Ride report by Chris S
Only 3 riders started from PC. They were Mark, Chris and Andy. Other club members were either in Australia, returning from Madrid or waiting for the tide to turn to go sailing. Having survived a tussle with a hedge and stinging nettles on the last ride Chris’s bike was back in fine order. The weather was the best yet this year with full sunshine and a high of 18 degrees C. An moderate easterly wind resulted in a predominantly cross wind on both the outgoing and homeward bound routes.
At Gresham church Ian was patiently waiting to join the ride which then headed in a southerly direction passing Aldborough, Ingham, Banningham and then through the Bure valley crossing the river Bure at Oxnead. From here it then skirted just north of the northern distributor road (NDR) passing through Hainford and Spixworth before turning east to Woodbastwick, the home of Woodforde’s Brewery which was named after Parson James Woodforde, an 18th century clergyman and diarist who had a passion for fine dining and beer. A quick stop was made at Ranworth / Malthouse Broad to enjoy the view and enable Ian to take photos.
Just after arriving at Fairhaven Garden café after some 30 miles in the saddle, Malcolm S arrived having ridden up from St Olaves. Lunch was enjoyed sitting outside.
At around one pm the four wheelers set off for the return journey leaving Malcolm to head home. The route initially headed west to Little Plumstead taking full advantage of the easterly wind before turning north to Salhouse, Skeyton and Frettenham. Just after Frettenham, Andy experienced a spectacular crash having hit a bump caused by a tree root in the road. Luckily although bruised Andy continued the ride. More importantly his bike was unscathed. This was the second wheelers’ crash in under a week with Chris having crashed on the previous Wednesday. Hopefully it will be the last!
The riders then continued onto Little Hautbois, Felmingham and Suffield. After crossing the very busy A140 towards Matlaske Andy turned off to Corpusty. This left Mark, Ian and Chris to race each other to the top of New Road. Unfortunately, nearing the top of the hill, with Ian on the inside line, a car coming in the opposite direction caused Chris to drop back otherwise it would have been a draw at the very least! Ian then headed back to High Kelling leaving Chris and Mark to return to PC
Total Distance 64 miles
Average Speed 16.1mph (Unusually both out and back legs were equal at 16.1 mph)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andy S, Ian A and Malcolm S
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 14th May – Holkham Hall
Saturday 17th May – Darby’s Swanton Morley
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 