Ride report by Mark M
With most of the regulars unable to make it for the warmest day of the year, Mark and Chris decided to change the route from Nelson’s at Wells to a previously planned but unridden hilly route that would take us to Great Walsingham Barn for lunch: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2065226
Why?, well Chris wants his TT training and Mark is a glutton for punishment, so the ideal pairing to tackle climbing 842 meters of North Norfolk’s finest hills.
The first hour had the four hardest climbs, so everything after that seemed relatively easy.
Setting off from PC, it was sunny but still cool with a south easterly wind, as we headed back the way we had just come from to Upper Sheringham and the first climb back up to the A148, then West Beckham and Bodham. After a speedy descent to Weybourne, our second climb took us up Holgate Hill past Holt Garden Centre, then down to Kelling and the climb (#3) up Wood Lane to Salthouse Heath.
Turning down to Salthouse, we stopped for a breather and to enjoy the view down to the marsh and a calm sea. Heading down to the coast road so we didn’t miss any of Bard Hill (climb #4 & a Wheelers Hill Climb route), that is a long, hard climb which does eventually end and flatten off.
Then it was an easy run to Cley, Glandford, up to Wiveton Downs, Langham, Binham, up past the end of the airfield towards Stiffkey. At the bottom of the hill it was a sharp left and onto the steep climb of Wighton Road, then Warham, Copys Green and Great Walsingham for Obrennans café.
It’s a long while since we have been to Obennans and it was fairly quiet, though we were quickly served with a pot of tea and our lunch orders taken. There was a wide selection of pies, quiches and sausage roll to choose from, which came with three salads. My breakfast quiche and salad was generous and filling, no cakes for either of us.
Our next leg was into the wind via Hindringham, Bale, Gunthorpe, Thornage, Hunworth and up the hill to Edgefield. After recovering at the top, we headed for Corpusty, calling in to see Andy S on the way, of course no-one was home. A little further down the road a car pulled in to let us past and as we got closer, the occupants seemed to be having some kind of fit and I realised that it was Andy and his wife Jane trying to get our attention. Stopping to have a chat, Andy was on his way home from a physio session and was walking without a crutch, has been having gentle turbo trainer sessions each day and thought he might be able to join us next Wednesday for a bit, so that is all good.
Heading north with the wind behind us, past Mannington Hall and up to Matlaske on the airfield road, passing through Matlaske we passed Duncan S heading the other way, making the most of the afternoon sun and getting a few miles in. For us it was the direct route back to PC and home.
PC to PC was 53.8 miles at an average 14.6 mph (14.9 Out, 14.5 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M (Seen out – Andy S, Duncan S)
Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 21st March – Watsons, Bacton
Wednesday 25th March – Old Dairy, Stanfield
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 