Ride report by Mark M
A sunny dry day greeted five Wheelers at PC, though the cold north easterly wind pulled the temperature down and had forced everyone back into their winter kit. Our longer outward leg took us west and then south, so we would have the wind helping us all the way to Reepham.
Ian joined us at PC, which was a surprise as he would normally join us at High Kelling as we passed through, he was obviously feeling keen!
After Bodham and High Kelling we headed for Salthouse Heath, then turned for Bayfield Brecks and dropped down to Letheringsett, crossing the ford at Little Thornage and started heading uphill to Thornage, Burgh Stubbs and Melton Constable, where Jim was waiting for us.
Now a group of six, we had an easy wind assisted downhill run to Hindolveston and Foulsham, then turned for Themelthorpe, Whitwell and up to Reepham and the Station Café.
On arrival we met Graham, sitting outside in the sun and it was decided we would all sit outside, however before all the lunch orders had been placed, the sun disappeared and the same cyclists rushed to find tables indoors. It also meant that lunch was served on crockery instead of a takeaway box, which pleased Chris as he had ordered the soup.
It seemed as if the café had recently changed hands, with different staff, a change of decoration and a slower service, though the food was as good as before.
After lunch Graham joined us as we headed home via Salle, Heydon and towards Corpusty, we turned off at Cropton Hall, while Graham continued on a more direct route back to Cromer. Our route took us through Red Pits and along Blackwater Lane for Briston, where Jim turned for home and the original group of five turned into the wind for the climb up to Edgefield.
So after dragging them uphill and sheltering them from the wind, I was mugged as soon as the end came into view, with Neil, Ian and Chris battling for honours at the top, apparently Neil was first, Ian a very close second (according to Ian) and Chris getting third spot on the virtual podium, Doug kept me company and made sure I didn’t get lost.
Neil followed the old adage of quit when ahead and turned for home, while we continued east to Little Barningham and Wickmere, turning for Matlaske and up Blossom Hill, pausing at the top to pay our respects to the cyclist who died there recently, a spot marked with a selection of flowers.
Next was Gresham, where Ian and Doug headed off in opposite directions, leaving two to complete the loop back to PC.
PC to PC was 49 miles at an average speed of 14.6 mph
Riders: Chris S, Doug H, Neil Mc, Ian A, Mark M, Jim H, Graham A
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 19th March – Goat Inn, Skeyton
Saturday 22nd March – Norton’s, Walsingham
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 