Month: October 2024

Ride report by Mark M
On an overcast and windless day, Duncan, Chris Andrew S and Mark met at PC, then collecting Graham A at Gresham church. Then it was down to Thurgarton, through Wickmere village, Itteringham and Oulton to Heydon Park, only to find that once again it was closed to through traffic. So we set off down the main road, turning right down Heydon Road and picking up the route again at Heydon, taking us to Thurning, Hindolveston and the long drag up to Melton Constable. After a breather at the top of the hill it was an easy downhill to Thornage, where we turned at the church on the Thornage Road for the A148. It was a short run downhill to Back to the Garden and a fairly busy café.
This is the first group ride to the café since it reopened and now Jarrolds are providing the catering and it was very good, though the cardamon, apple and celeriac soup was described as unusual and different! There were no takers for the cake table, though Chris might have been tempted if he didn’t have to leave early to see another man about a boat.
There had been a few rays of sunshine while we were in the café but they had gone by the time we left and been replaced by dark rainclouds, which soon cleared. Graham headed for home via Holt, leaving three to enjoy the hills on the route home, Chris said he was going to follow the route home, so maybe he got to enjoy them as well.
We headed back uphill to the Thornage Road and dropped down to Letheringsett, stopping at the Mill to check out their post flood catering arrangements as a ride there was planned for Nov 23rd. Unfortunately all they do now are takeaway drinks and they no longer open on Saturday. We did see the repair work being done on the wooden toothed gear wheel that had failed, and they hope to back milling by mid November.
We took the hilly road to Bayfield Brecks, dropping down to Glandford then taking the Dragway up to the B1156. Then it was Saxlingham, Field Dalling, Langham and down to Blakeney, stopping to check on Andrew’s house on the way. Blakeney was busy so we didn’t stop, carrying on to Wiveton and Cley Newgate, where we did stop to look at the resizing of Arcady, it currently looks like a roofless shell.
As we set off up the hill Duncan shot off into the lead and stayed there all the way to the top, there was no catching him. Around High Kelling, Duncan turned for Holt and Andrew headed for Hempstead and home, while I continued back to PC.

PC to PC was 51.3 miles at an average 14.7 mph
Riders: Duncan S, Chris S, Andrew S, Mark M, Graham A

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 2nd November – Mardler’s Rest, Gressenhall
Wednesday 6th November – Wroxham Barns
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
On the last Saturday of the year before the clocks went back Mark M and Chris S met at PC. The weather was mild but misty with little wind. As the day wore on the sun broke through with temperatures in the range of 15 degrees C.

The route took the two wheelers to Gresham where Doug was waiting and onto Aldborough to collect Neil M at the agreed rendezvous by the primary school. It was then onto Town Green where Jim also joined the group.

The famous five then crossed the A140 before passing through Suffield, North Walsham, Worstead, Ashmanhaugh, Hoveton and over Wroxham bridge. As usual the traffic was heavy in Wroxham. After the bridge a short detour was made to see if Chris’s new boat was in the marina. It wasn’t and was still presumably on the opposite site of the river having some work completed. The route then passed through The Avenue – Wroxham’s equivalent of London’s Mayfair in terms of prestigious property and values!

It was then onwards towards Salhouse before turning off to Woodbastwick and passing Woodforde’s Brewery. A short stop was made at Ranworth Broad to admire the picturesque setting and the boats before going on to South Walsham and Fairhaven Gardens.

At the café Macolm S was already waiting having cycled over from St Olaves. The café was quite quiet but a good hot lunch was enjoyed by all.

After lunch, the wheelers including Malcolm made the return journey via Panxworth, Woodbastwick and Woodforde’s Brewery (again!). Shortly after, Malcolm turned off toward Wroxham, then onto to Horning before heading home to St Olaves.

The remaining riders continued west then bearing north to Horstead. Here a short stop was made to admire the water mill which was in full flow. The route then went through Coltishall with the long climb to Badersfield. It was then onwards to Skeyton, Tuttington, Banningham and Ingworth towards Wolterton. At Wolterton Hall Neil carried straight on to head to Corpusty. The rest of the group headed past Calthorpe to Matlaske. Jim turned off before Matlaske towards Little Barningham.

