanes to Salhouse and down to the café at Little Plumstead.

On arrival we saw that Malcolm had cycled up from St Olaves to join us and was already enjoying his lunch, Graham and I had ordered lunch when appearing around the corner was Ian A.
Keen to get out for some cycling in the sun despite his continued knee pain, he had cycled to Sheringham and caught the train to Norwich, then cycled out to the café, retracing his steps to get back home later on.
Now as a table of four there was plenty to chat about, while we enjoyed a tasty lunch. With a train to catch, Ian set off first and we followed a little later.
With Malcolm joining us, we headed for Woodbastwick, Wroxham, Hoveton, then to the Ashmanhaugh junction, where Malcolm turned for Horning, Potter Heigham and home.
Graham and I continued to Worstead, where he decided to go directly to North Walsham and up to Cromer, while I continued via Meeting Hill to North Walsham. Then it was out towards Antingham, Suffield, Aldborough, Gresham and back to PC.

PC to PC was 63.5 miles at an average 14.8 mph
Riders: Neil Mc, Mark M, Graham A, Malcolm S, Ian A

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 25th September – Java Bean, Coltishall Airfield
Saturday 28th September – 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/

Ride Report by Andrew B
Three riders met at PC for a ride to Hickling on a windy but warm late summer morning. With Mark leading, the three set off at a good pace on the planned route through East Beckham, Gresham, Bessingham, Aldborough, Alby, Suffield and Felmingham were we picked up Graham (after a delay due to some confusion regarding the location!).
The four then proceeded through Skeyton, Swanton Abbot, Frankfort, Ashmanhaugh and onto Horning to view Chris’s boat. On arrival at the marina we found Chris (who had gone ahead to do some work on his boat), repairing another rear puncture, putting him equal at four punctures with, Graham A, Doug H and Andrew B.

After admiring the boat we then continued on through Upper Street, Ludham Bridge, Hall Common, Ludham, Potter Heigham and Hickling. On arrival at the pub the sun was out and we found a table in the garden where we could observe the boating activities on the broad. We all enjoyed a good lunch, which was served quickly (although Graham’s a little late) and the staff were very friendly. The Pleasure Boat Inn has recently reopened and is owned by Norfolk Wildlife Trust.

After lunch we made our way back against a northly wind which slowed progress a little, with the route taking us through Ingham, Lessingham, Happisburgh Common, Crostwight, Spa Common, North Walsham, Swafield, Bradfield, Lower Street, Thorpe market, Hanworth and Lower Gresham. Graham leaving us part way to make his own way home. Overall, an excellent route and a good day’s cycling.

PC to PC 60 miles
Average speed 14.3 mph
Total Elevation 1500 ft

Andrew, Chris, Graham A and Mark leading.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 21st September – Walled Garden, Little Plumstead
Wednesday 25th September – Java Bean, Coltishall Airfield
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
Mark, Andrew and Neil Mc were the only Wheelers at PC today, with ailments and family commitments reducing the numbers. The day started with sunshine and it continued all day, though the SW wind kept the temperature down.
As Neil had to be home early, and he wanted to get the miles in, he had cycled from Corpusty to PC even though he would be shortly retracing his route.
So from Corpusty we headed via Guestwick to Foulsham then Bintree Mill and the obligatory photo stop.

Then Broom Green, Brisley, East Bilney and through Gressenhall village to the museum and café.
The café courtyard was sheltered from the wind and was bathed in sun, so we sat outside and all enjoyed the excellent quiche, chips and beans, plus cake of course. Despite the headwind we had made good progress to the café, so we were able to have a leisurely lunch and enjoy the weather.
Our return leg was with the wind but after a good lunch the pace was slower, we went through Hoe and then around the Robertson Barracks at Swanton Morley, which is due to close permanently in 2029. Then we took the lumpy Bylaugh Road up to Sparham.
Neil then dragged us north up Nowhere Lane, through Kerdiston to Wood Dalling, where he turned for home. This meant that Andrew and I could continue at a more sedate pace to Briston and the regular route home through Edgefield, Baconsthorpe, Bodham Hill and PC, with Andrew turning off for Hempstead and home.

PC to PC was 55.2 miles at an average of 15.3 mph
Riders; Andrew B, Neil Mc, Mark M

Robertson Barracks: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robertson_Barracks,_Swanton_Morley

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 18th September – Pleasure Boat Inn, Hickling
Saturday 21st September – Walled Garden, Little Plumstead
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 morning with a strong westerly wind greeted Chris and Mark at PC. They knew it was going to be a hard slog mainly following the coast to the most westerly point at Burnham Market after 28 miles. At least the journey home should be easier.
Setting off via Bodham for High Kelling, we picked up Andrew (Ian is currently out of action, hopefully back soon) and continued on to Wiveton where Clive was waiting. The group of four continued to Blakeney quay where stopped to admire the view and watch a couple of harbour boats heading up the creek as the tide was in.
Then it was up the hill to Langham and across a very exposed airfield to Cockthorpe and down the hill to Stiffkey, followed by the tight left turn and immediate hill to Choosley Farm and on to the Warham road. Here we stopped for a breather before pushing into the wind again, this time for Warham and then Wells quay. Here we had another stop and watched the restored ex lifeboat and Dunkirk little ship, the Lucy Lavers manoeuvring.
Then it was through a still fairly busy Holkham Park, in through the East gate and out of the West gate, onto the Burnham road, taking a right at the crossroads to Burnham Overy Staithe. Here we had our final quay stop, looking at a nicely restored Sharpie sailing boat. We then turned inland for Burnham Overy, Burnham Market, Burnham Thorpe, passed Nelsons birthplace and finally to the Barn Café at North Creake Abbey.
It was too windy to sit outside, so we found a table indoors and ordered lunch. Between us we had sandwiches, toasties and pannini, we were all impressed how well filled and tasty they were, though two of the group found room for cake as well.
Refreshed we set off for the easier ride home, regrouping at the main road we realised that Chris was missing, so we headed back down to the café, to find Chris fixing a rear puncture (Schwalbe Marathon Plus). He hadn’t even got out of the car park, but had fortunately found shelter from the wind behind a barn, so we didn’t freeze while giving him advice.

