Ride reports by Mark M & Chris S
The planned ride for today was a testing 104 mile loop with an 8am start from PC. As the day of departure drew closer it was clear that only Chris and Doug were prepared to be tested. So an alternative 60 mile loop was added which would include the original route as far as the first coffee stop at the Old Dairy, Stanfield. This familiar ride distance was the route of choice for Mark, Neil Mc and Graham A.
So four met at PC at 8am with Neil joining at Corpusty. It was a lovely morning with little traffic, sunshine and a fairly strong north easterly wind which was also a little cool.
So we set off for Gresham, Bessingham, Thurgarton and as we turned for Wickmere we had the wind fully behind us as we sped along to Mannington and Corpusty, picking up Neil. Then it was Guestwick, Foulsham and a photo stop at Bintree Mill, then Broom Green, Brisley and a short ride along the B1145 to the Old Dairy at 26 miles.
Chris and Doug, keen to get more miles under their wheels before lunch, just had coffee and sausage roll/cake, before setting off again. Their adventures will be reported later.
The remaining three, had a leisurely breakfast and can report that the Eggs Benedict with bacon was excellent. I somehow managed to order extra bacon and my breakfast came with an extra three crispy rashers, marvellous!
When we finally set off again, we headed generally north, through Whissonsett, Oxwick to Pudding Norton where we crossed the A1065 for Shereford and Sculthorpe Mill. As usual we stopped on the bridge and enjoyed the water and surroundings for a few minutes before crossing the very busy A148 on our way around Cranmer Hall and on to West and East Barsham. As we were now heading east, we realised just how strong the wind was and fleetingly thought of Chris and Doug who would be heading east from Burnham Market.
Once we reached Great Snoring, we had a few miles on flatter ground, through Thursford Green, Gunthorpe to Stody. Then we had a short uphill section on the way to Briston and then the familiar route back to Edgefield, Baconsthorpe (where we encountered huge tractors in both directions), up Bodham Hill and to Red Barn Lane. Neil turned south for Corpusty, I turned north for PC and Graham continued into the wind for Cromer.
PC to PC via Stanfield was 59.7 miles at an average of 14.6 mph, with 695m / 2280ft of climbing.
Though that doesn’t tell the whole story as the wind assisted leg to Stanfield was at 15.9 mph and the leg back with about 20 miles into the wind was at 13.6 mph.
Riders: Graham A, Neil Mc, Mark M
Now, Chris S gives his report;
After leaving Mark M, Graham A and Neil Mc to enjoy their leisurely breakfast, Chris S And Doug H, who had opted for the full 104 mile route continued onwards making good progress due to the tail wind.
The two Wheelers passed Tittleshall, West Acre, Grimston and Roydon. Rather than stopping at West Acre for refreshments the pair decided to deviate from the planned route at West Newton and headed to Sandringham adding a few extra miles.
Progress to Sandringham had been good with an average of 15.9mph from the start of the ride. A quick lunch of sandwiches and cake was enjoyed outside at the café on the Sandringham estate whilst fighting off an unusually high number of royal wasps!
On leaving Sandringham Chris and Doug immediately hit the very strong head on wind which was virtually constant for the remainder of the ride. The route took the riders through Sherborne, Fring, Docking and then Burham Market where a particularly long and steep gradient into the wind almost brought the riders to a standstill. However not daunted by this they battled on through North Creake and Wighton. At Walsinghan they stopped at Nortons café for a well earned beverage.
They then continued on through the three Barshams (North B, West B and East B) up yet another long steep hill into the prevailing wind. The ride which was by then testing the stamina of the duo passed through Hindringham, Bale, Hunworth and Baconsthorpe. At West Beckham Chris cheerfully waved goodbye to Doug in the knowledge that he had the shorter route home as Doug still had to ride back to Cromer and the wind had not eased at all.
The return ride from Sandringham brought the overall average speed down to 14.82mph. Chris covered a total distance of 110 miles whilst Doug covered even more!
PC to PC via Stanfield and Sandringham was 108 miles at an average of 14.82 mph, with 1175m / 3854ft of climbing.
Riders: Chris S and Doug H
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 4th September – The Rising Sun, Coltishall
Saturday 7th September – 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 