Ride report by Neil Mc
Three wheelers met at Pretty Corner on a cool morning with a chilly north wind. Neil and Graham were collected shortly at Gresham church and then in a moment of freestyle route planning the left turn was missed and an impromptu diversion to Bessingham was taken. The Aldborough road was quickly reached to get back on the route though, so no problem. Jim was waiting for us on the turn for Calthorpe so the peloton was then complete. The route carried on through Erpingham and down to Ingworth where we managed to negotiate a road closure. Cue grumbling about the massive amount of roadworks and closures currently in North Norfolk.
From Ingworth we cut through onto the Blickling road and turned off just before Blickling Hall and headed through Silvergate to Abel Heath and onward via Oulton Street to Cawston. Graham left here to head toward North Walsham and home as he had only planned a short ride. The remaining 5 carried on through Brandiston and Swannington to the usual stop on the bridge at Attlebridge to look at the river Wensum.
We left the river to the ducks and carried on across the Norwich Road and up the hill to Weston Longville and across the plateau to Elsing. Chris managed to plough into one of the many potholes on the way, but fortunately no accident ensued. Hopefully that is the end of our unlucky streak of crashes over the last few weeks.
From Elsing it wasn’t too far to our lunch stop at Darby’s, Swanton Morley. This was a surprisingly busy pub and got busier still, so we arrived just in time to get a table inside. No sandwiches were on offer, but there was a “light bites” menu. The name was certainly appropriate for the quiche portions that three Wheelers had, although “one bite” menu would have been more accurate. The ham, egg & chips and scampi & chips that Neil and Andy chose were much more satisfactory.
The landlord needed to open up the outside bar where we had inconveniently parked our bikes, so we quickly paid up and headed back out on the road toward Bawdeswell, but turning off to take the back route past the Wensum and Swanton Morley lakes into Billingford then on to Foxley to cross the Fakenham Road.
From Foxley we took the usual route through Themelthorpe, Guestwick and Craymere Beck to Briston where Jim left for Melton Constable and home. The remaining 4 carried on up the hill to Edgefield where Neil and Andy turned downhill for Edgefield Street and back to Corpusty. The final 2 continued on through Baconsthorpe and West Beckham to Pretty Corner and home in Sheringham.
A nice day’s cycling with decent weather that warmed up throughout the day, but the cold wind stopped it being properly warm.
Wheelers: Mark M, Chris S, Andy S, Jim H, Neil Mc, Graham A.
Distance: 56.4 miles
Average Speed: 15.4mph
Editor’s Note: Had a chat with Geoff P in town, he’s not been cycling over the winter but getting out and about now and enjoying the good weather. He sends his regards to fellow Wheelers. Hope to meet up with you on the road or in a cafe soon Geoff.
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 21st May – Javabean Café, Coltishall Airfield
Saturday 24th May – Litcham Deli
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 