Ride report by Neil M
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…
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.
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.
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.
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 11th February – Three Horseshoes, Warham
Saturday 14th February – Coast Café, Trimingham
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 