Ride report by Chris S
Due to resurfacing works at PC the starting point for the ride was relocated to West Beckham crossroads by the village sign.
Although sunny and a forecast temperature of 13 degrees C it felt much colder due to a strong 17mph easterly wind.
Three wheelers, Chris, Mark and Andrew met at West Beckham picking up the planned route at Gresham. Just before Gresham the peloton was joined by Andy.
Battling the strong easterly wind the four continued through Hanworth before crossing the A140 Cromer Road and then onto North Walsham. At Meeting Hill the usual road blockage was caused by the local bin lorry plus an oil tanker delivering heating oil. Having passed through Honing the road to Dilham was then found to be closed due to resurfacing work. This meant a detour through the small village of Briggate. Due to the wind and the effect of the detour on time it was decided to cut out the Neatishead loop and continue direct to Hoveton via Worstead and Ashmanhaugh. All thanks to Mark’s local knowledge of the roads.
On arrival at the Flora Café (formerly the Hoveton Garden Café but now under new ownership) it was found to be very busy but the group managed to find a table inside rather than outside in the sunny sheltered courtyard. Malcolm arrived shortly after. A leisurely lunch (one hour and ten minutes!!!!!) of bacon and egg breakfast rolls was enjoyed by all. Conversation ranged from the quality of Hunt wheels to how Malcolm could participate in more rides by either catching a train to Wroxham or by moving house from St Olaves back to north Norfolk!
After leaving Malcom to return to St Olaves the return journey was slightly easier due to a tail wind on some sections of the route. The return journey passed through Worstead (again), then onto Skeyton and Banningham. After crossing the A140 the four wheelers passed through Ingworth. Not long after, Andy left the group to return to Corpusty leaving the remaining three wheelers to head back to West Beckham via Plumstead and Baconsthorpe. PS Chris allowed Andrew to win the impromptu race up New Road!
All in all quite a tough ride due to the wind but luckily incident free.
Average Speed 15.3 mph (15.1 Out, 15.5 Back)
Total distance: 50 miles
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andrew B, Andy S and Malcolm S at lunch
Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 2nd May – Red Lion Café, Coltishall
Wednesday 6th May – Billingford Lakes
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 