Month: August 2025

Ride report by Neil Mc
Holidays meant that only one Wheeler, Mark, departed from PC today on a fine, bright early Autumn morning. Neil and Ian (both sickly creatures) joined at Gresham church and then Doug was collected to complete the Peloton at the Hanworth junction on the Metton-Susted road.

The peloton continued through Hanworth, over the A140 and on to Gunton station. From there it was on through the quiet lanes around Bradfield and into North Walsham and out the other side at White Horse Common and on past the North Walsham and Dilham canal basin toward Crostwight. There had been a subtle tail-wind assistance so far and everyone was going well. It was certainly a beautiful morning with a light breeze, blue sky and sunshine.

From Crostwight it was a speedy run through Lessingham past the Star Inn to join the Stalham road into Sea Palling. Mark shot off the front to take the final sprint to Waxham and the Waxham Barn cafe, our lunch stop.

The cafe was fairly quiet when we arrived and we had our choice of tables inside. We bagged a table and after some confusion about whether there were 4 or 5 of us and if Malcolm was expected to appear or not (he didn’t) ordered our lunch. Three out of 4 chose variations of the breakfast baguettes – gluten-free Doug being the exception. His impressively large slice of chocolate cake must have covered any possible disappointment though.

The food quickly arrived and was very good as is usual at this cafe. After a pleasant, leisurely chat we departed back through Sea Palling to Ingham. Doug was having trouble with his front mudguard which was intent on slipping downward at every bump and rubbing on his tyre, but he finally managed to jam it into position where it appeared to stay. The wind had also got up, continued to rise and was definitely against us and remained this way for the rest of the ride.

From Ingham we cut cross-country past East Ruston to Honing and then headed back into North Walsham and out again on Lyngate road toward Antingham. We detoured to cross the railway line at the private crossing on Antingham Hill which cuts off the corner and crosses the A149 to join the Suffield road. From Suffield we took a shortcut through Alby Common to cross the A140 and head to Aldborough and onward to just outside Matlaske where Neil left to make his way down the Matlaske road to Saxthorpe and home.

The remaining trio continued on round the back of Barningham Winter to skirt Baconsthorpe and up the climb past the radio mast to Church road where Ian departed for High Kelling (after a stunning win on the climb despite his sickness, or so he claimed) and Mark and Doug carried on to the final split where Doug headed toward Gresham and Mark carried on to PC and home.

PC to PC was 56.3 miles at an average 15.5mph
Riders: Mark M, Ian A, Doug H, Neil M

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 3rd September, Hoveton Hall
Saturday 6th September, Norton’s, Walsingham
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

Due to holidays, coast to coast walks and a variety of other excuses the number of wheelers turning out was down to a bare minimum of two, Chris and Mark.

They set off facing a moderate to strong wind for the best part of the morning’s ride although on the plus side it was warm (around 20 degrees C) and the sun was shining.

The route took the pair through Plumstead, Saxthorpe, Thurning, Hindolveston, Swanton Novers, Gunthorpe and onto Norton’s at Little Walsingham.

Arriving just after 11.30am the two wheelers had just been beaten to the café by a coach load of pensioners so service was a little on the slow side (not helped by the fact that the café was also short staffed). Notwithstanding this Chris and Mark enjoyed some excellent sandwiches whilst sitting outside.

The two wheelers benefited from a predominantly tail wind on the return leg which took them through Wighton, Warham, Binham, Langham and Wiveton. This was followed by the 40m climb up Bridgeford Lane which was made easier by the following wind, with Chris surging forward in the final meters for the win.

The final push through High Kelling was then met with a slight diversion around Lower Bodham due to road closure for cable laying. It was then onto Bodham and West Beckham. Just after this Chris made a breakaway with a sprint back to PC with Mark coming in second.

