Month: June 2026

Ride report by Mark M

With high temperatures forecast, the Club Ride start time was brought forward an hour to 9am and Andy, Chris, Richard and Mark met at PC, with Ian planning on meeting us for lunch.
Without a cloud in the sky, the sun was fierce, though the hedges and trees on many of the small lanes provided welcome shade and as long as forward momentum was maintained the resulting breeze made it fairly comfortable.

Our route took us through Gresham, Sustead, Hanworth, Alby Hill to Town Green, then a loop around Thwaite Common to Erpingham, across to Colby and down towards Felmingham, with a quick stop to admire the cars at Corvette Kingdom.

Then it was Tuttington, down to Burgh, across the A140 roundabout and through Aylsham to Purdy’s at Woodgate Nursery. Chris turned for home in Aylsham as he had things to do. Ian had already arrived and had bagged the big table under the tree and was enjoying his scone and jam.
The earlier time and possibly the heat seemed to result in diminished appetites, with scones being the choice of the day, Mark bucked the trend with a well filled bacon sandwich, lovely.
Ian took over from Chris and set off for home early, leaving three to enjoy more shade before finally heading back into the sun and the ride home.

We headed west towards Corpusty and as we approached the Oulton Airfield memorial crossroads, a group of a dozen or more cyclists went passed towards Cawston, I spotted one Iceni Velo jersey as they went past. We dropped Andy off in Corpusty and instead of looping around via Briston for Edgefield, we took the more direct route via Ramsgate Street. At Hempstead, Richard turned for Holt and Cley, leaving Mark to continue to Selbrigg Pond, Bodham and PC.

PC to PC was 44.8 miles at an average 14.8 mph (15.3 Out. 14.3 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Andy S, Richard W, Mark M, Ian A

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 27th June – Junction 21, Themelthorpe (cancellation likely due to heat)
Wednesday 1st July – Rising Sun, 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/

Ride report by Chris S

With temperatures climbing to a high of 24 degrees C, light winds and a strong possibility of rain in the afternoon Mark, Chris and Andy set off from PC.

At Gresham the three were joined by Ian, Doug, Neil and Clive. After Gresham the route passed through Bessingham and Hanworth Common where a herd of Jersey cows had obviously taken note of the weather forecast and were lying down in anticipation of rain. After Hanworth the peloton continued onto Suffield and past the impressive Gunton Park where unusually there was not a deer in sight.

The Wheelers continued to North Walsham, East Ruston, Ingham and onto Sea Palling where Chris decided to make a breakaway with a two-and-a-half-mile sprint along the main coastal road to the lunch stop café. Unfortunately, he misjudged this as Doug had been in training and after a while passed him. Chris then found Ian snapping at his heels. Just before the café Mark suddenly took the lead passing both Chris and Doug! Neil and the rest of the peloton were also close behind.

Although Poppylands café was unusually quiet for the time of year the group enjoyed a light lunch and the usual banter. Graham had arrived just before the group having used the train and partly cycled from Cromer. Shortly after Malcolm arrived having cycled from St Olaves. All in all it was probably the best turn out of the year so far. The only thing that marred the lunch was a plague of small flies.

After lunch Doug left early due to commitments in the afternoon whilst the remainder of the group retraced their steps with Neil initially leading to Sea Palling and then turning inland to Lessingham, Knapton, Trunch and passing The Sutton Arms at Thorpe Market which appeared to be doing a good trade.

As the riders passed through Hanworth common again the cows had decided that it wasn’t going to rain after all and were wandering across the road. Shortly after Neil and Andy left the route to return to Corpusty. At Baconsthorpe Clive headed off toward Holt and Blakeney. This left Chris, Mark and Ian to continue onto New Road/Rectory Road with another impromptu sprint won by Ian (just!). Ian then headed back to High Kelling leaving Mark and Chris to complete the whole route. Luckily the forecasted rain did not materialise.

PC to PC was 61.4 miles at an average 16.0 mph (16.7 Out, 15.3 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Neil M, Andy S, Doug H, Ian A, Clive A. Graham A and Malcolm S

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 24th June – Purdy’s, Aylsham – Poss 9am Start
Saturday 27th June – Junction 21, Themelthorpe
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/

Ride report by Andy S

Four members met at P.C. on a damp overcast morning . The forecast was for showers all morning, clearing out for the afternoon. Mark M , Chris S, Richard W and Andy S set off heading west, the route taking us through West Beckham, to turn left past Selbrigg Lake and up towards Hempstead and onto Holt, Hunworth, Stody, Gunthorpe, across the Holt Rd to Thursford Green, Great Snoring and Fakenham. Mark proceeded to take us on a mystery tour of the back streets of Fakenham coming out in Hempton.

As a special request from Chris we stopped at the river bridge (Gogg’s Mill) to admire the river Wensum. After dragging Chris away we were back on the road heading to Whissonsett, Stanfield and ending up at East Bilney Lakes for lunch. The morning route was mainly into a head wind that had felt surprisingly strong. Well done Mark for taking the front spot all morning.

At lunch we were seated under the veranda with a view over the fishing lakes. Lunch consisted of three fry ups and a pancake with bacon which were all excellent and soon polished off. The chat was about Richard doing a famous sportive in the Dolomites and getting his bike ready for the ups and downs of the mountains which will naturally require spending lots of money on equipment.

