Ride report by Chris S
Following a night of the country being battered by gale force winds and heavy rain due to the arrival of Storm Claudia, Saturday was relatively tranquil. The strong winds had subsided and the heavy rain had become a light drizzle.
Despite the uninspiring weather conditions four wheelers still turned up at PC for what was originally planned as a 57 mile ride. However soon after setting off, Mark, Andrew, Chris and Doug quickly reached a consensus of opinion to shorten the ride. Not only did the light drizzle reduce visibility but also the roads were covered with a mulch of leaves, mud, water and other debris from the overnight storm making the riding conditions hazardous and not particularly pleasant.
Notwithstanding this the four wheelers carried on passing through Hempstead, Edgefield and Briston. At Hindolveston a particularly large flood was encountered stretching for approximately 100 metres and at least half a metre deep. With no alternative option to by pass the flood Mark rode straight through closely followed by Andrew who initially hesitated. Meanwhile Chris and Doug decided to dismount and attempt to walk along the verge. Needless to say they were thwarted by a drive way and ended up having to wade through deep water. As a consequence everyone suffered from very wet feet for the rest of the ride.
The ride then continued towards Foulsham before bypassing Reepham and reaching the Chrysalis Café at Sparhamhill to everyone’s relief at around 11.30am. This meant that Mark was in time to indulge in a full English breakfast whilst the others enjoyed a variety of hot food. As it was Mark’s birthday he treated everyone to cakes and another round of tea/coffee. Happy birthday Mark.
(Editor’s note; coincidentally, today was also Doug’s and Andy S’ birthday, triple Happy Birthday’s! Doug bought the cakes last Saturday, while Andy’s absence from the last two rides means we are looking forward to more cakes on his return.)
Fully refreshed the group then trudged back outside to start the ride home which was also shortened due to the weather. After almost being decapitated by a fallen overhead cable across the road the route passed through Reepham, Cawston, Oulton and onto Itteringham where it deviated from the planned route towards Aldborough. Shortly after Mark, Andrew and Chris turned off to Bessingham and PC via Gresham leaving Doug to continue towards Sustead and home to Cromer.
Probably not the most enjoyable ride of the year but at least it demonstrated that the Wheelers are not just fair weather riders (well some of them)!
Distance: 44 miles
Average Speed: 14.4 mph
Riders: Mark M, Andrew B, Chris S, Doug H
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 19th November – All Things Nice, Cawston
Saturday 22nd November – Binham Parlour
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 