Ride report by Mark M
Waking up to the first rain in weeks, it took a leap of faith to believe the weather forecast’s claims of a dry, overcast day with temps in the high teens, though the westerly wind was warmer than the recent northerlies.
With numbers reduced due to holidays, a stag weekend (pension books at the ready lads) and waiting for a tide, it was at Gresham Church where Doug and Ian were waiting that we increased the peloton to three. With the warm wind and damp conditions, humidity was very high and it was easy to feel overdressed.
Onwards through Matlaske, past Mannington Hall to Corpusty to collect Neil. Both Ian and Neil removed rain jackets before setting off due to the sticky conditions, we would have a few spots of light rain along the way but nothing troublesome.
Through Thurning to Nethergate, where after six dry and puncture free weeks, the puncture fairy returned and picked on Ian. Helping him by talking amongst ourselves, with the odd word of encouragement, he changed tubes (only one required this time!), pulled out a sliver of flint from the front tyre (Conti 4 Seasons) and we continued.
Dropping down to Guist we crossed the A1067 for Broom Green then headed back uphill to Gateley, crossing the Dereham road for Horningtoft and Whissonsett. As Neil didn’t have time for the full ride and the return leg also went through Whissonsett, he followed the route for home, while we continued to Tittleshall and into Litcham.
Leaving our bikes in the churchyard next door, we received a friendly welcome in the café and found ourselves a large trestle table. While ordering, Doug once again managed to put his Spatz shod foot in it, I don’t know what he said but the two ladies running the place thought it was hilarious. Doug’s defence was that he is still jetlagged (we heard that a lot, mainly at the top of climbs).
After an excellent lunch and delicious chocolate brownie (Ian abstained), it was time to head off into the last headwind leg, across Litcham common (no ponies today) and to Great Dunham. Turning for Great Fransham we finally picked up a tailwind and on good roads we made fast progress, past Beeston Ploughshare pub where we had lunch last August, past Bittering gravel works and up to the Stanfield crossroads on the B1145.
Doug could be heard mumbling something about jetlag and matches, I don’t know if they were burnt or lost but they seemed to be missing.
So at an easier pace we continued back to Whissonsett, Colkirk, the ups and downs to Great Ryburgh, stopping for a breather at the top of the hill before crossing the A1067. Then it was Stibbard, back through Wood Norton, turning for Hindolveston, Craymere Beck, Briston and the compulsory sprint to Edgefield White Horse, where Ian acted as lead out man (I think that was his intention).
Ian turned off for home via Hempstead, at the top of Red Barn Lane, Doug continued for Cromer and I headed back to PC.
A good days ride reaching areas we don’t get to very often and in warm, mainly dry conditions.
PC to PC was 71 miles at an average 15.2 mph (14.6 out & 15.6 back)
Riders: Ian A, Doug H, Mark M, Neil Mc
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 28th May – Heydon
Saturday 31st May – The Old Store, Snettisham
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 