PC to PC was 51.4 miles at an average of 16.2mph (fastest club ride of the year)
Riders: Mark M, Chris S

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 30th August – Waxham Barn
Wednesday 3rd September – TBA
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
Earlier than normal, three Wheelers met at PC on an overcast and slightly less warm than expected morning, with a long day of 100 miles of riding ahead of them. Mark, Chris and Doug set off towards Bodham and on to High Kelling where we collected Neil in cold weather gear and double socked. We all adjusted our outfits and began again towards Wiveton, through Langham, Binham, New Holkham, skirting Burnham Market which was rammed, along to Docking, Fring and then on to Bircham Windmill for lunch. Where we ate a hearty lunch and Doug went on and on about his long lost camping holidays at Bircham Mill campsite.

As quick as a flash we were on our way, may be Doug over did the reminisce. We went through Great Bircham, Syderstone, South Creake, Houghton St Giles, Great Snoring, Thursford, Gunthorpe, and Stody. We then commenced the climb up Ramsgate Street hill. Which was well fought by Chris and Neil with Neil the victor. However, as this was where Neil left, the three continued the ride with some 50 miles to go. It did feel slightly that some of us were holding back, as there was still a long way to go.

The three remaining headed on to Briston, Hindolveston, Foulsham with the final stop for the day at Junction 21 at Themelthorpe. Where a troop of bike packers had stopped on their route from Stansted to North Walsham. After a cake and beverage we continued on.

Then just before Whitwell we spotted three young lads at the side of the road with quite the mechanical disaster. A rear wheel had become detached and had put a loop into the chain. They were ‘cooked’ as one of them said. Not wanting to be confused for ‘out of touch old folk’ we pretended to understand the lingo. Then out of nowhere Mark, blue surgical gloves in situ, jumped into action. In no time at all the chain was removed, separated, the brake calliper readjusted, wheel installed, chain threaded and reconnected, job done. With the faces of astounded young people who obviously were delighted, we moved on, smugly in the knowledge that we still can do stuff young people can’t.

Our place in the universe confirmed, we continued up to Reepham, Cawston, skirting Itteringham, on to Ingworth, Erpingham, Aldborough, Hanworth. Then at Metton, Doug went back to Cromer and the final two continued to back to PC. A great day of riding and 100 miles done.

PC to PC 102 miles at an average 15.4mph
Climbing 3608ft / 1100m
Calories Burnt 3,876
Riders: Doug H, Chris S, Mark M, Neil Mc-70miles

Note – Vuelta Espana – Highlights on Quest 7pm each evening.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 27th August – Norton’s, Little Walsingham
Saturday 30th August – Waxham Barn
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

Five riders met at PC with a chill in the air from the strong northerly wind, for a ride to Little Plumstead. Unfortunately Ian was not one of them as he had succumbed to ‘man flu’, so the plans for stopping to see the Red Arrows at Cromer were abandoned much to the disappointment of Chris!
The planned route took us through East Beckham, Baconsthorpe, Plumstead, Little Barningham, Itteringham, Oulton Street, Aylsham, Burgh, Oxnead, Frettenham, Crostwick and Salhouse. Good time was made with the northerly wind on our backs.
On arrival at Little Plumstead we found Graham, who had already bagged a large table in the walled garden which was sheltered from the cold wind. We all enjoyed a good lunch with generous portions and of course most went for cake as well!

Chris decided to cycle back home on his own to get more practice for time trials having been encouraged by beating his previous time the night before despite the wind and rain. The remaining five riders then proceeded back to PC via. Woodbastwick, Wroxham (a nightmare in the traffic), Hoveton, Tunstead, Swanton Abbot, Skeyton, Felmingham, Suffield, Aldborough, Barningham, and West Beckham.
Graham left us at Swanton Abbott and Duncan just before Baconsthorpe to make their own way home.

The sun managed to make an appearance towards the end of the ride, although the wind remained strong which made it hard going even though Mark did most of the work! Overall a good ride with an excellent route.

