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/
North Norfolk Wheelers 