Ride report by Neil M
Three Wheelers departed PC on a dry, late March morning. The chilly wind meant that it still wasn’t feeling particularly spring-like, but it was at least dry and there were some glimpses of sun.
Ian, Doug and Neil were sat on the bench waiting at Gresham church. There was a certain air of Last of the Summer Wine about the seated trio, but there was no tin bathtub nearby that could be pressed into service as an impromptu toboggan down any nearby hills. On balance, bicycles are probably safer.
The full peloton including Compo, Clegg and Foggy set off to Bessingham, Matlaske and then down into Itteringham and up the hill to Oulton. Crossing the Holt Road the usual route through Cawston was avoided by a diversion down Southgate lane and on to Reepham via Salle.
From Reepham the route continued on to Whitwell and up Nowhere lane to cross the Fakenham road at Sparham. The roads were quite dry, so the usual mud and gravel mess at the bottom of Limekiln Road before Sparham Hole was a lot better than usual and it was a nice ride along to Bylaugh with the Wensum valley to our left.
We crossed the Dereham road and carried on past Robertson Barracks. This is in the process of being closed down by the Army (current regiments to leave in 2027) and there were signs announcing various new housing developments around the site. From the barracks it was a swift ride to Hoe and then to our lunch destination, Gressenhall Workhouse Museum.
Due to it being rather chilly, Neil went straight in to the cafe to order lunch. This was a very cunning manoeuvre as it turned out as it was half term and several families with children appeared and piled in before the other Wheelers. This resulted in a considerable delay while the chips ran out and were re-filled. Neil happily tucked into his quiche, chips and beans while everyone else languished at the back of the queue. Snooze and you lose!
The (eventual) lunchtime conversation was as broad as is usual. Ian recounted his first time adventures with private podiatry where simple treatment of a painful callus turned into a spa experience where his nails were buffed and his feet anointed with oils. You wouldn’t get that on the NHS! Doug’s not-quite-a-puncture was also discussed and it was agreed that a pressure loss (detected by Doug’s advanced on-board diagnostics) that then sealed itself without delaying the group or coating Doug in sealant goop didn’t count. Dodged that one then…
Chris left us early to get some TT training in and the remaining 5 set off into the chilly wind for home. The first leg North through Gressenhall, East Bilney and Brisley was still windy, but this became easier as we turned East to Broom Green and Bintree Mill. The daffodils were out at the Mill and we stopped on the bridge for the usual photo opportunity.
From the Mill we climbed the hill to Bintree, crossed the Fakenham road to Foulsham and then headed to Thurning. Ian had already dropped off the main group to take it easier and spare his knee for the final few miles. We crossed the Blackwater at chicken corner (they are actually a pack of semi-feral Cockerels) and turned down Heath Road to pick up Town Close lane to Corpusty where Neil left for home.
The remaining Wheelers carried on through Saxthorpe up the Matlaske Road to Plumstead and Baconsthorpe to Rectory Road. Doug carried on to Gresham and home to Cromer while the remaining two Wheelers turned down Red Barn lane to PC and home.
PC to PC was 56.6 miles at an average 14.7 mph (14.7 Out, 14.7 Back)
Riders: Mark M, Chris S, Andrew B, Neil Mc, Ian A, Doug H.
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 1st April – Java Bean, Badersfield
Saturday 4th April – Piece of Cake, Coltishall
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 