Mark, Neil, Doug, Chris and Andrew met at a dry PC following a night and early morning of rain, but they were pleased to be faced with what may have been the warmest ride of 2026. With that, they set off towards Bodham and on to High Kelling to collect Ian. At this point, Doug and Ian then spent the rest of the morning trying to work out their undiagnosable squeaks. You’ve got to love cycling!
The peloton continued on into a slight headwind through Wiveton and Glandford, past the Langham Dome and the Spitfire, on to Binham, Hindringham, Wighton and then Walsingham, where we stopped for a very reasonably priced and excellent-quality lunch. Once lunch had been consumed, Chris was up and away, wanting to get back and practise for the start of the time trial season.
Le Grand Depart post lunch at Norton’s Café, Lt. Walsingham. Club ride 21-Feb-2026. L-R: Neil M, Andrew B, Doug H, Mark . Ian A selfie/camera.
With that, and with a more leisurely approach, the rest of us set off with a bit of a tailwind. We headed towards Great Snoring, on to Hindringham, Bale, Sharrington, Brinton, Stody, and then skirted by Briston and on to Baconsthorpe, where Neil headed off home — but not before a duel began between Andrew and Ian. Ian just edged out Andrew by a wheel in the first race, and then Andrew won by a couple of bike lengths in the final race of the day. Well done, chaps — good riding!
A carpet of snowdrops at Walsingham Abbey, 21st Feb 2026. Photo Andrew B
With the duel over, Ian headed back home and Doug set off for Cromer via Gresham, with the final two heading back to PC. A very nice day’s riding in the warmth and sunshine — roll on spring!
PC to PC was 46.2 miles at an average 15.0 mph Riders: Chris S, Andrew B, Neil Mc, Mark M, Doug H, Ian A
Ride report by Andrew B Four riders met at PC on a bitterly cold and windy (but dry) winters morning for a ride to Cawston. Ian had decided to make is own way there and Andy S is now out for a while following a skiing accident (we wish him a speedy recovery).
The planned route took us through Baconsthorpe, Edgefield, Little Barningham, past Mannington Hall to Calthorpe. Then down to Ingworth, along the muddy and flooded lane to Itteringham Common, Oulton Street and to Cawston. It was hard going against the strong easterly wind and parts were very muddy. However, we made steady progress until three miles before the Cafe Duncan discovered he had a puncture! Our chief mechanic (Mark) stayed with him to fix this (a thorn apparently), whilst the remainder rushed for the warmth of the cafe. A bad start for the year for Duncan and Mark, who are now both on two punctures.
On arrival at the cafe the two scouts enjoyed warm drinks and were soon joined by Ian who did the same. Mark and Duncan arrived about fifteen minutes later looking very cold! However, once they warmed up we all enjoyed some good hearty food, with choices ranging from the Full English to soup and bread. Andrew even found room for a cake although he took half home as it was so big (actually it only made it to the car parked at PC).
After lunch Chris left early to get some TT training in, then Ian left us to make his own way back. The route back took us south to the Witchinghams and then up to Reepham, Guestwick, Craymere Beck, Briston and a hard push into the wind up to Edgefield. Although the easterly wind had been behind us for some of the route, from Briston it was against us, so it was decided to retrace our steps back to PC for the last part of the route instead of having both wind and hills to Plumstead. Duncan left at Baconsthorpe to make his own way home.
Ian gets time to admire a new Kelling Heath Holiday Home – Bodham, 18th Feb 2026
Ian reported a delay on his way home due to a slow moving vehicle blocking his route – see photo. Apparently he snapped this – one handed while still moving having taken a winter glove off his my teeth – quite a skill set! you can just make out his reflection in bottom of second window from the left. It held him up for about a mile from Holt Garden Machinery to Kelling Heath holiday village entrance at 3.5mph, so that ruined his average speed! (so he claims)
Overall, a good ride despite the cold weather and the muddy conditions.
PC to PC 49.5 miles Average speed 13.5 mph Total Elevation 1900 ft (Ian – 48.5m @ 13.7mph)
Riders: Mark M, Chris S, Duncan S, Ian A and Andrew B.
