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/
North Norfolk Wheelers 