Month: July 2025

Ride report by Chris S
On the last Wednesday of July five wheelers, Mark, Ian (sporting white socks!), Clive, Andy and Chris, gathered at PC. The forecast was for sun with some cloud and a high of 23 degrees C with a north westerly wind veering to the north east later in the day. Just as the Wheeler were about to leave a sixth wheeler, Andrew arrived just in time for the ride start.

Heading off the peloton passed through Gresham only to find that the road had been closed. Relying on Mark’s encyclopaedic knowledge of the roads a slight detour was taken rejoining the route to Sustead. From there the ride continued on some very hazardous roads due to deep sand and gravel through Hanworth, Calthorpe and Colby.

At Felmingham the group stopped at the Corvette Kingdom workshop so that Ian could take some more photos of the Corvettes being repaired to add to his Best Corvette Photo Album!

As the peloton set off, Chris, keen to get some practice in for his time trials, sprinted off to complete the last five miles before the lunch stop at a faster pace. Arriving at Purdy’s Chris joined Graham who had cycled over from Cromer. Shortly after, the peloton arrived.

A good choice of lunch was on offer – scotch eggs, sausage rolls, quiche, scones and cake. All enjoyed whilst sitting outside.

Following lunch the group set off again into a predominantly head wind for the ride back. Graham headed back to Cromer. Passing through Oulton it was then onto Corpusty where Andy turned off for home as the route virtually passed his front door.

It was then onto Briston where Clive turned left to take a route through Stody and back to Blakeney. The remaining four wheelers then sat on Mark’s tail up the hill towards Edgefield before Chris attempted a breakaway but unfortunately went too early only to be passed by Ian, Mark and Andrew with Mark just pipping Ian to the junction,

The four wheelers then continued through Hempstead where shortly after Chris made another breakaway past Selbrigg pond in an attempt to prevent Ian from stopping to admire the ducks – it worked!

At the junction of Selbrigg Road and High Kelling Road, following a short discussion about Ian’s matching white socks and shoes (yawn!) Ian headed back to High Kelling. The remaining three headed back to PC via Bodham. In the last 100 yards Chris made a rather sneaky sprint to finish first at PC making up for his lacklustre performance earlier.

Average Speed: 15.1 mph
Distance: 48 miles
Riders: Mark M, Clive A, Andy S, Chris S, Andrew B, Ian A and Graham A

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 2nd August – Biaggio’s, East Rudham
Wednesday 6th August – Mannington/Letheringsett
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 Neil Mc

Five wheelers met at Pretty Corner on an overcast summer day following a week of changeable weather. The uncertain weather forecast was discussed, with most Wheelers having opted for mudguards – apart from optimistic Ian who was on his summer bike.
We set off through West Beckham, Baconsthorpe, Plumstead, down to Itteringham and along Carr Lane behind Blickling Hall. Instead of turning left to Ingworth as is usual, we turned right and headed into Aylsham making for Dunkirk and the sneaky A140 crossing behind the grain silos.

The A140 was busy with the holiday season traffic in full swing, but we managed to cross and headed toward Tuttington. Chris must have had the scent of the Spanish cols in his nostrils as he shot ahead up the road and disappeared. No further trace of him was seen until the (attempted) lunch stop – of which more later.

The remaining four Wheelers headed down to Burgh, Brampton and onward to join the Aylsham Road outside Buxton. This is normally a quiet road, but there was a considerable queue of slow traffic crawling into Buxton. This proved to be due to a combination of traffic lights and a combine harvester convoy. We managed to escape the jam via our planned turnoff to Lammas and then made speedy progress around Coltishall and through Ashmanhaugh to arrive at our planned stop, The Crown in Smallburgh.

Our Spanish escapee was waiting for us by the roadside with the news that the Crown was closed until 30th of July. Given that today was the 26th of July a revised plan was essential as the Wheelers were hungry! Fortunately, Mark’s encyclopedic knowledge of cafe stops came into play and an alternative plan was quickly formulated.

This Plan B unfortunately involved a detour of 2 miles on the Yarmouth road, A149, but it wasn’t too bad and we soon arrived at Vera’s Cafe in Meale’s garden centre.