Upcoming Rides – Saturday 14th February – Crown, Banningham (Coast Café, Trimingham is closed until the 26th Feb) Wednesday 18th February – All Things Nice, Cawston 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/
There was a bit of debate at PC this morning but the 3 Wheelers finally concluded that the big yellow thing in the sky must be the sun. It’s been a while. But just to keep things familiar, it was still blimmin’ cold. Chris was on his steel bike as he’s not yet fixed the gear change on his winter bike. The route took them via Selbrigg Pond where they collected Ian at the top of the road and headed to Hempstead, crossing the Holt Road where we met Neil at the top of Ramsgate Street in Edgefield. (The sky had turned dark and we wondered if we might get a possible sleet shower but fortunately we dodged that bullet all day.) After Briston we continued south to Guestwick, across to Wood Dalling and through Heydon Park where there was a great display of snowdrops and a gathering of the local hunt in front of the hall. Trying to exit the park, the electric gate failed to open for us so we took the side gate which was secured with a typical piece of farmers’ string. Of course once we’d negotiated that, the automatic gate then opened. Crossing the Holt Road again we continued to splash our way through mud, puddles and the occasional flooded road and went through Oulton, skirted north of Blickling Park and at Ingworth Church, turned for Banningham, crossing the busy Cromer Road as we went. Arriving at the Banningham Crown just before midday, Ian stopped briefly for a photo opportunity as both crocuses and snowdrops were in full bloom on the green.
Crocuses and snowdrops at Banningham, club ride 14-Feb-2026. Photo Ian A.
The pub was fairly quiet and we grabbed a table by the (as yet) unlit fire. As we were seating ourselves, Graham arrived looking well and it was nice to see him. He hopes to be back out on the bike for the summer but at the moment is advised not to. After ordering food and drinks, a member of staff started to erect what looked like a fireguard so we thought “great, they’re going to light the fire!” But alas, it turned out to be a dog cage into which was placed a very gorgeous puppy! After much cooing our mood quickly changed after it did a surprisingly large and particularly smelly poo! We had to complain as we were about to eat. They cleared the mess up and the smell went – just. Anyway, soup, various eggs on toast and a tuna sandwich on the wrong bread and with crisps rather than the fries that were ordered were duly eaten. But Mark took advantage of the burger and a pint deal. After lunch, Ian took a shortcut back to High Kelling via Colby, Suffield, Hanworth and Gresham as he was on catering duty for dinner guests at home later: Mary Berry’s slow-cooked leg of lamb with ratatouille if you must know. (Or did he take a detour because there was maybe still just a faint whiff of dog poo from the peloton?..)
St. Mary’s Church Bessingham on Ian’s post-lunch detour, club ride 14-Feb-2026.
Anyway, the remaining 4 riders continued on to Felmingham, Antingham (crossing the Norwich main line) then through Bradfield, Trunch, Northrepps, Metton and Gresham where Neil turned off to head back to Corpusty, leaving Andrew, Chris and Mark to complete the last couple of miles back to PC. The pace was notably slower on the return leg with an albeit slight but predominant headwind not helping. Plus the legs of our ride leader heavy with burger and beer perhaps? But nevertheless a puncture free ride (yay!) with the only minor incident being when Andrew had a small altercation with a gate.
PC to PC was 48.5 miles at an average 14.6 mph Riders: Chris S, Andrew B, Mark M, Ian A, Neil M plus Graham A at lunch
3 riders (Mark M, Chris S and Duncan S) met at Pretty Corner on a rainy but not too chilly morning with light south westerly winds. We expected Andrew B to join us and to meet Ian A at the Three Horseshoes, Warham. However, 10am came and went so the peloton (if you can call 3 riders a peloton) set off south to the Red Barn Lane/Mill Road T-Junction. There we turned right and headed for Baconsthorpe and the Plumstead Road. We then turned right in Plumstead towards the B1149 at Edgefield. Continuing on to the top of Ramsgate Street, Mark suggested a deviation from the planned route to avoid the anticipated mud and swollen fords, so we continued down the Briston Road. We crossed the Briston-Holt Road and then through Stody to Brinton before turning southwest before Sharrington to Gunthorpe. Heading west, we crossed the A148 and then rode through Thursford Green towards Great Snoring. The rain had been pretty constant, so Mark offered a short cut to Walsingham but the intrepid trio agreed to do the full route. We continued west towards the Barshams, then turning north east to the Walsinghams and then to Warham.
Arriving at the Three Horseshoes, there was no sign of Ian’s bike, so we spent a few minutes wringing out our gloves and shaking off our rain jackets before going inside. Drinks and food were ordered and then we saw the messages from Ian and Andrew explaining that the weather had dampened the mojo and they had each taken a rain check on the ride. There was lots of sympathy and understanding from the intrepid trio around the table for the missing duo!