PC to PC 63.2 miles at an average of 15.4mph (Chris door to door avg 16mph)
Riders: Duncan S, Clive A, Andrew B, Chris S, Mark M, Graham A

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 23rd August – Bircham Mill – 9am Start
Wednesday 27th August – Norton’s, Little Walsingham
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
It was a cooler and overcast morning that greeted Ian, Mark and guest Ben at PC, with a number of Wheelers enjoying themselves elsewhere. We were expecting Chris to join us, but at 10am we set off anyway. Through Gresham, Bessingham to Aldborough School, stopping when Ian received a phone call, thinking it might be Chris, it wasn’t, then Chris arrived anyway, having been delayed by a number of issues and now keen to keep going.
So with a good northerly wind behind us we continued south to Ingworth, Itteringham Common, Oulton, Cawston and Swannington, turning west for the Witchinghams and Blackwater Lane.
As we started to climb Nowhere Lane from Whitwell Common, we saw Harvey T heading towards us, so we all stopped and had a quick chat, Harvey is looking fit and well, then continued on our way to Jordan Green, Foxley Wood and then Junction 21.
By now the sun was out and it was warm in the sheltered garden, so we claimed an outside table and ordered lunch.

One of the other lunchees was a chap heading for Norwich on the Marriott Way, having bikepacked the 250 miles of the Rebellion Way on his new Fairlight Secan (Andrew take note).
Guest rider Ben, mid twenties, recently out of the Army, riding a very nice Enve Melee that he had been using for Army Cycling races around the country, helped reduce the average age of the group. Though I don’t think he was ever tested during our ride.

After lunch it was time to head north and into the wind via Foulsham, Guestwick, Craymere Beck, Thurning Mill, Little London and the always contested KOM up Ramsgate Street hill to the old White Horse. Early on (too early) Chris came past with Ian in tow, then as Chris faded, Ian took the lead. Ben realising that a race was happening, accelerated past me, rapidly closing the gap to Ian before heading into the distance to claim his win. Ian contested the win on the grounds that Ben is not a Wheeler and his name is not Ian!
After getting our breath back, we made our way to Plumstead, Barningham Winter, turning for New Road and the pylon, where Chris coming from a long way back, took the win. Ian and Ben turned for High Kelling and home leaving Mark and Chris to head back to PC.

PC to PC was 52.6 miles at an average 15.8mph
Riders: Ian A, Chris S, Mark M and guest Ben

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 20th August – Walled Garden, Little Plumstead
Saturday 23rd August – Bircham Mill – 9am Start
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
Opting for a 9am start instead of the regular 10am, in order to avoid some of the heat, Andy, Chris, Duncan and Mark left PC to collect Ian at Gresham.

Then it was Bessingham, Thurgarton, Wickmere, Mannington Hall to Corpusty. With a light tail wind, we were keeping fairly cool as long we kept moving, any stops needed to be in the shade. At Guestwick, Ian turned off to pick up the return leg home, as he wanted to be in peak condition for breaking in a new set of golf clubs, Thursday morning.
The remaining four continued to Foulsham and Bintree Mill, stopping for the customary photo, then to Broom Green, Brisley and to the Old Dairy, Stanfield.

Finding the shadiest table in the garden, we were early enough to have breakfast options, though only one breakfast was ordered, the other three being sandwiches. The food and service is always good here and we had plenty of time to drink tea and chat before it was time to leave.
The group split into two, with Andy and Mark taking the slightly shorter and much flatter Brisley, Gatley route to Great Ryburgh to pick up the main route again. Time trial Chris and Duncan opted for the full route via Whissonsett, Colkirk and the rolling hills to Ryburgh.
Duncan may have questioned his decision, as after the climb out of Ryburgh up to the main road, he had to let Chris continue alone. Chris was on a mission as I had casually suggested that he might catch us up on the way back.
Andy and Mark, stopped at the top at the top of Ryburgh Hill and again in a shady spot at Abbey Farm, Guestwick, with Andy recognising one of the farm workers, who came over for a chat. At this point a speeding Chris flashed past, hearing us shout he put the anchors on, leaving a long black line of Schwalbe Marathon on the road. He turned around and came back to us, stopping long enough to say hi and take a swig of water before disappearing into the distance.

