Ride report by Mark M
With a forecast for a dry sunny day, it was initially grey and chilly for the five Wheelers meeting at PC. Undeterred and hoping for the best, they headed more or less straight into the south westerly wind to Barningham Winter and Matlaske Gap. Here, Ian took the lead for the run down to Corpusty to meet up with Andy, out for the first time since his epic 190+ mile Coast to Coast walk. Apparently the family walk went very well, with stunning scenery and surprisingly good weather for the most part, but it was hard work and very tiring (who would have thought!).
A couple of miles further along, as we turned into the aptly named Sandy Lane, we came up behind a pony and trap with three kids onboard, trotting along. They were happy and friendly and after a bit were able to pull off the road to let us pass. It was probably the same pony and trap we met near Nethergate in July, there can’t be many in use today.
Making our way to Hindolveston and Swanton Novers and close to the second highest point in Norfolk, Pigg’s Grave at 101m, we crossed the B1354 to Gunthorpe. Crossing the A148 to Hindringham then the downhill run to Great Walsingham, along Scarborough Road to Little Walsingham and Norton’s.
Sitting at a big table outside, we enjoyed a good lunch of Beef and Horseradish sandwiches (very good), jacket potato, huge sausage roll, cake and drinks. The food is always good and arrives quickly, ideal for hungry cyclists and the sun came out as well.
Heading west from Walsingham we cut across to Edgar lane then the climb up to Bunker Hill at Egmeer and then turning east and the long downhill run to Wighton. We now realised that the wind had shifted to south easterly, so would be mainly a cross or cross headwind for the rest of the leg home.
Next was Warham, Binham, up to Cockthorpe, across a breezy airfield to Langham and down to Wiveton, for the last big climb of the day, Bridgefoot Lane. With the wind adding to the gradient, it was a tough climb and as we were nearing the top, close to the Bridge Road junction, Ian emerged from the wheels to sprint to victory. After that excitement and a brief recovery at the top, we made our way to High Kelling, where Ian turned for home, no doubt to bore his wife with tales of his cycling prowess!
Andy, still feeling good after his day out, turned for home at Selbrigg, Doug left us at Red Barn Lane to continue into the wind to Cromer, leaving two to finish at PC.
PC to PC was 51 miles at an average of 15.0 mph
Riders: Doug H, Ian A, Mark M, Andy S, Clive A, Barry
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 10th September, Skeyton Goat
Saturday 13th September, Litcham Deli
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 