BLTs and soup duly arrived and discussion ranged from the merits of various tyres and liners to the contrast between the Thursford Christmas Spectacular and the Cromer End of Pier show. The rain seemed to have stopped and the sun briefly emerged over lunch, but the rain began again as we donned wet gloves and set off up the Binham Road. We turned right down Long Lane and left at the T-Junction to Westgate, Field Dalling and Saxlingham. Then Chris discovered he couldn’t shift out of the smallest cogs on his cassette and soon after, Mark suffered a rear puncture (Conti GP 5000 AS tyre with tyre liner). As Chris was likely to be slower, he went on ahead, expecting to be caught by the remaining 2 later. However, the cause of the puncture proved tricky to remove from the tyre, turning out to be small piece of wire. We did not see Chris again.
Fortunately the rain had stopped during this interlude and with a new tube in the tyre, we set off to Wiveton, Newgate up the Holt Road hill and across Salthouse Heath to Bridge Road and High Kelling. Duncan elected to accompany Mark to PC rather than turn to Holt, legs feeling good and not having done a 60 miler for some time (and just in case Mark had another puncture!). The remainder of the ride (Church Road, Hart Lane to Bodham, West Beckham, PC) went without incident. A good ride, despite the very wet weather.
PC to PC was 49.2 miles at ana average 14.4 mph Riders: Mark M, Chris S, Duncan S
P.S. Award winners at the annual Wheelers Social on Sat 7th Feb included Graham A receiving the Geoff Paice Peddlers trophy, for his solo cycling adventure to Holland between his hospital treatments and Chris S. In his first time trial season he won the trophy for the fastest 25 mile time (on handicap). I’m sure there is no truth in the rumor that money changed hands!
Upcoming Rides – Saturday 14th February – Crown, Banningham (Coast Café, Trimingham is closed until the 26th Feb) Wednesday 18th February – All Things Nice, Cawston 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/
Four Wheelers met at PC on a standard chilly February morning. For once it wasn’t raining (yet) or particularly windy. Disaster struck before we even started when Mark found his tyre had gone flat from a surprise puncture. He quickly repaired it while we stood around and took the mickey based on his puncture-free 2025. Of course, payback was waiting in the wings and he wouldn’t be the only person to puncture today…
Mark’s puncture at PC before we’d set off, no help forthcoming! Club ride (eventually) 7-Feb-26. L-R: Chris S, Mark M, Neil M. Photo Ian A.
We got going 17 minutes late and made our way via West Beckham to Baconsthorpe, Plumstead and Little Barningham onto the Matlaske road to Saxthorpe. The roads were wet and very muddy, although the sugar beet mess had slightly subsided compared to previous weeks.
From Saxthorpe we took a slight detour past Little London and up Heath Road thereby missing the flood on Horseshoe lane, but it turned out that Blackwater Lane was also flooded so there was no missing the water. On rejoining Corpusty Road we diverted via Red Pitts and Norton Corner to head to Wood Dalling and then onward to Guestwick and Themelthorpe. Around this point the rain started, but it was very light and patchy so never quite reached the jackets-on threshold.
Foxley was our next destination and from there across the A1067 to pick up Mill Road to join the Billingford Road. At Billingford we turned off onto Bintree Road and made our way to just outside the village where our lunch stop, Algy’s Farm Shop, was located.
This is a relatively new cafe which opened last October. They have certainly picked up a clientele as it was packed, with no large tables available. Fortunately, a very gracious couple decamped to a smaller table and we were in! There was initial slight disappointment when it was discovered that the all-day breakfast was only on Sundays, but the lunch menu was equally appetising and food and drinks were quickly ordered. There was a couple of worrying moments when the power and lighting went off, but they appeared to fix whatever the problem was quickly and the orders arrived promptly.
Wheelers Peloton forming up after lunch at Algy’s Farm Shop Café, club ride 7-Feb-26. L-R: Ian A, Chris S, Neil M, Mark M.
When it came time to leave, the view outside through the cafe windows looked like the weather had improved, but this proved deceptive and the same not-quite-raining conditions continued. At least the wind was at our back on the return leg.
From Bintree we crossed the A1067 and headed for Foulsham. From Foulsham we diverted onto the Guist road and took the Wood Norton loop through the village and past the old airfield to pick up Foulsham Road to Hindolveston, then Melton Constable. Instead of going through the village we continued across the Briston Road to loop round via Briningham and head to Stody.
Just past Stody the puncture curse struck again, with Ian as the victim this time. Chris had to get back, so left us at this point to head to Sheringham. Ian quickly repaired the puncture with assistance from Mark, who had risen above our earlier ribbing to render his usual skilful repair powers. For the second time today the cause of the puncture couldn’t be found, but as usual, it was probably a sharp flint.
