Ride report by Mark M
Mark and Chris met at a sunny PC, there was a lightish westerly breeze and scattered clouds kept the temperature in check.
For a change we went via North Barningham, Baconsthorpe, Hempstead, Pond Hills Road, Edgefield Street to Town Close where we met Neil M.
The trio, then set off for Thurning, Wood Dalling and through Reepham for Booton and Brandiston.
Taking the road north of Swannington airfield we reached the Haveringland Road and enjoyed a wind assisted couple of high speed miles of wide, well surfaced road that was slightly downhill and took us to Felthorpe.
Knowing that it would be a small group, the route took us along the often busy Shorthorn Road, today it was quiet and again big ring fast. Crossing the B1149 Holt Road was easy, though the A140 was busy and took a while to get across. Then it was Stratton Strawless, down to the B1354 which took us into a busy Horstead, with queues at the roundabout and the bridge into Coltishall, arriving in good time at the Red Lion pub/café.
The café used to be a popular and regular stop for Wheelers, until it closed about three years ago and turned into a takeaway curry house. We were told today that the café reopened about a year ago, we have been past a few times but never noticed it open as a café. Anyway, despite being quiet today, there was a good choice on the menu and some cakes too. We all had different ciabattas, which were very good and the mugs of tea and coffee a good size. So we were all happy to be able to add to the venue list again.
As the leg to the café was 31 miles, the route home was a simple and direct 20 miles. Through St. James to Great Hautbois, Badersfield, Skeyton, Tuttington, Banningham, Colby and Erpingham.
Unusually as we approached St Mary’s Church, Erpingham, the bells were ringing, which was great to hear. According to Neil, it wasn’t a signal of impending doom but a visiting group of bellringers, practicing their craft.
Today’s factoid, Erpingham Church tower was built by Sir Thomas Erpingham, the leader of the English archers at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.
At Calthorpe, Neil headed for home while Chris and Mark continued to Aldborough, where there was a good gathering of motorcycles at the garage, then Bessingham, Gresham and back to PC. Chris won the race up Gibbet Lane by a good margin.
In other news, Graham A is due to finish his week-long cycle tour of Holland this weekend, hopefully we will get a brief report later.
Doug H is currently at the end of day two of his Rebellion Way bikepacking tour. Mark joined him on Friday for the first 50 mile leg to Norwich, then sensibly took the train back home. Doug has confirmed this evening that he is camping around Castle Acre and didn’t catch the train home in Thetford. He also said that the sand and loose gravel tracks around Thetford Forest, were hard work with a laden bike.
Don’t worry Doug, the forecast rain tonight and tomorrow will damp the dust down.
PC to PC was 50 miles at an average 15.4 mph (15.9 Out, 14.7 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Neil M
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 6th May – Billingford Lakes
Saturday 9th May – Old Store, Fring
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 