Ride report by Ian A
Four Wheelers met at PC for the ride out to the ever popular Old Dairy at Stanfield. It was good to see Mark out after his recent bout of man flu that had kept him off the bike for a week. We were to enjoy a day of uninterrupted sunshine (not quite ‘warm’ yet) but some of us had shed our winter overboots. Spring has indeed sprung!
The route headed south from PC via North Barningham to the Old School House at Matlaske where the group picked up Ian who had a cunning plan: Due to the mud and detritus on the road at Lower Bodham (Anglian Water roadworks – closed to cars) he had ridden from High Kelling via Selbrigg Pond and Baconsthorpe to intercept the main peloton. The five riders then continued on via Corpusty, Wood Dalling, Foulsham and Bintree where we crossed the A1067 Fakenham Road.
We were enjoying dry roads and very nearly (but not quite) puddle and mud free surfaces. Onwards via Broom Green and Brisley Green we soon arrived at the Old Dairy after 24 miles.
Despite some initial scepticism from Ian we opted for a table outside which proved to be a good decision as the garden is sheltered and we were bathed in the Spring sunshine. Drinks and food were ordered, arrived soon and was enjoyed by all – soup, sandwiches, quiche and a spanish omelette all hit the mark. WIth the generous portions and Chris focussed on his F-plan diet (the granary bread with his soup was noted) only Ian was up for cake, but Andrew was soon persuaded when Ian offered to pay. Well half a cake actually as they shared a triple chocolate brownie – and more coffee…
As we set off we were in good spirits knowing it was pretty much a tailwind all the way back (and compensation for the headwind all the way there). The route took us via the Ryburghs, the short climb out of Great Ryburgh and on to Hindolveston and Briston. Mark led the group up Briston Road to Edgefield, and nearing the top Ian tried to take advantage of Mark’s recent ill health and made a bid for the KoM points! But Mark’s shadow loomed large and close to Ian’s rear wheel and with a healthy spurt (always a good sign) Mark took the honours. After the customary verbal back slapping we sent Andy on his way back to Corpusty while the remaining four of us headed onwards. Just before Baconsthorpe Ian diverted back to High Kelling via Hempstead and Selbrigg Pond to once again avoid the Lower Bodham roadworks. He really does have cunning in spades. The remaining three Wheelers rode back to PC via Baconsthorpe and West Beckham.
Botanical Notes: Still plenty of snow drops around and it was good to see daffodils and early primroses along the verges. All say aaahhh.
PC to PC was 48.6 miles at an average speed of 14.6 mph
Peloton: Andrew B, Andy S, Chris S, Ian A, Mark M.
Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 8th March – Chequers, Hainford
Wednesday 12th March – Old Reading Rooms, Kelling
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 