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
North Norfolk Wheelers 