Ride report by Ian A
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.
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?..)
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
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 18th February – All Things Nice, Cawston
Saturday 21st February – Norton’s, Walsingham
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 