The route then took us through Thurning to Little London where Andy turned for home. Andy is taking the next couple of weeks to walk 190 ish miles with family and 2 dogs, coast to coast, St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay, hope it all goes well Andy.
Mark then continued on the familiar, Edgefield, Baconsthorpe, West Beckham route to PC. While Duncan wasn’t seen again, I can report he made it back to Baconsthorpe before turning for Holt, completing 59 miles at 15.8mph.

PC to PC short route was 53.2 miles at 15.4mph, while Chris completed the full 56 miles at an unknown, though we can assume a slightly higher average (if it’s not in the ride report, did it happen?)
Riders: Ian A, Chris S, Andy S, Duncan S, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 16th August – Junction 21, Themelthorpe
Wednesday 20th August – Walled Garden, Little Plumstead
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
On a dry sunny Saturday morning three members met at P.C. Due to summer events and illness several members were missing today. The three riders (Chris S, Andrew B and Andy S) set off to meet Neil Mc at Gresham then continued on towards Metton. With Mark off ill our group was led by “time trial Chris” so, as the title suggests, the speed of the peloton was fairly fast with no nature breaks allowed.

We met Graham A at Northrepps. At this point Chris felt the need for speed and left the main group for a spot of time trial training. The rest of the group carried on at a good pace following a good southwesterly wind onto Mundesley then back inland towards Trunch and Knapton. Soon after this the peloton decided to cut out the Crostwight loop and head straight to Bacton. This cut 5 miles off the route consequently the group arrived at Watsons Cafe ahead of Chris. Much banter was had when Chris arrived but in all fairness he had managed an average speed of 17.2 mph.

The food at Watsons was up to its usual good standard with fry ups all round and plenty of tea and coffee. After lunch Andrew and Graham made their way home separately on a shorter route as Andrew was off to catch the tide for an evening sail.

The remaining three members set off, led by Chris into a head wind through Edingthorpe, the edge of North Walsham, Worstead and Swanton Abbott. We turned right at the Skeyton crossroads to head towards Suffield and onto Colby, Erpingham and Calthorpe.

Chris left us at Calthorpe to head back to P.C. via Matlaske. He was hoping to keep up his average speed of over 17mph for the whole ride. Neil and Andy carried on through Calthorpe to Mannington and back to Corpusty.

Get better soon Mark, we need you back to put some order into the group !

Distance and speed for the days ride: PC to PC 57 miles
Chris : average speed 17.08 mph. Well done Chris
Corpusty to Corpusty 58.4 miles , average speed 15.7 mph

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 13th August – Old Dairy, Stanfield
Saturday 16th August – Junction 21, Themelthorpe
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
Five riders met at PC on a sunny morning for an unusual two stop ride to Mannington Hall and Jarrolds at Letheringsett. The planned route took us through East Beckham, Lower Gresham, Sustead, Hanworth, Thurgarton, Wickmere, Calthorpe, Ingworth, and Itteringham. On arrival at Mannington Hall we made our way to the cafe which is now run by Bread Source. Andy S was already there and had ordered and finished his coffee and cake (apparently he was hungry!). We all ordered refreshments and joined him in the garden which was very pleasant.

The author caused chaos at one point as he paid by cash having forgotten his phone (and hence any form of payment) and had to sub off Mark!
Chris left us to make his own way on the rest of the route as he had to get back home to do some jobs. The remaining five riders then proceeded to Jarrolds, Letheringsett (formerly Back to the Garden) via. Saxthorpe, Craymere Beck, Hindolveston, Briningham and Sharrington.
As it was still sunny we decided to take a table outside and we all enjoyed a healthy lunch apart from Ian who decided to go for more cake! We then retraced our tracks back along the busy A148 a short distance and made our way back to PC through Glandford, Newgate, Kelling and High Kelling and East Beckham. As there were a number of hills on the route there were a number of sprint challenges. Duncan demonstrated that he has maintained his fitness levels whilst on holiday, putting the author to the sword on two of these in close finishes. People turned off at different points along the route to make their own way home, leaving just Mark and I to finish at PC. Overall a good day out with a nice route, good weather and some very pleasant stops.