Once fixed we went through North Creake and Waterden and crossed the Wells road and had a long descent almost into North Barsham, when we realised that Andrew was missing. Retracing our route back up the hill we found Andrew fixing a flat in the farmyard near the crossroads. (rear Conti Gatorskin). As with Chris’ puncture there was no obvious cause, so a new tube went in and we set off again.

Through the Barshams, up to Great Snoring, Hindringham, Bale, Sharrington and Thornage. Here Clive turned for Letheringsett and Blakeney while the rest continued to Hunworth and up the hill to Edgefield which was a struggle for me, though I finally made it. Then instead of going via Hempstead and Selbrigg, we sent Andrew home that way, while Chris and I went through Baconsthorpe and Upper Sheringham to home.
We have a three way battle in the Puncture Challenge with Andrew B, Doug H and Graham A all at four punctures each!

PC to PC was 61 miles at an average 14.4 mph
A hilly route with 830m / 2723ft of climbing
Riders: Chris S, Andrew B, Clive A, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 14th September – Mardler’s Rest, Gressenhall
Wednesday 18th September – Pleasure Boat Inn, Hickling
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
Mark and Chris met at a damp and misty PC, contrary to the sunny forecast. It was also warm and very humid. We hoped it was a coastal phenomenon and would improve as we headed inland as our route would take us south to the Wensum.
We went to Barningham Winter then took the Itteringham road, picking up Jim at the Little Barningham junction, then to Itteringham to pick up Neil and onwards to Cawston.
By now, Chris had taken the lead and was dragging us along at high speed to Haveringland and then Swannington and Attlebridge, where we had our customary stop to look at the river. Then an easy crossing of the A1067 and up Marl Hill Road to Morton Lane towards Lyng. Arriving in Lyng we stopped for a breather and saw that we had averaged 16.7 mph. That would soon change as we continued to Fustyweed and then headed uphill to Bawdeswell, Foxley and Themelthorpe.
The weather had improved as we headed inland, with the damp mist clearing and the occasional brief sunny spell, it remained very humid, so we decided to sit outside in the garden at Junction 21. It was good to see a number of other people calling in to the café, some out walking, others cycling, as we have been the only people there on some visits.
After a very good lunch of quiche, chips and salad, a good wedge of carrot cake and a pot of tea, I was almost ready for the slightly shorter return leg.
We set off for Foulsham, Wood Norton, Stibbard, Barney, a loop around Thursford church then to Gunthorpe. Here we went via Sharrington to Brinton, to avoid the muddy potholed section of road into Brinton. Then it was Stody and Briston, where Jim turned for home and the rest continued to Edgefield, Baconsthorpe and Bodham Hill. Chris headed for home via Upper Sheringham, Neil turned for Corpusty at Red Barn Lane and I finished the loop at PC.

PC to PC was 56.5 miles at an average of 15.6 mph
Riders: Chris S, Jim H, Neil Mc, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 11th September North Creake Abbey
Saturday 14th September – Mardler’s 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/

Ride report by Andrew B
Three riders met at PC for a ride to Coltishall on a warm and sunny late summer morning. With Mark leading, the three set off at a good pace on the planned route through East Beckham, Gresham, Sustead, Hanworth, Thorpe Market, Lower Street, Bradfield, Swafield, North Walsham, Meeting House Hill, Lyngate, Worstead and Cowgate Common.
On arrival at the Rising Sun we decided it was warm enough to sit outside and found a good table for observing the various water activities. Stand Up Paddleboards seemed to be the favourite choice, although most people were kneeling! We were too early to order lunch but enjoyed drinks before we could order food at 12:00pm. Malcolm then arrived and was able to order as well. The food arrived quickly, and we all enjoyed a good lunch and for some, a second coffee! There was much discussion of old men’s ailments, with possibly too much detail!

As the sun had disappeared as we finished lunch, we decided to hit the road again. The route back took us through Little Hautbois, Lamas, Buxton, Oxnead, Burgh, Aylsham, Drabblegate, Erpingham, Calthorpe, Matlaske and up to Hill Farm where I departed for home. The two remaining riders then made their way back to PC. The route did involve some walking to avoid a flooded section of road (Lodge Lane, Erpingham) as Mark had decided that there was no chance that it would be flooded! However, overall, an excellent route and a good day’s cycling.

PC to PC 47 miles – Malcolm beat us today with a solid 60 miles.
Average speed 14.5 mph
Total Elevation 1500 ft

Andrew, Chris, Malcolm and Mark leading.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 7th September – Junction 21, Themelthorpe
Wednesday 11th September – North Creake Abbey
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/