Inaugural Ride report by Clive A
Five members (Mark M, Chris S, Duncan S, Andrew B and Clive A) met at PC on a dry day (yes!) with the promise of 15C and sunshine all the way. The weather was true to the forecast, although initially a little chilly, as we set off via the usual route through Gresham and Sustead, kissing Hanworth to hit the A140. The almost two mile straight along Tophill Road took us to the A149. A shimmy across the A149 found us sliding through Gunton, Bradfield and Swafield before skirting around the eastern side of N Walsham passing through Meeting Hill (where exactly was the hill?) and on to Worstead. It was then a straight southerly run to Ashmanhaugh thence into the Wroxham Barns.
The car park was rammed and a lot of families with young children were enjoying the various facilities. Luckily Ian A had arrived earlier after taking a more direct route to the Barns, and had bagged us a table for 6. The food queue was not too long, but by the time we had ordered and our comestibles had been delivered to our table, it was out of the door! Lunchtime chat was varied as per usual. Ian recommended we view the Hannah Fry BBC program about AI – quite terrifying apparently. What can you believe today, even if you have seen it with your own eyes? Clive (was) volunteered to write up the blog, as he has been riding with NNW now for three seasons yet had so far missed out on this treat! (Don’t worry Clive, you won’t have to wait so long for your next opportunity! Ed.)
Suitably rested and topped up with food, we get ready to leave for the ride back. The car park was still rammed and there was a large coach parked as well – hence the long lunchtime queues. It seems that a feature of Wheelers rides is that once victualled up, the ride leader quickens the pace. Heading west along Belaugh Lane, I see Chris rapidly disappearing from view as he presses hard on the pedals heading for home. We didn’t see him again! Mark also keeps the pace up as we head around the back of Coltishall to Buxton via Lammas. The Bure looked beautiful in the afternoon sunshine near Oxnead as Ian makes his own way back home.
It’s now a nine mile northerly drag after Alysham up to Aldborough via Ingworth, and then a short run to Gresham and the grind up to Red Barn lane where the remaining four riders stop briefly. Clive and Duncan go on to Holt, as Andrew and Mark take Red Barn Lane back to PC with 45 miles ridden. The weather did what it was supposed to at 15C, the lanes were drier than of late, and the countryside was waking up with shows of daffodils and myriads of snowdrops. A joy to be out today in the N Norfolk countryside.
PC to PC was 45.4 miles at an average 15.1 mph
Riders: Chris S, Duncan S, Andrew B, Mark M, Clive A, Ian A
Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 28th February – Coast Café, Trimingham
Wednesday 4th February – Artisans Bistro, Alby
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 