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/
North Norfolk Wheelers 