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/
North Norfolk Wheelers 