Ride report by Mark M
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
Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 7th February – Algy’s, Bintree
Wednesday 11th February – Three Horseshoes, Warham
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 