Karma catches up with Ian A near Briston 7th Feb 2026, photo Neil M
We finally got going again to cross the Hunworth road and head up the Edgefield climb where Mark took the win at the summit. Neil left at this point to continue down Ramsgate Street to Corpusty and home.
The remaining two continued without further incident through Hempstead to Selbrigg Road where Ian left for High Kelling and home. Mark continued alone to Red Barn Lane, PC and home.
PC to PC was 49.5 miles at ana average 14.8 mph Riders: Mark M, Ian A, Chris S and Neil Mc.
It was another misty and damp start at PC, must be something to do with the extreme altitude. Anyway, with Ian planning to meet us at Lily’s, Andy, Duncan and Mark set off for Gresham, Metton and Thorpe Market, into a light south easterly. Turning south for Bradfield, Lyngate and North Walsham, then down to White Horse Common and turning right over Dilham canal. Here we briefly enjoyed some sunshine, though as we looked further south in the direction of our loop back towards North Walsham, the sky was filled with ominous black clouds. As we approached Briggate, we waited while a hedge cutter carpeted the road with trimmings, this was Duncan’s chance to keep his 100% record and make it three punctures in three rides, but no, he got through unscathed this time. So we continued to Meeting Hill and the short distance to Hadfields Garden Centre and Lily’s. Ian had just arrived after getting a couple of bonus miles in, having managed to cycle straight past Hadfields. Our timing was not very good today as we arrived shortly after breakfast finished at 11:30 and before lunch started at 12, fortunately Chris was not with us. We were able to place our lunch orders and get teas and coffees while we waited. Our conversation about chain waxing, quick links and if a three chain rotation was superior to using a single chain until worn out (it is), quickly passed the time and the arrival of lunch ended that line of enquiry. There were two generous bacon and egg and one sausage sandwich and Ian went for the healthy baguette option which included some salad, all very good and worth waiting for. Unlike our previous visits, the café was very quiet today.
Setting off again, we crossed the bypass and railway line and took the B1150 a short distance, turning off for Westwick and towards Felmingham. Ian dropped off to continue at his own pace, while we continued on, turning at Colby school for Erpingham and up the hill at Calthorpe. As we passed the crossroads towards the top of the hill, a chap on a hardtail mountain bike turned out of the junction and chased after us, soon overtaking us. With his wide bars and fat tyres, it was unlikely he could sustain his pace and so we were able to reel him back and pass him before the end of the road, result! At the Itteringham road junction, Andy headed for Corpusty, leaving Duncan and Mark to continue to Little Barningham, Plumstead and Hempstead. At the Hempstead Road junction, Duncan was heading for Holt and while we stopped and chatted to a lady on an electric bike wanting to know about local bike shops, Ian appeared again. Selbrigg Lake and West Beckham finished off the circuit.
PC to PC was 45.7 miles at an average 14.6 mph Riders: Andy S, Duncan S, Ian A, Mark M
Ride report by Chris S San Jamie to Calpe – Saturday 31 January and San Jamie to Denia – Sunday 1 February 2026
Due to poor weather including rain and gale force winds and other commitments there has sadly been a lack of cycling on the agenda. However, Chris managed two successive rides on Saturday and Sunday.
The first ride on Saturday was postponed until mid-afternoon due to the extremely strong winds. However noting that there were other riders out who were managing to stay upright (they were all however much younger and fitter) Chris decided to venture out for a shorter than usual ride.
The outward leg along the very scenic coastal road was blasted by intermittent strong winds as the road twisted and dived around the coast. Despite this an average speed of just under 17mph was achieved. Thinking that the return ride would be easier with a tail wind Chris was sadly mistaken and found an even stronger head wind on parts of the route. Notwithstanding this the overall average speed was 15.46 mph with a total ascent of 352 metres over 15.76 miles.
With the weather much improved on Sunday, Chris ventured out again to do a 50 mile loop passing through Benissa, Lliber, Xalo, Acalai, Orba, Ondara with a quick stop at Denia for a photo.
Chris S takes a break in the sun at Denia, Spain. 1st Feb 2026
This was then followed by a long climb and a fast descent into Xavier before climbing again up to Benitchell dropping down into Moraira and the final 100 metre climb back up to San Jamie.
Overall a good but exhausting ride with lots of local cyclists/clubs out setting a fast pace to try and keep up with!
Distance 49.59 miles Average Speed 14.61 Total Ascent 1081 metres
North Norfolk Wheelers 