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/
North Norfolk Wheelers 