Month: June 2025

Ride report by Neil Mc
Three Wheelers met at Pretty Corner at the earlier time of 9am to try and get ahead of the expected heat. The day started out cloudy and breezy, but warm and close.
Ian joined at the top of Red Barn lane and then it was a run straight down the Matlaske road to Itteringham and on to Oulton where Neil joined at the junction of Marlpit Lane and Church Lane.

The peloton was up to full strength of 5 now. A large hare bolting out of the hedges and across the road between the bikes almost caused a pile-up a few minutes later, but it was so fast that it luckily managed to miss everyone. That wouldn’t be the only nature seen that day, but nothing else was aimed directly at us!
The route continued through Oulton Street, Cawston and Felthorpe and on through the woods down to Attlebridge with the traditional stop on the old bridge over the Wensum. On continuing on the old Fakenham road the 2nd Nature-watch of the day occurred when Ian spotted a Slow Worm by the side of the road ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_slow_worm). This is neither a worm or a snake, but a species of legless lizard and despite its name it was fast enough to evade attempts at photography!

From Attlebridge it was a straight climb out of the Wensum valley up the hill to Weston Longville and across the plateau to the A47 crossing bridge at Fox Lane. Near Hockering Wood we saw a combine harvester at work, the first of the season.
A quick run brought us to Mattishall and through to South Green and our cafe stop at Cafe Verde. The temperature had risen quite a bit at this point so we wisely decided to sit in the spacious air-conditioned cafe rather than outside in the sticky heat.
Cafe Verde is based in a small business training centre, an unusual location, but a very nice cafe serving all day breakfasts and a good choice of light bites and sandwiches. The tasty food soon arrived with special note to Mark’s choice of a triple-decker sandwich. That was certainly an impressive light bite!

All too soon it was time to set out again into the heat. Ian had to get back to a beer festival so took the sensible choice of cycling back through Mattishall and picking up the return route. The remaining four set off on an extra loop through Barnham Broom, Coston and back through the outskirts of Mattishall to the A47 crossing bridge to North Tuddenham. The sun had started to break through quite frequently by this point and it was very warm.

Fortunately a stop had been planned at Dann’s Farm Shop to enjoy some of their ice-cream. Chris kindly treated us all to ice-creams and we cooled down in the shade.

From Dann’s it was a quick run down into the Wensum valley at Elsing and up the other side to the A1067 crossing at Sparham. Then on down Nowhere Lane and up past Hackworth Hall to Kerdiston and then through to Wood Dalling.

Andrew’s Garmin was reading 31degC at this point and the heat was getting oppressive. Chris then revealed his Spanish hot-weather training and shot off at high speed leaving the rest of us grumbling behind in the dust. We re-grouped past Thurning and carried on via Blackwater Lane and Heath road to Town Close where Neil turned off for Corpusty.

The remaining trio carried on up to Edgefield, Baconsthorpe and West Beckham back to Pretty Corner and home.

Wheelers: Mark M, Chris S, Andrew B, Ian A and Neil M.
Distance: 65.7 miles
Average speed: 15.4 mph

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 2nd July – Erpingham & North Walsham
Saturday 5th July – Mardlers’, Gressenhall
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

Ride report by Andy S

With another hot and dry day forecast the weather was humid with a slight wind from the southwest.

A good turnout of 5 members( Mark M, Chris S, Andrew B , Duncan S and Andy S ) and guest rider Barry met at P.C. We set off to West Beckham and onto High Kelling where we met Ian A.

All 7 riders proceeded to Wiveton and onto Glandford where we went over the bridge at the ford. Mark decided not to stop for a swim this week. Past the Shell Museum, up to the Dragaway and onto Field Dalling.

We reached our Breakfast stop, at a very busy Binham Parlour, before 11.30 am . Luckily Mark had booked our table so we were all soon seated and ordering our fry ups in various forms. Barry had a slight mess up with his egg on toast ending up with three eggs on toast and not having to pay for it !! (The club does treat their guests well).

All fed and watered we set off for a trouble free ride home through Warham, Great Walsingham, North Barsham , Great Snoring and Gunthorpe. Between Gunthorpe and Sharrington the verges had just been mowed with grass and brambles spread all over the road, luckily no punctures to report which makes a change for me (Andy S ).

We carried on through Thornage, Hunworth and up to Edgefield. Chris and Ian announced they wouldn’t be racing up the hill to Edgefield (what ever) but as normal the speed picked up with Duncan taking an early lead and quietly drawing away. Ian realised the stealth move and counterattacked with the rest of us following up the rear. What happened to Chris, he must of been having a week off as he didn’t contest the race at all. Duncan was crowned King of the Mountains (well Norfolk Hill). At this point Andy S turned off to Corpusty with the rest of the group heading back towards P.C.