This proved to be an excellent cafe with plenty of space, a covered outdoor seating area, a good menu with lots of choice and fast+friendly service. The cakes were particularly splendid and much enjoyed, especially Mark’s giant doorstop of chocolate tiffin. That wouldn’t have been on offer if The Crown had been open, so the change of venue was a bonus.

Post-lunch, Mark invented a revised route involving less A149 and going via East Ruston and Honing to get us back onto the planned route at Worstead. Worstead’s summer fete was in full swing when we arrived and the village was busy. (let’s hope they had a good wet-weather plan as they would be needing it very shortly)

The route then took us via Swanton Abbott, around Felmingham and into Banningham with increasing rain all the way. This finally started in earnest and waterproofs were donned. From Banningham we crossed the A140, down into Ingworth and up Scarrowbeck Lane to join Wall Road. Doug left at this point to head to Aldborough and back home to Cromer.

The remaining Wheelers carried on past The Saracen’s Head to the Wickmere Road junction where Neil left to head via Mannington Hall to Corpusty and home.

The final 3 headed through Goose Green and Matlaske where Mark deviated from the planned route to head straight for PC and home. Chris and Ian damply displayed gritty determination (or was it a Mutiny?) and stuck to the original plan via Plumstead, Hempstead & Selbrigg where Ian went left to High Kelling and Chris went right to PC and home.

Distance: Full route PC to PC 64.9m (Mark PC to PC 59.6m) Average speed 15.4 mph
Riders: Mark M, Ian A, Chris S, Neil M and Doug H.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 30th July – Purdy’s, Aylsham
Saturday 2nd August – Biaggio’s, Rudham
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

4 Wheelers met at P.C. ( Graham A , Mark M, Chris S and Andy S) on a damp Wednesday morning. It had been raining most of the night . The roads were wet with a lot of mud and gravel on them so the ride today had to be taken with great care.

The route took us through West Beckham, Edgefield, Stody, Sharrington, over the A148 , onto Langham and down to Stiffkey at 19 miles from P.C. At Stiffkey we stopped at the village stores for a very pleasant coffee and cake.

After our break Graham A left the group and headed along the coast road back towards Cromer. The remaining 3 wheelers headed back up the hill towards Warham, the Walsinghams, Thursford, Gunthorpe and onto Letheringsett. We crossed the A148 again and up the hill to the Bayfield Brecks , where Mark beat Chris and Andy to the top, and down to the Glandford ford.

From Glandford we made our way to Natural Surrounds for our second stop of the day. We were treated to cheese and tuna paninies and a pot of tea (we know how to live it up !). To Mark and Andy’s surprise Chris was relaxed and in no rush to get on. Must have been the Spanish holiday he had just returned from!

On leaving we went up the Dragaway Hill where we drafted up the hill behind two chaps on their electric bikes . At the junction Andy S turned left and found his way back to Corpusty. Mark and Chris made their way back down to Wiveton, onto Weybourne and up the hill past the station, Bodham and back to P.C.

BREAKING NEWS : Mark confessed that , after our last Wednesday ride, on the Thursday morning he had a flat front tyre . On inspection he found a thorn in the tyre. An official puncture!! – (Editor’s note – Our sealant spraying, tubeless fanboy is incorrect. To qualify for the Puncture Spreadsheet of Shame, the puncture has to occur during the club ride and cause a delay while the tube is changed or the fountain of sealant is plugged/tube fitted. So, no, I’m not in danger of catching you up on the spreadsheet.)

A good day out finishing with lovely, sunny weather and dry roads.

PC to PC 54.2 miles at an average 14.8 mph
Riders: Andy S, Chris S, Graham A, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 26th July – The Crown, Smallburgh
Wednesday 30th July – Purdy’s, Aylsham
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
On a humid morning with some light showers, Andy and Mark left PC for Baconsthorpe, Hempstead and Holt. Here we picked up Ian A, back after a holiday down to Devon for a niece’s wedding, apparently video of him showing the youngsters how to dance is currently unavailable.
Dropping down the A148 and turning for Letheringsett Mill, we stopped to look at the ford, which appeared fairly tame from ground level, up on the bridge however we could see large boulders and wheel eating holes, we all crossed via the bridge.
Then it was on to Bale and another brief stop to admire the village sign made from the famous Bale Oak tree (in Chris’s absence we had lots of stops to look at things today), then on to Hindringham, Little Walsingham and up to Egmeer.
There was a steady north westerly wind which was a headwind all the way out and most noticeable on the many hills as we crossed three river valleys to reach the lunch stop.
Down to South and North Creake, followed by the long and steep climb up West Street to Shammer, then turning north past Burn Valley vineyard, where Ian noted that the cellar was open and there might be free tastings (we will never know). When we came to the top of Beacon Hill we had a fantastic view of Burnham Market below and the marshes and sea in the distance.