The route then went via North Barningham where just before Chris broke away from the peloton for a sprint to the top of Red Barn Lane. However he then paid for this in the last mile to PC when Mark made a very impressive uphill flying sprint to the finish line. Well done Mark!. Doug had turned off before this at North Barningham to head back to Cromer.

Riders: Mark M, Chris S, Doug H, Jim H, Neil M & Malcolm S
Total Distance: 61 miles Average Speed 14.3 mph
Jim gets the longest distance award for 67.6 miles

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 30th October – Back to the Garden, Letheringsett
Saturday 2nd November – 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 Mark M
A cold, damp and foggy morning greeted Mark, Duncan and new member Andrew S. Chris wasn’t sure when his guests were leaving, so thought if he could get out he would meet us at the Star.
At Gresham church we found Doug, dressed for an arctic adventure, what will he wear when it does get cold?
We carried on to Bessingham, Thurgarton, Town Green, past Brian’s to Suffield, then Antingham. About half way down the Lyngate Road, we found that the road closed sign was correct for once, as tree felling was taking place, so we retraced our route and diverted along Pond Road, to collect Graham at North Walsham.
For a change, we took the Happisburgh Road out of town to White Horse Common, then to Briggate, Honing, East Ruston and Brumstead Common, here Chris caught up with us. When he could finally talk, he told us that he had reached PC at 10:21 and averaged 16 mph without stops to catch us, as it turned out he didn’t need to be so fast. Continuing on and turning opposite Sands Agricultural onto Brumstead Road and to the Star, we arrived about 10 mins before they opened, so we had to hang around the car park until they unlocked the door and were surprised to see us waiting.
Once inside, they quickly sorted out a big table, drinks and the menu, with the chef coming out to tell us that his home cooked ham and gammons had just come out of the oven. So, three of us had huge portions of ham, eggs and chips, the other three opting for equally large sandwiches. While we were having lunch, three other groups of people came in for lunch, so a popular place. We often cycle past it and finally made it our destination and I’m sure we will be back.
After lunch the day had improved considerably as the sun was out and the temperature had risen. As Chris had to see a man about a boat later in the afternoon, he set off while we got ready. We visited Happisburgh car park to see what had changed since our last visit on Sat 04/05/2024, when a huge section of cliff had been washed away, restricting access into the car park. The proposed new car park access road has not been built, though there are now granite boulder sea defences along the cliff base.

Shortly after leaving Happisburgh our route had to diverted again, this time due to cable works for the Vattenfall Wind Farm. We were soon back on course, through Ridlington, Witton, Pollard Street, Bacton Gas Terminal to Paston. Here we met Chris, who had stopped to try another tube in his rear Schwalbe Marathon Plus and then his Garmin had a fit and deleted all his routes, so now he was keen to join us!
It was on to Knapton and Trunch, where Graham left us for Southrepps and Cromer, the rest heading for Thorpe Market then Hanworth, here Andrew headed for Aldborough and Corpusty, Doug set off for Felbrigg and Cromer. The remaining trio continued to the final split at Gresham with Duncan heading for Holt, leaving Mark and Chris to return to a warm and sunny PC.

PC to PC was 50.6 miles at an average of 14.7 mph
Riders: Duncan S, Andrew S, Mark M, Doug H, Graham A, Chris S

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 26th October – Fairhaven Gardens, South Walsham
Wednesday 30th October – Back to the Garden, Letheringsett
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
After a bit of toing and froing about who was coming out and who might chase who, Chris hotfooted it straight from his Covid/Flu jabs (or maybe EPO?) and met Mark at PC. Then surprise! Ian was waiting at the High Kelling junction after all. So the trio set off in light drizzle for the 60 mile loop to East Rudham.
The route took us via Wiveton, Langham, Binham, and the Walsinghams where Mark announced a detour so he could hydrofoil through the River Stiffkey. But we did see the older narrow lanes of Little Walsingham, too. Skirting south of South Creake we went through Syderstone before turning south for our lunch stop at Biagios.
We had ‘enjoyed’ almost constant drizzle on the way there which frankly, was better than expected. The cafe was over half full but we were directed to a table and enjoyed good tea and coffee and the most enormous jacket potatoes with pulled pork and egg mayo baguette sandwich. Shock horror: no room at all for cake!!

