Ride report by Chris S
The day started out cold with low visibility due to mist. However, by about 11am the sun started to break through resulting in a rise in the temperature. Mark, Chris, Doug, Andrew and Andy gathered at PC for the start of the ride. Doug much to his dismay discovered that he had a rear puncture. Luckily it was quickly resolved as he had had tubeless self-sealing tyres. However perhaps this was an ill omen as the ride turned out to be punctuated by punctures!
At the junction of Red Barn Lane and Mill Road Ian joined the ride. However, as the first five miles of the ride were completed the puncture demon made his presence felt with both Chris and Andy puncturing simultaneously resulting in a pit stop to repair rear punctures by the roadside.
Meanwhile Neil was waiting patiently at Itteringham for the peloton to arrive. Having waited for 15 minutes he concluded that maybe the peloton had been slightly earlier than expected and therefore decided to continue hoping to catch up.
As the ride continued to Aylsham the puncture demon struck again. This time it was Doug who experienced his second puncture of the day, this time in the front tyre, which didn’t self-seal. After two attempts at plugging the tyre and much noise from the electric pump, the group were on their way again.
Already well delayed with Neil miles ahead the main group arrived at the railway crossing just south of North Walsham. Having crossed the railway line Chris then realised that his rear tyre was losing air. With Mark to the rescue the tyre was pumped up hoping that it would last until Bacton. Unfortunately it was not to be. Just before Witton Chris started to lose pace as the tyre deflated again. It was decided that the main peloton would continue to Bacton whilst Chris and Mark fixed the puncture. The cause turned out to be a small flint embedded in the tyre.
With some five miles to go Mark and Chris set off again only to almost be wiped out by a herd of some 50 odd deer flying through the hedge and across the road immediately in front of them without any warning. Not a pleasant experience!
On arrival at Watsons café, Neil and the main peloton were already sitting down having ordered drinks and food. The majority tucked into Watson’s all day breakfast. As it was Andrew’s birthday on the previous day he kindly bought a round of cakes for everyone.
Unsurprisingly the main topic of conversation was punctures and who topped the league table for the year. According to Mark, Andy held the record for the most punctures during the year with Mark experiencing none despite using the same tyres!
The return ride was far less eventful passing through Paston, Trunch and alongside Gunton Park (home to more deer). At Aldborough, Andy and Neil turned left to head back to Corpusty whilst Doug turned right towards Sustead and subsequently Cromer. The rest of the group headed straight on dropping Ian off at the junction of Mill Road and Rectory Road. This left Mark, Andrew and Chris to return to PC.
A Happy Christmas and New Year to all.
Total Distance 46.9 miles
Average Speed 14.5 mph
Riders: Mark M, Chris S, Andy S, Doug H, Andrew B, Neil M, Andrew B.
Punctures: 4
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 24th December -No Ride
Saturday 27th December – Holkham Hall
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 