Ride report by Mark M
A bright sunny morning greeted Andrew, Mark and guest Joe at PC. Surprised that a couple more regulars were missing, it transpired that Andy heading to PC from Corpusty had encountered a lot of black ice and had sent out a warning email and headed home. Chris and Ian had seen the email prior to leaving home and decided to stay indoors. The PC trio, bathed in sun and unable to see any ice, continued on regardless and collected Doug and Clive at Gresham Church.
Heading from Bessingham towards Matlaske, we saw the first ice on a few puddles and then past Wickmere, the road was in the shade and had the wind blowing straight down it and that had a lot of frost and ice along the edges. From Itteringham we stayed on the larger road instead of looping around via the common, then went to Oulton and into Heydon Park, which was open again (thanks Graham for the heads up).
Stopping in the quiet Heydon village to admire the view and get a photo, we noted that the Earle Arms has temporarily closed until April as the prior landlord of 26 years has decided to move on.
It was a short run through Salle, into Reepham and the market place to find the Dial House open and busy, also very warm which was most welcome. Filled rolls, sausage rolls, custard tarts and good coffee were enjoyed by all, though Doug had to settle for the pre-packaged gluten free quiche and a banana to go with his coffee.
The downside of a warm café is that it feels even colder than before, when you leave, plus we headed into the cold wind along Kerdiston Road towards Guestwick. As we turned for Wood Dalling the wind was behind us, unfortunately it had also stopped the road from thawing and we had a long section that was iced over the whole road width. With a bit of care we all got through without any drama, though we decided to divert along Blackwater Lane to Briston and up to Edgefield instead of heading to Little London and Andy’s icy lanes, to Edgefield.
Unfortunately, somewhere around Corpusty Road/Blackwater Lane we lost Joe. When we realised he was missing we headed back and Clive went back to the Corpusty Road junction, but nothing. We assume he followed the planned route to Little London and somehow missed our diversion, sorry Joe!
Anyway, the rest of us stayed on the better road to Briston and up to Edgefield, where Clive turned for Hunworth and Blakeney, leaving us to continue on the regular route to Baconsthorpe, Red Barn Lane (Doug heading for Cromer) and PC.
PC to PC was 37.5 miles at an average 14.2mph
Riders: Andrew B, Mark M, Doug H, Clive A and guest Joe.
Happy New Year!
Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 3rd January – Norton’s, Walsingham
Wednesday 7th January – Lily’s, North Walsham
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 