Month: October 2025

Ride report by Andy S

On this dull and damp Wednesday morning four members met at P.C. Ian A was making his own way around the route at a steadier pace to save himself so he is on form for golf the next day.

The four members set off heading through Gresham, Aylmerton and through the grounds of Felbrigg Hall. Leaving Felbrigg we went down to Hall Road heading into Cromer turning right at Comer Zoo. Here we met Doug H. The route took us through Northrepps, Trunch, Bradfield, Banningham to Erpingham. At this point we turned back eastwards through the lanes up a small track to the back of the Artisan Bistro Alby, meaning we didn’t need to touch the busy Cromer Road.

The Artisan Bistro was really busy due to half term ( we think). The highlight of our lunch was Birthday Boy Chris kindly offering to buy the cakes. So as you can imagine there was a big rush from 5 members to get the biggest and best cakes! Thanks Chris much enjoyed and appreciated.

The main course consisted of fry ups, bacon and sausage sandwiches and a very posh baked potato. Birthday Boy ate his cake and decided to miss the main course so he could make his own way back home for a prior appointment.

After lunch we had a brief look at the PYO pumpkin patch next door to the Bistro then headed off towards home through Ingworth.

Instead of going through Blickling Park, due to the wet and the leaves on the tracks we detoured around the back of Blickling Estate on the roads to Itteringham Common to join the route again. At Itteringham Andy S cut off towards Mannington Hall and back to Corpusty. The remaining 4 members headed off through Wickmere, Plumstead, Hempstead to Selbrigg. Ian and Andrew turned off to Kelling and Blakeney leaving Mark and Doug to make their way back through West Beckham to P.C.

All in all we were lucky with the rain holding off till the end of the ride. The roads were wet and muddy at times but the good news is that the acorns are getting less but the bad news the leaves are falling. It was a great day out.

PC to PC was 50.2 miles at an average 14.4 mph
Riders: Chris S, Andrew B, Doug H, Ian A, Mark M, Andy S

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 1st November – Watsons, Bacton
Wednesday 5th November – 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 Ian A

The first proper chilly one. Fortunately Neil had been out the day before and given us a detailed heads up on the conditions we were likely to face: Blinkin’ cold. Andy, Chris and Mark met at PC in various choices of winter clothing with a rain jacket, a Wheelers’ winter jacket, Polartec and head warmers all on display. Winter tights and over shoes were also de rigeur after the previous couple of days’ rain and likely flooded roads.
The threesome set off and collected Ian at Gresham church. The route then went via Bressingham, Aldborough and Erpingham where we intercepted Neil who was due to meet us outside the Spread Eagle pub, so a seamless rendezvous without stopping (think in flight-refuelling but without the fuel or aeroplanes). Mark set the customary pace as we went via Colby and Banningham, then southeast skirting Felmingham, Swanton Abbot, Scottow and Tunstead where we crossed the main line. Shortly before we had also used the Tunstead Bypass dual carriageway.
Then it was onto Coltishall and Horstead Mill where we stopped briefly to ponder the River Bure where sadly a young man had drowned in August.
After a couple of miles we crossed the North Walsham Road to enter the suburbs of Spixworth where we swung north to reach Hainford and the Chequers pub. We got the usual warm welcome and ordered coffee, teas and a pint for Mark. We all opted for sandwiches but Mark upgraded from crisps to chips. The food was fresh and tasty, if not the biggest portions .

The conversation over lunch ranged from critiquing the art on the pub walls (prints by Tein Lucasson), holidays, homosexuality, and why you would handwash your bibshorts. Apparently one of us does.

As we saddled up after lunch, the sun had come out but it was still cold. We’d enjoyed a steady cross/tailwind on the way out which meant we were in for a bashing on the return leg. Whether he was just ‘on a good day’ or due to his choice of food & drink for lunch, Mark set a cracking pace into the wind. The route took us via Stratton Strawless, Buxton, Cawston, Heydon and Corpusty where we dropped Andy and Neil off. The remaining trio continued from Saxthorpe up the Matlaske Road to Plumstead, Hempstead and past Selbrigg Pond. At the next junction, Ian turned left for High Kelling leaving Mark & Chris to return to PC. We must have ridden through about 10 flooded sections of road today which is possibly a record, but as it stayed dry and the wind wasn’t toooo strong (certainly not from 2nd or 3rd wheel anyway) it counts as a good day overall.
In other news, a reminder that it’s Chris’s birthday soon and he’s kindly buying the cakes at Alby next Wednesday so make sure you can make it and have a light breakfast that morning.