Over lunch we checked all the weather apps known to mankind and felt we should be lucky on the return leg, too. Well what a waste of time that was. We set off in light drizzle which then turned heavier and continued pretty persistently most of the way back. Very soon we were lucky to see a pale fallow deer buck in the road. Though we’d have felt luckier if it wasn’t raining…
The route took us back east via the Barshams where we decided not to stop at the Brewery given we were pretty wet by then. So it was onwards to Great Snoring where we detoured to Hindringham and Bale, Mark guessing (probably correctly again) that the Gunthorpe Road to Sharrington would be pretty nasty. At Sharrington we continued on to Brinton, Stody and then Hunworth.
At Hunworth (where it had finally stopped raining) Ian headed back via (up!) the Holt road for a shorter route back to High Kelling. (Has he told you he’s got a bad knee?) This left Mark and Chris to race each other up the Hunworth Road to Edgefield, and then again up Bodham Hill on their way back to PC via Baconsthorpe. Boys will be boys. Spanish Legs 2, Norfolk Legs 0. But it’s getting closer apparently.
NNW Kit update: The Kalas wind/showerproof jacket with detachable sleeves does what it says on the tin and it’s good at it IMHO. But it is not totally waterproof. To date it has kept me dry and warm and not sweaty in light showers/drizzle, but in this afternoon’s rain it didn’t keep my arms dry. Body not so bad.

Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Ian A
PC to PC was 60 miles at 14.6mph average.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 23rd October – Star Inn, Lessingham
Saturday 26th October – Fairhaven Gardens, South 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 Chris S
Four wheelers, Chris, Mark, Andrew S and Duncan met up at PC on what was forecast to be an unusually warm autumnal day. Whilst the initial temperature was around 13 degrees C with an overcast sky the forecast was for a balmy temperature of between 18 and 20 degrees C with full sunshine.

The initial route took the four from PC to High Kelling where Ian A and Andrew B joined the group. From here it passed through Wiveton collecting Clive enroute. It was then up to Langham, Binham and Wighton before skirting around the southern side of Holkham Park. The route then passed through the Burnhams, Burnham Thorpe and Burnham Market, before reaching Burnham Deepdale at 11.55am. Here an enjoyable lunch (or breakfast for some!) was experienced at Deepdale Café with excellent food and service.

Leaving the café the promised sun appeared with the temperature reaching the late teens. The return route, heading into the SSE wind in part, took the group through Holkham Park via the west gate where Ian never one for missing a photo opportunity took a photo of the group by the gate.

Riding through the park the deer were out in abundance with a few deciding to make a last-minute dash across the road. From there the ride went through Wells with a slight detour via the harbour and another photo opportunity for Ian. The tide was out and Ian’s day was made when he spotted a Cormorant in front of the steel horse statue.

After Wells, Chris almost managed to swallow a wasp in his mouth which proceeded to sting him on the tongue before being promptly spat out (not to be recommended!). The ride then passed through Warham, Binham, Field Dalling and Saxlingham. Shortly after Saxlingham Clive left the group heading north back to Blakeney. The rest of the group continued to Letheringsett at which point Ian and Duncan continued along the Holt Road to Holt and High Kelling respectively.

The remaining riders then took a detour from the published route turning from the main Holt Road at Letheringsett through Little Thornage and Hunworth toward Edgefield. After the climb up Hunworth Road Andrew S left to head home to Corpusty. Chris, Mark and Andrew B went to Baconsthorpe and onto Mill Road and Rectory Road. At the Junction with Rectory Road Andrew turned left for High Kelling leaving Chris and Mark to head back to PC.

Riders: Mark M, Chris S, Duncan S, Andrew S, Ian A, Andrew B and Clive S – A great turnout for a Wednesday ride.
Total Distance: PC to PC 58.4 miles
Average Speed: 15.1 mph

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 19th October – Biagio’s, East Rudham
Wednesday 23rd October – Star Inn, Lessingham
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

Due to a late sick note by Doug, it was only Mark and Chris who met at PC on a chilly but dry morning. The 8degC that welcomed them was a particular shock for Chris as he was heard to say (on several occasions) “It was 26degC when I left Spain yesterday”. Needless to say he received little sympathy throughout the day. So the duo set off from PC for the ride to the Chequers pub in Hainford, a new venue. They picked up Ian and Andrew at Gresham Church which saved Ian a couple of miles as he continues to ‘take it easy’ on his injured knee.