Through Burnham Market and onto the very undulating Whiteway Road, before finally rolling downhill into Burnham Deepdale and the café. As the sun was now out, we found a table and parasol in the rear courtyard and ordered our very tasty and good value lunches, enjoying the break from the hills.

After lunch we took the scenic Dalegate Lane, through woods and around the back of Barrow Common, towards Docking, then turning east, past Sussex Farm, home to the annual horse trials and into Burnham Market to negotiate the people and cars before turning for Burnham Thorpe.

Even though the wind was now behind us, it didn’t feel as if it was helping much as we made our way up the long hill to Holkham South Gate and the Wells Road. Now came the welcome downhill into Wighton, followed by Binham, Field Dalling, Saxlingham and the steep Dragway hill down to Glandford, over the ford and the final long climb up Bridgefoot Lane and into High Kelling. Here Ian turned for home and a welcome rest, at the Selbrigg junction Andy turned for home, leaving Mark to head back to PC.

PC to PC was 63.6 miles at an average of 14.7 mph
Riders: Andy S, Ian A, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 19th July – Biaggio’s East Rudham
Wednesday 23rd July – Stiffkey & Natural Surroundings, Glandford
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 Doug H
On an overcast and gilet wearing warm but not hot day, three Wheelers, Mark, Neil and Andy set off from PC. Heading south of Felbrigg to collect the fourth Wheeler of the day, Doug at the top of Roughton Road. We then, with a good tail wind, made great progress through Crossdale Street, Northrepps, Southrepps, then to the south of Trimingham where we met the coast road and marvelled at the sight of the sea.
We then set of south to Gimingham, Trunch, Knapton, Edingthorpe Green, skimming North Walsham, then south to Briggate, Honing, Happisburgh then north to Ostend and on to the lunch stop at the Lighthouse Inn. The weather was still a little chilly so we decided to eat inside which was quiet and very friendly. We ordered hearty meals and discussed many a topic.

With lunch completed we set off again, still in mild weather heading towards Ridlington, Crostwight, Honing, Dilham and on to Frankfort.
Somewhere along this part of the route we were held up by a lady horse rider shepherding her family of ducks back into her farm, as we passed she was heard saying ‘don’t worry this is normal for Norfolk’. So we passed and nodded in admiration to the skill, as though it was something we had all seen before.
With the sun finally arriving, we then were off to Swanton Abbott, Skeyton, Burgh, through Aylsham, and just passed Oulton Street, Ian and Andy headed off home, with Mark and Doug continuing on north into an unexpected headwind. We went through Itteringham, Little Barningham and then just outside Gresham, Doug headed back to Cromer and Mark continued back to PC. A great day of riding.

PC to PC 60.5 miles at 15.4 mph
Riders: Andy S, Mark M, Neil Mc, Doug H

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 16th July – Burnham Deepdale
Saturday 19th July – Biaggio’s, Rudham
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

San Jamie to Puerto De Bernia

Following thunderstorms and rain on the previous evening there was not a cloud in sight in the morning with temperatures back up to 28 degrees C at 8am rising quickly to 31 degrees C.

The ride took the usual route dropping down to the coast then climbing 275 odd metres up to Benissa with a quick photo stop half way up looking down towards Calpe and Ilfach de Penon (the large rock!).

Continuing on through Benissa, Senja and Lliber, Chris reached Xalo for the start of a 450 metre climb up to Puerto de Bernia.

After a hard climb the top was finally reached with a stop for another photo opportunity (if only Ian was here to take the photos!)

It was then a fast exhilarating 10 mile ride back down to Benissa at speeds of in excess of 37mph whilst under full braking.

The final stretch back down to the coast and then up to San Jamie was a little bit more relaxing!