PC to PC was 58 miles at an average speed of 14.9mph
Riders: Andy S, Chris S, Ian A, Mark M, Neil M

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 29th October – Artisan Bistro, Alby
Saturday 1st November – 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/

Ride report by Mark M

Despite the chilly start, it was an ideal day for cycling, dry, light winds and plenty of sunshine to provide some warmth and highlight the range of colours across the autumn countryside. If there was a downside, it would be the increasing amount of mud on the roads from the sugar beet harvest, though that will probably be washed away over the next couple of days.
Mark, Duncan and Chris were joined for the first time in about three years by Robert N on his recently acquired electric Ribble and he rode with us to Melton Constable, about 16 miles before heading for home.
Our route took us through High Kelling along Bridge Road before turning back on the Holt Road to the track up to Bayfield Brecks. Here we had arranged to meet up with Clive A and his cycling buddies Ken and Ivan. Clive told us about their previous day’s series of mechanicals, one disc brake pad going awol, saddle malfunctions and a tubeless front tyre that developed a large hole requiring multiple plugs to get home and then a tube and tyre boot.

Hoping their tales of woe were behind them and wouldn’t afflict the rest of us, we set off for Letheringsett and Sharrington. After about 4 miles, it was reported that someone had a minor issue with a stone and had stopped, so we carried on to the top of the hill and waited. It was soon clear that it was Ken or Ivan, so Clive set off down the hill to see what had happened and shortly after, Robert acting as messenger on his electric bike came back to report that it was a rear tubeless puncture that was proving difficult to fix and we should carry on as Clive had the route. The tubeless hype and reality seem to be a long way apart.

The four continued on through Brinton, Briningham to Melton Constable where Robert turned for home to keep an appointment, then it was Hindolveston, Foulsham, Guestwick and Reepham. We found Ian already at the cafe, having missed the morning’s excitement and then after some deliberation about sitting indoors or out, indoors with proper plates and cutlery won.
About 20 minutes later, Clive and Ken arrived having taken a more direct route. Ivan had opted to nurse his tyre back to Blakeney, let’s hope he made it.
It’s been a while since we have been to Reepham Station and it changed hands about a year ago I believe, anyway we enjoyed generous portions of tasty food and a couple of us had cake as well.
It was still sunny as we set off, though it felt cold after the warmth of the station and we headed south to Great and Little Witchingham, across to Swannington and then up to Cawston and Blickling, where Clive and Ken left us to take a look at Blickling Hall and Park.
Ian was riding at his own pace, so the remaining trio headed for Ingworth, Calthorpe, Wickmere and Bessingham, where Duncan turned for Holt, leaving Chris and Mark to continue to PC, where for the record Chris won the final sprint.

PC to PC was 52.2 miles at an average 15.5mph
Riders: Duncan S, Chris S, Robert N, Mark M, Ian A, Clive A and guests Ken and Ivan

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 25th October – Chequers, Hainford
Wednesday 29th October – Artisan Café, Alby
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 a chilly autumn Saturday morning, Mark, Chris, Andy, and Andrew set off from PC. Heading south, they were joined by Ian and Doug at Gresham, then skirted past Bessingham, Aldborough, Suffield, Felmingham, and Swanton Abbott, collecting Neil on the way. Then with the full peloton we travelled through Horning, Ludham, and Potter Heigham, stopping in Horning to take in the view of the Broads. At this point, Doug admitted to a slight deflation in his new winter tyres, which needed a quick top-up of air.

With that sorted, we headed on to our lunch stop at the Pleasure Boat Inn, where Malcolm was waiting for our arrival.

We enjoyed a lovely lunch and discussed, among other things, how a vole consumes a nut, how to discourage a mole, and whether a very slow puncture should count for the leaderboard!

After another sneaky inflation, we said goodbye to Malcolm as he returned home, then we set off north towards Hickling Green, Ingham, and Happisburgh Common. Passing through North Walsham and Bradfield, we made one minor stop to collect Andrew’s escapee back light, and then had a proper mechanical: Chris’s rear derailleur cable detached, leaving him with just two gears. It didn’t seem to slow him down much, though!

Continuing on to Thorpe Market, we were surprised to run into Graham just as Doug was about to head back to Cromer via Metton. We all enjoyed a quick catch-up, and Doug and Graham rode back together to Cromer — with, yes, one more inflation!

The peloton continued to Hanworth where Neil and Andy headed home, then Andrew, Mark, Ian, and Chris carried on back to PC.

A great day of riding — 60.6 miles at an average 15.3mph
Riders: Andy S, Andrew B, Chris S, Mark M, Ian A, Doug H, Neil Mc, Malcolm S at lunch and Graham A on return route.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 22nd October – Reepham Station
Saturday 25th October -Chequers, Hainford
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

Four riders met at PC on a damp late autumn day for a ride to a new venue, the Coast Cafe, Trimingham.