The route took us via Aldborough, Calthorpe and onto Colby where we picked up Graham. We were expecting rain on the homeward leg and the rest of us had the de rigeur full mudguards, so it was a surprise to see Graham riding naked in that department… (However, maybe he got it right – more anon!) From Colby we skirted Banningham/Felmingham then via Swanton Abbot and Badersfield and towards Frettenham, before turning north to Hainford and the Chequers pub.

Despite arriving around 11:50am, the pub was open and we received a warm welcome albeit a cold table. But the sandwiches and burger were good and the tea/coffees hot. The Moongazer ale was a treat for a couple of the riders, too.

Mark assured us it was due to rain heavily at 2:45pm so we set a target of leaving the pub by 12:45 (which we nearly achieved) and agreed to lop a couple of miles off the planned return leg too. Whether it was the beer, but Mark couldn’t seem to get his bike computer to work properly after lunch and as we were reliant on him for the ‘sneaky shortcut’ I was frankly a bit concerned.
Anyway, his head and his head unit resolved themselves after a mile or so. From Hainford we headed north to Buxton and Brampton, where Graham left us to head back to Cromer. The remaining 4 riders took the Burgh Road into Aylsham and the Cromer road out. Shortly after leaving Aylsham we found the road closed due to ongoing Hornsea power cable works but we managed to walk our bikes around the immovable barriers via the flattened mud in the field, so we were soon on our way again.
Taking the small lane by the River Bure across Itteringham Common we made good progress to Itteringham and continued north to Matlaske. The skies looked fairly optimistic by now so it seemed we might stay dry after all – good call Graham on the no mudguards set up!
At Matlaske Ian and Andrew said farewell to Mark and Chris, heading to Plumstead to pick up the original route and back to High Kelling via Hempstead and Selbrigg Pond. Mark and Chris continued on to North Barningham and back to Sheringham via PC. Unfortunately Chris managed to get a rear puncture just after the corners at Barningham Winter, so after checking he had a pump & tube, he was abandoned as the black clouds moved in. So, Chris comes back from sunny Spain and straight away snatches the lead in the Puncture Challenge with an impressive 5 flats, Andrew will be mad.
Most of us got back home around 2:30pm just as some very light rain was starting. It rained heavily in High Kelling at exactly 2:45pm. As predicted by Mark…

PC to PC was 42.3 miles @ 14.7mph
Riders: Andrew B, Chris S, Graham A, Ian A, Mark M, with Ian & Andrew covering 47 miles @ 14.3mph

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 16th October – Deepdale Café, Burnham Deepdale
Saturday 19th October – Biagio’s, East Rudham
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 reports by Mark M and Chris S
After a night of heavy showers, wet roads and light drizzle greeted Mark and Andrew S at PC. They set off for Selbrigg Pond, collecting Andrew B and for the first time in an age, Ian A, on the way. Heading through Edgefield, Briston and Craymere Beck, there were periods of showers and sun, resulting in a great rainbow at Nethergate.

At Hindolveston we turned for Wood Norton, Stibbard and Great Ryburgh and the rolling hills up to Colkirk. Here we encountered a long section of roadworks as a new pavement was being laid linking a new development with the village. Negotiating the works without any mishap we continued to Whissonsett and to our destination at Stanfield.
Fortunately they had room inside for the four of us as it would have been damp in the outside courtyard. We were well looked after and enjoyed tasty pannini’s, baguette and sandwich, with two opting for cake as well.

When we finally left we were pleased to see that there were no punctures this week, so set off for Brisley, Bintree Mill and the compulsory photo stop.

Then up the hill to Bintree and Foulsham. Here Ian opted to take a more direct route home, not wanting to overdo things on his first club ride for months. The remaining trio continued to Guestwick, Tyby and Corpusty, where Andrew S turned for home. The final part of the route took us up the Matlaske Road for Barningham Winter and up Bodham Hill to the final split at Hill Farm.

