Ride report by Chris S
Following the recent taster of sun and warm spring like weather, winter appeared to have returned gain. Grey skies and a low temperature of around 6 degrees greeted the Wheelers on Saturday morning. On the bright side no rain was forecast and there was only a light north-easterly wind.
Mark, Chris, Andrew and Doug set off from PC after first discussing Doug’s heated shoes which were keenly spotted by Mark. Doug also had fitted a new pair of very nice Portland Design black aluminium mudguards which complimented his titanium frame.
As it was cold, brisk progress was made, collecting Ian shortly after East Beckham. After congratulating Ian on his birthday, the peloton continued on to Baconsthorpe and The Old White Horse at Edgefield arriving just before Neil who then joined the ride.
Now six in number the Wheelers pressed onwards through Briston, Stody, Gunthorpe, and Thursford. Although Ian had suggested stopping at Thursford church for birthday cakes (obviously nothing to do with it being cheap!) as it was their cake morning he was out voted and the group pressed on to Themelthorpe via Fulmodeston and Foulsham.
On arrival at Junction 21 Ian discovered that he had a puncture in his rear wheel. Despite it being his birthday and in true Wheelers’ fashion the group left him to repair his puncture whilst retiring to watch from the warmth of the café. A selection of hot drinks, sandwiches and soup was soon ordered and by the time the food had arrived Ian had fixed his puncture. Bearing no hard feelings Ian then generously bought cakes for everyone to celebrate his birthday. Thank you Ian.
After lunch the riders set off again only to find that Ian’s tyre went flat again after four miles. Having repaired the puncture again the peloton continued another three miles to Reepham where guess what – Ian’s tyre delated once more! Having now run out of spare inner tubes and loss of confidence in the tyre Ian decided that the only option was to call his emergency rescue and recovery service, i.e. home.
Leaving Ian and his bike to be recovered from the Station Café, the rest of the group continued back to PC via Wood Dalling. Neil dropped off at Corpusty and Doug turned off towards Greham/Cromer just after North Banningham.
Andrew made a final spirited sprint up the final hill to PC only to find that he was only racing himself!
Ed’s Note – Ian has shot up the Puncture Challenge Leaderboard with an impressive total of five. You might think that three in one day was a record, but Graham A managed that in 2024, plus he punctured both tyres, which out trumps a single tyre. If only Ian had carried another spare tube, it could have been four!
PC to PC was 49 miles at an average 14.5 mph (15.3 Out, 13.8 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Doug H, Andrew B, Neil M and Ian A
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 11th March – Derby’s, Swanton Morley
Saturday 14th March – Waxham Barn
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 