All in all a lovely day out on our bikes. The best Norfolk could throw at us with lovely quiet lanes and weather to suit.

PC to PC was 52.6 miles at an average 14.1 mph
Riders: Ian A, Andrew B, Chris S, Mark M, Duncan S, Andy S, Barry

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 28th June – Café Verde, Mattishall – 9am Start at PC
Wednesday 2nd July – Hadfields, North Walsham
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/

Ride report by Chris S
On what promised to be the hottest day of the year to date with temperatures of up to 32 degrees C only three Wheelers, Mark, Andy and Chris turned up at PC. Apologies for absence from other wheelers included excuses such as sailing, too hot or other commitments.

Anyway not withstanding the heat and the good moderate south easterly head on wind the trio headed off to collect Ian at Gresham Church. Ian was already muttering excuses about it being too hot to complete the route.

The four wheelers then continued towards Bessingham and Alborough. It soon became apparent that Mark who was leading was following a different route to the other wheelers. After a brief stop to get Mark back on track the riders headed on through Suffield, North Walsham, Briggate and Honing. At the junction with Stalham Road Ian muttered more excuses about the heat and turned left to take a shorter route home (he later reported that he had ridden 50.2 miles at an average speed of 15.2mph although no one was able to verify this!).

(Editor- Ian saw this recent memorial for American pilot 2nd Lt John W Reed, his damaged B24 crashed close to Walcott Church, after all his crew had bailed out. More details in this Remembrance Day at Walcott article: https://b24.net/Newsletters/Dec-2016.pdf )

Also just before Stalham Road junction Andy’s rear wheel puncture saga continued. His wheel suddenly sprayed out yellow sealant everywhere. It appeared it was the same puncture as previously which had failed to seal properly. However, having self sealed again the trio rode on to Lessingham and then along the Marrams to Sea Palling. It appeared that the world and his dog had turned out to go to the seaside as the traffic was horrendous

The traffic chaos and congestion continued at Waxham where one hapless driver had even managed to reverse into a deep ditch in order to park so his family could have a day at the seaside.

After completing 30 odd miles the group arrived at Poppylands Café for a light lunch of sandwiches, scotch egg, tea and water whilst sitting under cover in the shade. It was too hot for the usual corned beef hash. Malcolm had already arrived having ridden over from St Olaves.

Lunch over, Malcolm headed back south whilst Mark and Chris waited for Andy to pump up his semi deflated rear tyre. The three then enjoyed a tail wind back to Sea Palling (avoiding Happisburgh due to the crowds flocking to the coast) and inland then Witton, Knapton and Trunch. A further stop was made for Andy to pump more air (again!) into his rear tyre.

Due to the traffic (or possibly the heat but don’t tell Ian!) an executive decision was taken to avoid Sidestrand and Northrepps and take a slightly less hilly route back to PC via Gunton Station, Thorpe Market and Hanworth where Andy then continued on a more direct route home.

This left Mark and Chris to continue the ride back to PC via Sustead.

Distance 59.4 miles
Average Speed 15.3mph
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andy S and Ian A, Malcolm S at lunch.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 25th June – Binham Parlour (Breakfast)
Saturday 28th June – Reedham Ferry – To be confirmed
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/

Ride report by Ian A
With the weather set fair again a massed gathering of seven Wheelers met at PC for the ride out to Reepham. It was good to see Duncan there for his first ‘start’ since 2024. And also Barry, again down on holiday from Leicester.
The shade would provide some welcome relief from the sun on the route which took us up Red Barn Lane then down the hill to Gresham, through Metton and across Hanworth Common and the c-c-cattle g-g-grids. We then turned south through Alby and Erpingham. At the Village Hall, Ian suggested we could stop for an early coffee/cake at their regular Wednesday morning fundraiser. This was met with mixed enthusiasm, and notably vetoed by one person who said ‘no time, too early’ but over lunch found time for a second coffee while some of us were ready to leave! Honestly… Anyway, after the briefest of pauses we continued on past the Village Hall and on to Ingworth, skirted Blickling and went via Cawston, gave Brandiston and Swannington a wide-ish berth and through the pretty Witchinghams, swinging north to Reepham, reaching the Dial House Cafe after 30 miles.
It was good to see Brian and Graham already there and enjoying their lunch in the sun. Some of us joined them and the rest of us took another table. There was some fruitless fettling by Ian to move a sunshade/stand with some practical advice by a charming group of ladies i.e. “Why not sit at the other table that HAS a sunshade?!” Obviously being blokes we chose to ignore that. Though in hindsight…
The savouries at the Dial House are tasty but limited, however the cakes are good so we feasted on ham/cheese rolls, scones, cakes & pastries, with Barry having the World’s largest cheese straw. The coffee is good, and may explain Chris’s second cup. A nasty habit he must have picked up from his recent continental trip as he’s usually a tea man.