The planned route took us through East Beckham, Gresham, Barningham, Matlaske, Wickmere, Erpingham, Banningham, Bradfield, Trunch and Mundesley golf course and Mundesley. However, there was a lengthy stop at Gresham as we spotted Brian P and Phil S sitting on a bench pouring over a map and stopped for a chat. Good to report that they both looked well and were planning an off-road ride. The rest of the ride passed with no major incidents although we had to make a number of stops for farm traffic and horses. The farmers were very busy bringing in the sugar beet and potatoes, we also saw a small mountain of apples.

On arrival at the cafe which is on a caravan site, we found Ian and Graham who had made their own way there.

Were all enjoyed a good lunch with choices ranging from Paninis to a full English for Mark. There was a potential issue for paying as there was minimum £10 card spend and the prices were very reasonable. However, this was easily solved by ordering more drink and Magnum ice creams (in the absence of cakes).

Graham and Ian decided to make their own way home (although we kept catching/being overtaken by Ian!). The remainder took the planned route back through Gimingham, Lower Street, Antingham, Suffield, Alby with Thwaite, Alby, Erpingham, Calthorpe, Wolterton, Little Barningham, Edgefield and Hempstead. Andy S left us at Edgefield for home.

Unfortunately, the rain came a bit earlier than forecast and we had fairly heavy showers for 45 minutes, although this was punctuated by periods of bright sunshine!

Overall, a good ride despite the late showers and a very interesting route with plenty of open views.

PC to PC 54 miles
Average speed 14.9 mph
Total Elevation 2170 ft
Riders: Mark M, Ian A, Graham A, Andy S, Chris S, and Andrew B.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 18th October – Pleasure Boat Inn, Hickling
Wednesday 22nd October – Reepham Station
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 M

Two Wheelers met at PC and set off on a still, cool October morning. Ian was collected at Gresham church and then the group proceeded via Bessingham and Matlaske to Mannington Hall where Neil joined. Progress was then made down the hill to Itteringham and up to Oulton Street, across the Holt road and through the back lane to Cawston.

From Cawston the route briefly joined the Booton road, with the usual tip of the cap to the house where Stephen Fry lived as a boy, then turning off to skirt Brandiston through Great Witchingham and down to Lenwade where the obligatory Wensum bridge stop was made.

We crossed over the A1067 and headed up Weston Hall road past the dinosaur park. Fortunately this busy rat-run was quiet and we soon turned off on the Lyng road. We had stopped for a moment before climbing up onto the plateau via Hase’s lane when Phil, a long-term visitor joined us. He was late for the meet up at PC and had been chasing the group ever since, finally catching us at 21 miles in. A determined effort!

Progress continued via Collens Green, Primrose Green and Elsing to Swanton Morley, Hoe and to the Gressenhall Workhouse where our lunch stop was at the Mardlers’ Rest Cafe. This cafe closes at the end of October through to Easter, so it was our last chance of the season to enjoy the legendary Quiche, Chips and Beans. No-one was feeling contrary, so all 5 Wheelers enjoyed the QCB. The helpings are always generous, so we were all well fuelled for the return ride (especially Mark and Andy that had gone for the huge chocolate cake option!).

The season made itself felt leaving the cafe as we all felt a little cold setting off again. First time since the warm spring weather started…

The return route started off by looping round toward Mileham, before returning to cross the Fakenham road at East Bilney and winding through the lanes to Brisley. It was noticeable that a new 40mph speed limit had appeared between the village and the Brisley Bell pub, this was always a dangerous bit of road.

From Brisley the route continued on via the Gately road to join the B1110 at Broom Green. Rather than turn off and take the usual Bintree Mill route, we continued on to Guist on the B1110 and then over the A1067 to continue on the Holt road for a short while before turning off through the lanes to Wood Norton, Guestwick and Wood Dalling.

From Wood Dalling we took the usual route past Norton Corner to Corpusty where Andy and Neil split off for home. The remaining Wheelers continued on through Saxthorpe up the Matlaske road past the three Barninghams to the Mill Road junction where Ian headed to High Kelling and Mark and Phil continued back to PC.

A nice Autumn day’s cycling, rather cool and overcast, but dry and no wind.

PC to PC was 61.8 miles at an average 15.2 mph
Riders: Mark M, Ian A, Andy S, Neil M and Phil B

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 15th October – Coast Café, Trimingham
Saturday 18th October – Pleasure Boat Inn, Hickling
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

Only one Wheeler got the weather forecast right today and that was Duncan. So he decided not to ride in heavy drizzle on his skittish carbon wheels and flaky rim brakes. (Rumour has it he spent the day shopping for a ‘proper winter bike’ but we’ll see.) Meanwhile, since everyone else thought the forecast was pretty good with just a slim chance of light drizzle but not amounting to much, 3 riders out of 4 met at PC in shorts. It wasn’t warm either… Rain jackets on, they set off on the route to the new destination at Stalham, with probable mutterings in the wet peloton of “this had better be worth it!”
Mark, Andrew, Andy and Clive went via Gresham church on to Sustead, Metton (negotiating a temporary road closure) and Northrepps where they collected Graham and continued apace to Southrepps, Bradfield, skirted North Walsham, then via Crostwright and East Ruston. Shortly before turning right onto the main road to Stalham, we passed a field of donkeys (most of us saw them) but immediately after the donkeys, Ian spotted a couple of rheas in an enclosure. (Apparently in 2023 several of them escaped but were located and caught in surrounding villages and returned to the farm.)