Total Distance: 40.25 miles
Average Speed: 13.55
Total Ascent: 1,129 metres
Rider: Chris S

Ride report by Andrew B

Four riders met at PC on a glorious sunny morning for a run to The Clock Tower Cafe, Guist. The planned route took us through East Beckham, Baconsthorpe, Edgefield, Themelthorpe, Foxley, Bawdeswell, Billingford, Bintree and Broom Green. This was punctuated by a number of stops on the route as Chris wasn’t with us! The first being an emergency stop when Mark spotted an adder about five miles in, which had unfortunately gone by the time we had got back (and Doug had recovered from nearly riding into Mark). The second was at a high point above Billingford lakes to admire the view – very impressive.
The last stop was the obligatory photo stop at Bintree Mill (see below), during which we met the owner (ex miller?) who confirmed that he had enjoyed the contents of the many empty bottle of champagne in the mill windows!

On arrival at the cafe (the General store and Cafe) which is now under new ownership, we spotted Graham A’s bike and after parking our bikes in the rear garden we joined him. The staff were very friendly and we all enjoyed a good lunch from the extensive menu, with some even finding room for cake!

The route back took us through, Foulsham, Themelthorpe again, Reepham, Salle, Edgefield, Baconsthorpe and North Barningham. This was fairly uneventful except for the start when Mark led us down a track which got gradually narrower and rougher. However, we all made it without puncturing! Graham left us just before Corpusty and Andy S shortly after for home. The remainder made their way back to PC with Doug branching off just before the end.

Overall a good day out with a nice route on a beautiful summer day.

PC to PC 53 miles
Average speed 14.8 mph
Total Elevation 1900 ft

Riders: Mark, Andrew B, Andy S, Doug and Graham A.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 12th July – Lighthouse, Walcott
Wednesday 16th July – Burnham Deepdale
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/

San Jamie to Café Ciclista, Denia

Another early start for the one wheeler. Leaving San Jamie at 8am under an overcast sky but still with a temperature of 26 degrees C, Chris headed down to the coast turning left at the Moraira-Calpe road heading into Moraira.

From there it was a long climb up to the traffic lights in the centre of Benitchell . It was then a long run down to Javier where the early morning rush had started. After a few stops and starts Chris escaped Javier only to be faced with a very long and steep climb of 210m on the CV7362. However the views were spectacular but stopping for photos was impossible due to lack of places to stop but also not wanting to lose momentum.

However the climb was rewarded by a very fast ride down to sea level at Denia and a flat ride along the sea front to Café Ciclista, a well known local meeting point for cyclists. Unfortunately having arrived at just before 9.30am Chris found the café closed although there were some signs of life indicating that it was going to open shortly. On further investigation it was found that the café had been closed for holidays for a week and this was the first day it reopened.

Not one to hang about Chris retraced his route back to San Jamie with the added disadvantage of a head wind. The temperature had also risen to 29 degrees C by the end of the ride.

Total Distance: 36.67mph
Average Speed: 14.03mph
Total Ascent: 857 metres

Rider: Chris S

San Jamie to Gata de Gorges

After an evening of pursuing a couple of cockroaches around the house(both finally caught and dispatched) it was an earlyish start of 7.55am for the ride in order to avoid the excessively hot weather. Even then the temperature was already 28 degrees rising to over 32 degrees C by the end of the ride.

Only one rider, Chris, set off from San Jamie for a fast 100m descent to the Mediterranean coast line. At the end of the descent the front brake was making a horrendous noise and was overheating – possibly the pads were down to the metal (a job for the afternoon). Anyway having given the brakes a quick check over Chris carried on.

From the coast it was then a very hot 275 metre plus climb up to Benissa followed by Senja and Lliber. Turning right at Lliber the road continued to climb for a bit until a predominantly downhill run through olive groves, vineyards and pine forests to Gata de Gorges. There were plenty of cycle groups out including at least one professional team with support cars in tow.

Another short climb followed up to Jesus de Pobre where the road then levelled out with a fast run of about 5 miles averaging 27mph to Javea. Yet another climb up to Benitchell with the temperature rising then a another fast ride down to Moraira on the coast.

Finally it was the last killer climb of 100 metres from the sea back up to San Jamie leaving the rider dissolving in a very large pool of sweat at the finish.

Total Distance 34.86 miles
Average Speed 14.71mph
Total Ascent 788 metres
Rider: Chris S