PC to PC was 55.4 miles at 14.3 mph average
Riders: Andrew S, Andrew B, Mark M, Ian A, with Ian covering 48 miles at 14.3 mph.

Chris S again sends us a report from Sunny Spain –
Ride Report – San Jamie to Benissa, North Costa Blanca – Wednesday 9 October 2024

Today’s ride was supposed to be a 33 mile circular route to Gata de Gorges with a total ascent of 768 metres. However with only one wheeler reporting for the ride it turned out to be much shorter.

The ride commenced in San Jamie with a short downhill run followed by a hard climb up to Benissa. Just before Benissa the front of the bike developed a strange wobble. Having checked the forks and front wheel all seemed fine. However on continuing the wobble was still present. It was then discovered the most of the spokes in the rear wheel had become loose. Having had my bike multitool confiscated by customs at Norwich airport the only means of tightening the spokes was by finger.

This left no option but to retrace the route back down to San Jamie stopping to finger tighten the spokes every kilometre or so! Not a particularly enjoyable mountain descent of 400 or so metres with a loose back wheel.
Rider Chris S
Total distance12.6 miles
Average speed 11.43mph
Total ascent 377 metres/total descent 437 metres

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 12th October – Chequers, Hainford
Wednesday 16th October – Deepdale Café, Burnham Deepdale
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 – Chris S reports below.
With numbers down due to holidays and other activities, Doug and Mark met at PC on a dry, overcast and cool morning for the ride down to Reepham Station Café.
So at a good pace we set off for Baconsthorpe, Edgefield to Briston, where one of Doug’s mudguard bolts went AWOL and we had to make a cable tie repair. Then it was Craymeer Beck, Guestwick, Themelthorpe, Foxley across the A1067 to Billingford, where we turned up the hill to the high point above Billingford Lakes. Here we stopped to take in the view, before dropping down the hill to the Bylaugh Road, taking us all the way to Sparham and then the back way via Mill Road to Reepham.
By now the sun had finally come out and we found Graham already sat at an outside table, Ian had arrived moments before us, so soon there were four enjoying their lunches in the sun.

The good weather had brought out many people and the café was busy.
When it was time to leave, Ian made his own way home and the remaining trio cut out a 10 mile southern loop and instead went via Booton Church to Cawston, picking up the return route there. Then we skirted around the top of Aylsham through Drabblegate to Ingham, Erpingham, Aldborough and up to Thurgarton Church. Here Graham and Doug headed for Cromer and Mark turned for Bessingham, Gresham and PC.

PC to PC was 48.6 miles at an average 15.1mph.
Riders: Doug H, Mark M, Ian A, Graham A.
Ian’s knee and back are getting better, he managed a full round of golf during the week and then 34 miles at 14.9mph average today.

Chris S our Spanish Correspondent reports:
Ride Report – San Javier to Javea, North Costa Blanca – Saturday 5 October 2024

Not surprisingly only one wheeler showed up for today’s ride. The weather was a dry 26 degrees centigrade with blue skies, full sun due to no cloud and a light breeze.
The route which included 8 major climbs started in San Javier, continued along the coast to Moraira and then headed in land to Benitatxell. From there the route passed though Javea – see photos below and then up to Denia passing through the residential suburbs which were a mixture of very rough and steep roads. The roads were so steep at one stage that the rider had no option but to get off and walk!

Once out of Denia the road levelled out and was flat (the only flat part of the ride) to La Xara and Ondara. From here the dreaded climbing began again with the route continuing through Orba, Alcalali, Xalo, Lliber. Seniji and Benissa leaving the last two climbs to be tackled. The final climb around San Jamie Golf course was a muscle breaking 58 metre climb of 8 percent to finally reach the finishing point. Although only 50 miles the ride felt like a 100 mile plus ride in North Norfolk!
Rider: Chris S
Distance: 50 miles
Average speed: 12.88mph
Total Ascent: 1176m

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 9th October – Old Dairy, Stanfield
Saturday 12th October – Chequers, Hainford
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/