We waved Brian and Graham off and once Chris (and Andrew to be fair) had drunk their refills we mounted up for the return leg. After a demonstration of ‘clipping in’ to one of the aforementioned ladies we set off into a gentle headwind for most of the return journey. We went along the Kerdiston Road to Guestwick, then on to Briston. The lanes had been particularly sandy and gravelly after last weekend’s storm so we diverted from the planned route though Briston/Horseshoe Lane and stuck to the Holt Road. At the Stody junction Duncan took the direct route back to Holt via Hunworth. The Boy Done Good. The rest of the Peloton continued on to Hunworth via Stody. And then came the Hunworth Road climb to Edgefield. Chris and Andrew set the early pace with Ian on their wheel. Where was Mark? Plotting an attack? For once, it turned out not. Chris started to flag allowing Andrew and Ian to get ahead and with a powerful surge, Ian went past Andrew and showing good pace was a clear winner at the summit. Mark saw the action from the back of the bunch (well he had led us out most of the day) and it seems that Barry (85+ years old if he’s a day) beat not only Mark but Chris to the top too. So this confirmed that after three weeks off the bike and a TT the night before, it can catch up with you. But even so. 85?…. After a brief chat and allowing a particularly large tractor/trailer combo to come past us, Andy turned off to head back to Corpusty and the remaining five continued down Rectory Road and then to Hempstead. Mark suggested we stop at Selbrigg Pond which always holds some interest. But again, Chris was having none of it and he, Andrew and Barry continued on to PC via Lower Bodham and West Beckham. Mark and Ian enjoyed a very pleasant few minutes enjoying the scene at Selbrigg Pond. Nice swan and lots of dragonflies and damselflies. The waters were clear and enabled us to see er, ‘fish’. Probably Roach and Rudd but we were randomly just spouting names we knew. Stickleback? But there was a ‘significant’ pike lurking near the bottom of the pond. Probably a good 15″ nose to tail and certainly bigger than Barry’s cheese straw. After about as much exciting nature as we could take, we headed up to the Selbrigg Road junction where Ian turned left for High Kelling and Mark made his (lonely) way back to PC. An excellent ride if a bit sketchy on the sand/gravel in places and some disjointedness in the ranks. We don’t know if Barry beat Chris back to PC.

PC to PC was 51.8 miles at an average speed of 15.4 mph
Riders: Andrew B, Andy S, Barry, Chris S, Duncan S, Ian A, Mark M (Graham A, Brian P lunch only)

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 21st June – Poppylands, Horsey
Wednesday 25th June – Binham Parlour (Breakfast)
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/

Ride report by Mark M
After a night of thunderstorms and lightening Chris and Mark met at PC on a dry, already hot and humid morning, the sky was overcast but would gradually clear to full sun by the afternoon, while a light south westerly provided a welcome breeze. The torrential overnight rain had washed loads of sand and debris onto the roads and a few flooded sections would have to be negotiated.

Today’s ride was the 10th anniversary ride in memory of Bruce McEwen, who enjoyed both Saturday and Wednesday club runs of all distances.
At Gresham we picked up Ian, Doug and Neil and headed for Aldborough, Suffield, past a closed Corvette Kingdom and on to Felmingham Church.
Already at the church car park and having a chat with Heather and her two boys Will and Ed, were Malcolm (up from St Olaves), Graham A, Brian P and Harvey T, an excellent total of nine Wheelers.
We then proceeded to the church gate for the annual photo, more chatting and generally getting in the way of the traffic before wishing Heather and the boys our best and heading off for lunch.

