First ride report by Doug H – Thanks Doug!
Four Wheelers, Mark, Chris, Neil and Doug meet at Pretty Corner on a cold but sunny morning, with only one complaint, that the orange thing in the sky just needed to be a bit higher so we could see where we were going. Just before we set off, we discovered the long-awaited new bike day for Mark had now become a new bike day for Andrew. We all reflected that this was a great way to keep that new bike feeling going for just a bit longer. We all are now looking forward to seeing Andrew’s new bike and continuing the joy of discussing what Mark’s next new bike will be!
We then headed out south via West Beckham, then at the junction of Rectory Road and New Road we picked up Ian, the fifth Wheeler for the day, with the sixth wheeler Graham (we thought) on his way directly to the lunch stop at The Bug Park in Sparhamhill. We then rode on via Baconsthorpe, Hunworth, Thornage, Sharrington, Gunthorpe. Suddenly, we hung a right on the bequest of Ian to see the rather nice St Andrews Church at Thursford. It was delightful, but only improved with the discovery that there is a once month homemade cake, tea and coffee offer. This may become a future first stop on a Saturday ride.
Now we had a choice, we either took puncture alley or the road of mud. Ian made the quick decision to go via puncture alley and off we went. Through Barney, Fulmodeston, Stibbard, Wood Norton, and Foulsham. Suddenly Ian declared a puncture, oops! We did reflect that with the sun out, this was not a hardship and with Mark ready, surgical gloves and frame pump in hand, we enjoyed the minor heatwave as Ian wrestled with the task of fixing the puncture. All we will say is that Mark was ready to go on the second attempt to sweep in majestically.
With Graham believed to be waiting, we accelerated to lunch, hoping the delay wouldn’t mean we would miss him. On our arrival we discovered no Graham, but a message to Mark informing us that he had also had a puncture and would not be joining us. We then enter a rather technical discussion on the merits of whether Graham’s puncture would count on the puncture leaderboard.
We then ordered and ate heartedly and marvelled at how some of the group were able to eat what could only be described as US portions. We then began the shorter ride back via Whitwell, Reepham, Crabgate, Saxthorpe, with Neil heading home in Corpusty. It has to be said that the shorter route back did not help Doug, who could only be described as a pedestrian. (At this point I would like to thank the rest of the group for waiting patiently.) We continued on and at the junction to Gresham, Doug bade farewell to the three Wheelers, who continued on, saying goodbye to Ian at the junction of Plum Lane and Mill Road as he headed home to High Kelling. The final two, Mark and Chris then continued back to Sheringham. A great day to ride in the sunshine and thank you all for the company.
PC to PC was 48.6 miles at an average of 14.0 mph
Riders: Chris S, Ian A, Mark M, Neil M, Doug H
Thursford Church: https://www.thursford.org.uk/st-andrews-church-thursford
Kalas Club Kit open until 9th Feb 2025 – £30 discount available for members first order – https://nnwheelers.co.uk/membership/club-clothing/
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 29th January – Dial House, Reepham
Saturday 1st February – Rising Sun, Coltishall
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 