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/
North Norfolk Wheelers 