PC to PC 49.5 miles
Average speed 15.0 mph
Total Elevation 2075 ft

Riders: Mark, Andrew B, Andy S, Chris, Duncan and Ian.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 9th August – Watsons, Bacton
Wednesday 13th August – Old Dairy, Stanfield
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
On a slightly cooler morning than of late which threatened a possible shower but actually developed into a bright and dry day, six wheelers met at PC for the ride out to Biagio’s, East Rudham. The group set off via West Beckham and Lower Bodham, then past Selbrigg Pond and down the Hempstead Road to pick up Neil at the T-junction by the ‘green triangle’ (Court Green). Ian was also meant to be there, but after he had made a frantic phone call to Andrew, he realised he’d been waiting at ‘the wrong green triangle’ and was at the junction BEFORE Selbrigg Pond. Oops. So Ian rode solo that morning with little hope of catching the peloton.
The route took us past Hempstead Mill and skirted Holt to take the fast downhill A148 before turning left past Letheringsett Mill, crossing the Glaven via the footbridge at Little Thornage and onto Sharrington. We then crossed the A148 to go via Bale, Hindringham, Little Walsingham and took the Egmere Road towards South Creake. It was at this point that Chris ‘did a Chris’ and sped off, not to be seen again until the cafe stop. That boy really does have ants in his pants or maybe a more serious affliction? Could be Notagrouperson Syndrome or, more seriously, Antisocialitis has been mooted.

So with the main peloton reduced to six (with Ian someway behind) the route went through South Creake, Syderstone and then the most circuitous route via the network of little lanes (thanks Harvey!) to arrive at Biagio’s after 34 miles. Chris had allegedly been there 15 minutes and Ian arrived about 5-10 minutes later (sporting matching red arm warmers and socks – nice!).
With no free tables outside, we got all eight of us round a big table inside which had the added benefit of being next to the portable AC unit as it was quite warm inside. The generous sandwiches and drinks arrived promptly and Doug had the world’s largest jacket potato heaped with coronation chicken – enough for a small family!
It’s always friendly there with decent food and good coffee. Chris generously allowed us 40 minutes for lunch. Outside, a very smart green child’s bike had been docked next to Ian’s steed. Egged on by spectators and tempting though it was, Ian opted to mount up on his own bike.

The return journey (now a group of eight) took us via Broomsthorpe and Shereford (not that you’d notice!) before crossing the busy A148 just after Sculthorpe Mill (where we stopped for the obligatory photo) and onto Thursford via The Barshams and Great Snoring.

From Thursford we went via Gunthorpe, then up the very cr*ppy road to Brinton, Stody and Hunworth. Up Hunworth Road (one of our Categorised Climbs) all was calm until Neil and Andrew edged off the front towards the top with Andrew taking a good win at the top. (Just shows the benefits of saving energy by hiding in the bunch all day – even dropping your chain at one point to get some recovery time…) After we’d regrouped and checked Doug’s coronation chicken was still in place (gratefully it was), we waved goodbye to Andy and Neil who headed downhill to Corpusty. The remaining six riders continued on via Edgefield, Plumstead and North Barningham and to the top of Plum Lane, where Ian turned left to head back to High Kelling (via his green triangle) leaving the remainder to head down Red Barn Lane and back to PC. A grand day out.

PC to PC was 64.7 miles at an average speed of 15.1mph
Riders: Andrew B, Andy S, Barry, Chris S, Doug H, Ian A, Mark M, Neil M

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 6th August – Mannington/Letheringsett
Saturday 9th August – Watsons, Bacton
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