Brian and Harvey headed off on their own route, it was good to see them again. Graham joined us through Swanton Abbott to Worstead, then headed back for Cromer. Leaving six to make their way to a very busy Rising Sun.
As the only remaining outside tables were in full sun, we opted to eat inside at a large table for six. Despite being busy, we were looked after by the numerous staff and our food arrived quickly, the grilled chicken granary baps with salad were the choice for four and jacket spuds for two, all generous helpings and tasty.
On leaving, Malcolm headed south via Wroxham, Ludham, Martham and Great Yarmouth, while the rest headed for Badersfield, Swanton Abbot and Tuttington. On route to Banningham, Chris took off and Neil chased after him, we caught up with them again at the A140 crossroads. Then we took the road to Itteringham Common, which had a few flooded sections, after which Neil turned off for Corpusty. Itteringham was preparing for Sunday’s Open Garden event with people out and about sprucing the place up. Then it was on to Little Barningham, Plumstead, Baconsthorpe, the run up to the pylon which Chris won (by not waiting for any potential challengers), Ian headed for High Kelling and Doug for Cromer, with Chris and Mark going back to PC.

PC to PC was 52.8 miles at an average 15.3 mph
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Ian A, Doug H, Neil Mc, Malcolm S, Graham A, Brian P, Harvey T

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 18th June – Dial House, Reepham
Saturday 21st June – Poppylands, Horsey
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/

Ride report by Mark M
Andy, Mark and Andrew met at PC on a warm and sunny morning, cooled by a brisk south easterly wind. Mark then realised that for the first time ever, he had left his drinks bottles at home, not a good omen for the day. Andy kindly donated one of his bottles and we set off to pick up Ian at High Kelling. Ian was back out on his summer bike, very pleased with the service and price to get his bottom bracket fixed at Woods Cycles, Mundesley.
With the wind helping us along we made good progress through Wiveton, Langham, Binham to Great Walsingham. At the ford, Mark as usual headed straight through the shallow water, only this time his front wheel slid out and he ended up getting an early bath. As he got back to his feet he realised that the sun on the shallow water had allowed the algae to grow on the concrete surface and it was very slippery. Naturally the bike had gone derailleur side down, taking paint off the derailleur and shifter, but no major damage caused and we were soon back on our way, air drying as we went.
Continuing on to Egmeer, North Creake and to Burnham Thorpe, stopping to read the plaque at Nelson’s birthplace and then the long climb up to the south gate at Holkham. Once we had fought our way through the pedestrian gate, we stopped at the lifelike 7th Earl’s bronze statue, to admire the view of the hall, before making our way to the café.

We knew Graham A was going to be at the café, but were pleased to see Duncan S join us for the first time since his op six months ago. Graham had found a table in the shade, so we all managed to get around it to enjoy lunch and plenty of catching up, before getting a group photo at the courtyard entrance.

After lunch we headed down to a busy Wells Quay to admire the view and found a load of new crab and lobster pots.

We left Graham in Wells to continue his visit, while we headed for Warham, Binham, Field Dalling and Saxlingham. At the crossroads, we turned for Sharrington, while Duncan continued on to Holt.
On to Stody and Briston then the section up to Edgefield with the compulsory sprint to the old White Horse, where Ian came a close second. Andy turned for home and then we took the shorter Baconsthorpe route instead of the planned Plumstead route, this gave Ian the opportunity to spring a surprise sprint to the pylon, leaving the rest behind.

PC to PC was 54.6 miles at an average 14.9 mph
Riders: Andy S, Mark M, Andrew B, Ian A, Duncan S, Graham A

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 14th June – Rising Sun, Coltishall – Bruce McEwen Memorial Ride – Felmingham Church 10:50
Wednesday 18th June – Dial House, Reepham
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/

Ride report by Andrew B
Three riders met at PC on a dry but slightly chilly early summer morning for a run to the Star Inn. Andy S was proudly displaying his new Mason bike, which had at last arrived and looked splendid. The planned route took us through East Beckham, Gresham (where we picked up Ian and Clive), Sustead, Hanworth, Thorpe Market, Lower Street, Trunch, Paston, Bacton, Witton Bridge, Ridlington, Walcott Green and Happisburgh. This passed without incident until Andy S had a puncture (on the new bike!), but as this was a tubeless tyre it was quickly repaired (after covering the frame in sealant).

At Happisburgh we stopped to admire the disappearing cliffs and take the obligatory photos in front of the lighthouse.

We then completed the last few miles to the Star Inn where we were made very welcome and shown a good table. There was much amusement when ordering food, at Ian’s prostrations that he couldn’t have the ham, egg and chips as he was a honed athlete, to which the chef replied ‘in your dreams’. Mark and Andy S decided to go with this choice anyway (it was huge!) and we all enjoyed the food which was excellent.

The route back took us through, Brumstead, East Ruston, Crostwight, North Walsham, Antingham, Suffield, Alby, Thurgarton, Bessingham and Gresham. Andy S split off towards the end of the route for home and Ian and Clive at Gresham. Overall a good day out with a nice route, some sun and no rain.

