Ride report by Duncan S
Four riders (Mark M, Chris S, Andrew B and Duncan S) met at Pretty Corner on a fine sunny morning, albeit fairly fresh. Ian A and Graham A were to meet us at the Artisan Cafe, Alby. The four set off into a light south easterly wind towards East Beckham and then to Lower Gresham before heading to Felbrigg Estate. Crossing the Estate, Felbrigg Hall looked splendid in the mid morning sunshine. From there the peloton headed for the southern outskirts of Cromer, climbing a winding way through the housing estate before turning south on Northrepps road. At Northrepps, we turned East on Hungry Hill (still plenty of miles to go before lunch!) and then south towards Antingham. Shortly after crossing the A149, soon after some hedge cutting debris, we came across Ian A and Graham A sorting out a puncture in one of Ian’s tyres (Pirelli Cinturato Gravel). Just in time, Mark whipped out his pump and had Ian pumped up in no time.
Having lost some time with the puncture, Graham chose to take a short cut to the lunch stop. The original peloton pressed on to Erpingham and then looped round to approach the cafe via a gravel track and a narrow grass/mud path. Ian had elected to follow the same route, but at a slower pace. Arriving at the Artisan Cafe, we found Graham already seated and having ordered. Ian arrived a little while later having missed the grass track and taken the scenic route. Various choices of sandwiches, eggs, soup, scones and cakes were ordered and a good natter was had over good food teas and coffees.
Lunch consumed, Chris set off alone at a faster pace to keep up the time trail training and Graham left to get to his Spanish course in Aldborough: it was good to see Graham out again. Soon after, the remaining four left the cafe to find the lovely sunshine from the morning was hidden by low cloud and mist, with the temperature a couple degrees lower. Briefly retracing our steps (tyre tracks?), we headed for Ingworth. Ian elected to ride at a slower pace (something about golf the next day), so he soon dropped off. After Ingworth, the remaining 3 riders skirted the Blickling Estate on Blickling Road before turning off toward Silvergate and then to Oulton. Then we headed north for Itteringham before passing the Wolterton Estate and heading to Lower Street and then via Barningham to West Beckham and finally back to PC. On the climb to the pylon, Andrew spotted a lone cyclist ahead and decided to try to catch him, leaving Duncan and Mark in his wake. He succeeded (just!), much to the surprise of the cyclist who didn’t realise he was in a race!
As we approached PC, the low cloud seemed to lift a bit to replaced by hazy sunshine. A good ride, with no rain for once and mostly dry roads. No need for a full bike clean for once!
PC to PC was 45.3 miles at an average 14.7 mph (14.8 Out & 14.5 Back)
Riders: Mark M, Chris S, Andrew B and Duncan S with Graham A and Ian A at lunch.
Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 7th March – Junction 21, Themelthorpe (Ian’s buying the cakes!)
Wednesday 11th March – Derby’s, Swanton Morley
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 