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/
North Norfolk Wheelers 