On arrival at Stalham and a little bit of detective work we found the Richardson’s Marina Café.

It was quiet but with only one member of staff they did a sterling job prepping our cheese/tuna/ham paninis & toasties/hot drinks and cakes for the usual suspects. Even better, they offer 20% off if you arrive by bike! Ian had made his way independently at a slightly slower pace (Zone 2 training – far too technical) and had unknowingly earlier ridden straight past Graham while he was waiting for the main group (he said hello to a jogger but didn’t spot Graham!) Sitting on seats decked in various pastel colours the food was hearty and the cakes fine, albeit only a limited choice. In other news, Ian had been stung by a wasp en route. Must have been a whopper as Andrew’s antihistamine tablet had no affect. But thanks anyway.

After lunch we remounted and Graham made his own way back to Cromer. Again, Ian followed the main route, but chose to go at a slightly slower pace. The route took us all back through Stalham then via Honing, Briggate, and up to White Horse Common to weave through North Walsham, then crossing the main line at Antingham (where Ian caught & passed the bunch during their ‘nature’ stop). The route then went via Suffield and Colby (where Ian was repassed as he stopped for a photo).

Shortly after Calthorpe at Wolterton Hall, Andy turned off to head back to Corpusty via Mannington, leaving the other three riders to follow the route back to PC via Plumstead, Baconsthorpe, Hempstead, Selbrigg Pond and West Beckham. Clive turned for Holt at Hempstead to head back to Blakeney.

Footnote: Mark & Andrew met Harvey at Lower Bodham and stopped for a chat. He’s clocked up 18,000 miles in the last 2 years. Chapeau indeed.

PC to PC was 59 miles at an average speed of 14.6mph.
Riders: Andrew B, Andy S, Clive A, Graham A, Ian A, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 11th October – Mardler’s Rest, Gressenhall
Wednesday 15th October – Coast Café, Trimingham
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 Duncan S

Five riders met at Pretty Corner on a sunny but fresh morning with light southerly winds. The peloton set off south to Gresham and Bessingham then turned west to Plumstead, crossing the B1149 at Edgefield. Then it was Hunworth, Stody, Brinton, crossing the A148 to Bale. We continued westwards to Hindringham, Great Snoring, crossing the ford at Houghton St Giles by the dry route – no heroes willing to brave the water this time!

By this time the weather had turned cloudy. We headed for North Barsham and Waterden before turning north for North Creake and the Abbey Cafe. There we found Ian, who had secured a nice large table for us, having ridden the full route but a slower pace (reserving his strength for Thursday’s golf and the Saturday ride).

A good natter was had over a tasty lunch with Andrew opting for cake as well! We set off in a light sporadic drizzle, Duncan being the only Wheeler to don a rain jacket (only because he at last remembered to bring it!). We headed east for Wighton and Binham. After Binham, Ian elected to proceed at a slower pace. When the rest of the peloton regrouped at Field Dalling, Chris decided to “get a few faster miles in” and sped off, soon after which Ian shot past the paused peloton. The remaining 4 riders set off, thinking we would soon catch Ian up. We never saw him again, although apparently he waited for 10 mins at A148/Bridge Road junction (so much for Ian’s slower pace!).

On the Bridgefoot Lane climb, the obligatory King of the Mountains competition opened, with Duncan setting off at quite a pace. However he was beaten by a bike length by Andrew at the Cley Road summit (perhaps overheating in his rain jacket, the drizzle having stopped some time back!). As the two “champions” waited for the others, Mark sped past and then, while Duncan and Andrew waited for Andy, he also sped past. On regrouping before the Bridge Road fork, Mark maintained that the summit was further on than the Cley Road fork and claimed first place, while Andy claimed second place. We’ll leave other Wheelers to decide who really won!

At the Kelling Road/Bridge Road junction, Duncan peeled off for Holt. Andy left for Corpusty via Selbrigg, leaving the remaining 2 riders to press on to PC.

PC to PC was 55.4 miles at an average of 15.1 mph
Riders: Mark M, Andrew B, Chris S, Andy S, Duncan S and Ian A (part)

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 4th October – Coast Café, Trimingham
Wednesday 8th October – Richardsons, Stalham
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/