Editor’s note – we were very surprised and pleased to John S from Honing in the pub for a family lunch. He’s looking well and is still getting out on his bike for 20+ mile rides. Good to catch up with you again John.

PC to PC 50 miles
Average speed 14.6 mph
Total Elevation 1650 ft

Riders: Mark, Andrew B, Andy S, Ian and Clive + John S at the Star.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 7th June – Rising Sun, Coltishall – Bruce McEwen Memorial Ride – Felmingham Church 10:50
Wednesday 11th June – Holkham Hall
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/

Ride report by Ian A
So finally, to paraphrase Poula Fisch from The Fast Show: “Scorchio!”. Yes, summer arrived with a bang (fortunately not the sound of one of Ian’s tyres blowing again) and a warm day with light winds greeted Mark & Neil when they met at PC for the ride out to The Old Store at Snettisham which is a new destination for the Wheelers’ Club Rides.
Motorcycling holidays, Sailing and last minute mechanicals before a French Cycling Tour had depleted the peloton that arrived at High Kelling to pick up Ian.

Neil informed us that he’d be leaving us at Burnham Thorpe – they had a family banquet on Sunday to organise and only had this afternoon to prepare the food. Neil wisely hadn’t fallen for his wife Jane’s attempt to call his bluff: “It’s okay, you go out cycling all day and I’ll sort the food.” Fair play to both of them!
The route took us over Kelling Heath (we reckon the poppies need another week to be fully out) and the well worn roads to Wiveton, Langham and Binham, where we turned past the Priory and branched off to Wighton and The Old Schoolhouse Gallery and Alfred Cohen Museum. Like an old record, Ian remarked again that it’s well worth a visit – which it is! Continuing east we skirted the south side of Holkham Park then as we sailed through Burnham Thorpe we realised that Neil had stopped for his turn off. Oops, so we back-pedalled to wave him off politely…
The Dynamic Duo continued on to Burnham Market where shortly afterwards, not realising quite how long the climb was, Ian set a ‘furious pace’ up Docking Road. The steady climb (which passes Cobble Hill Vineyard) goes on for about 3.5miles so he paid for it later… From Docking it was a gentle descent to Fring then up recently resurfaced and not yet compacted Fring Road (think Strada Bianchi without the dust).
Shortly afterwards we were in downtown Snettisham and found The Old Store cafe. It was busy so we had to settle for stools by the window. The staff were friendly, numerous and efficient and after a short wait, good poached eggs on toast and the Fit Bowl – eggs, smoked salmon, avocado, hummus (I could go on) – arrived. Ian’s iced latte was also pronounced delicious and very welcome. Their Cinnamon Buns had got rave reviews online but sadly had sold out! Ian settled for cinnamon polenta cake (also very good) and another iced latte rounded things off. Excellent stop, if a bit lacking in proper seating (I just don’t like stools!)

After a gentle headwind most of the way out, we were looking forward to a tailwind home. After lunch the route went directly east through Great Bircham, across the Fakenham Road to Syderstone, skirting south of South Creake and on to North Barsham, past the shrines and over the bridge by the ford at Houghton St. Giles. We stopped to admire the (ever curious) heffers then continued on to Great Snoring.

Out of Thursford I (we?) was certainly feeling even that gentle climb in my legs. From Gunthorpe we continued on the nasty, messy road to Brinton (puddles and mud I ask you!) then through Stody and Hunworth for the Hunworth Road Climb up to Edgefield. The route then took us down Rectory Road and back to Baconsthorpe where at the School Lane junction we commented (as ever) on the ‘Sombreros’ in the garden opposite – maybe a sign that the Mexican Del Toro was a shoe in for the Giro on the final combative day for GC?!… From Baconsthorpe we took New Road up to the mast where (despite assuring each other earlier that it was too hot to race) Mark gradually wound it up and not for the first time that day, left Ian in second place, but he’s claiming Docking Road!! At the bottom of New Road Ian turned left for High Kelling and Mark went right to head back to PC and Sheringham. A great day out in the sunshine.
Footnote: Well the Mexican lost it due to Simon Yates’ MAGNIFICENT effort up the Colle delle Finestre at the Giro. Chapeau indeed!!

PC to PC was 73 miles at an average speed of 15.3mph and 2874ft/876m of climbing.
Riders: Ian A, Mark M, Neil M

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 4th June – Star Inn, Lessingham
Saturday 7th June – Rising Sun, Coltishall – Bruce McEwen Memorial Ride – Felmingham Church 10:50
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/