Time was getting on and Chris was getting itchy feet so he left us to get a bit of time trial training in on the way home. This basically meant going a lot faster than the rest of the group. On paying it turned out that the lady (Lisa) who runs the cafe is John Wilson’s daughter. He was the famous local fisherman who made TV programmes in the 80 and 90’s and had the shop John’s Tackle Den in Norwich.

The homeward journey was with a tail wind so good progress was made with a quick stop at Bintree Mill to look at the Wensum again and for a picture stop. Then onto Foulsham, Guestwick and Corpusty where we bumped into Neil M and his wife walking their dogs. A quick chat was had and then Andy S split off for home leaving Mark and Richard to head to Plumstead and Baconsthorpe where Richard turned off towards Holt and home. Mark carried on to Bodham Hill and PC.

Apart from the keen wind the day stayed dry and not too hot. A good day out.

PC to PC was 58.8 miles at an average 14.9 mph (14.9 Out, 15.0 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Richard W, Andy S

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 20th June – Poppylands, Horsey
Wednesday 24th June – Purdy’s, Aylsham
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/

Ride report by Neil M

A trio of Wheelers met at PC on a dry, but not terribly warm June morning. It was forecast to be dry all day which would make a pleasant surprise after the last couple of wet weeks.

Ian joined at Gresham church and the route continued through Bessingham to Aldborough where Neil joined at the Primary school. The peloton was then complete and rolled onward to cross the A140 at the cut-through onto White Post road and then skirting around Gunton Park (where the usual deer were spotted) to Suffield.

Instead of taking the usual route through Antingham we took the shortcut via Antingham Hill and the pedestrian railway crossing to meet Pond Road which led on to North Walsham where we took the usual snakey back-street cut through to avoid the town centre. A brief section then on the Yarmouth road before turning off onto Sandy Hills past the recycling centre and walking down the footpath to cross the bypass straight on to the quiet road through Withergate to Worstead.

Out the other side of Worstead we spotted a coffee van at Squirrel Wood Equestrian centre and after a brief debate we decided to make an early stop. This was the Baby Bean Coffee Pod (normally based in Horstead) and we were quickly caffeinated and on our way again.

Wroxham was next and it was certainly busy with shoppers, tourists and cars, so we were glad to get off the busy road and cut through the boatyard to join The Avenue to take the back road to Woodbastwick past Woodforde’s brewery and on to Ranworth where, as usual, we stopped to look at the broad. Even for early season it was busy with lots of boats and people and a large flock of geese mugging passers-by for bread. We didn’t catch their eye, so managed to escape un-molested.

From Ranworth it was only a short distance further to South Walsham and our lunch stop at the Fairhaven Water gardens. As we turned in to the car park we spotted Malcolm who had ridden out from St Olaves to meet us. We were rather late, so he had already eaten, but he joined us for a catch up and a chat.

We bagged a table outside and ordered food which came quickly and was tasty and filling. There was a minor cake disappointment as Ian’s carrot and pistachio turned out to be not as nice as it looked, but the scones were good.

Chris left early to have a faster ride home and Malcolm left to take the Reedham ferry. The remaining four set off back through Panxworth, Woodbastwick and westward toward Spixworth to turn North again to Horstead and Coltishall.

From Coltishall the route back was via Badersfield, Skeyton, Tuttington, Banningham, Ingworth and across the Scarrowbeck to join Wall road past the Saracen’s Head to Wolterton Hall where Neil left to head for Mannington Hall, Corpusty and home.

The remaining trio continued through Goose Green, Matlaske and Barningham Winter, with Richard turning for Baconsthorpe, Holt and home and Ian taking the Rectory road turn toward High Kelling. From the Rectory road split, Mark carried on to PC and home.

PC to PC was 61.8 miles at an average 14.8 mph (15.2 Out, 14.4 Back)
Riders: Richard W, Chris S, Mark M, Ian A, Neil M and Malcolm S (at lunch).

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 17th June – East Bilney Lakes
Saturday 20th June – Poppylands, Horsey
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/

Ride report by Duncan S

Four riders met at Pretty Corner on a fresh but dry morning with rain threatened later. After some discussion about when and how much it would rain, the peloton set off south, through Little Barningham (anxiously looking west and the advancing big thick black cloud) to Saxthorpe then Corpusty. We met Andy on Town Close Lane, just as it started to rain. Rain jackets were donned and we pressed on up Heath Road. As we crested the hill out of the trees, it became clear how heavy the rain was, together with a headwind. After a few minutes, an open barn by the roadside beckoned, so we took shelter. It turned out that Andy had previously used this barn to store his tractors. After about 10 minutes and a few cracks of thunder, the rain began to ease and we set off again. It was cold and wet, Andrew remarking that it must be nice around here in summer!

However, soon the sun came out and the peloton began to dry out. The route zig-zagged westward via Thurning, Nethergate and Hindolveston. Given the time lost sheltering from the rain, Mark suggested that we shorten the route by a couple of miles, going via Fulmodeston, Barney and Thursford to Walsingham. Arriving at Norton’s Cafe, we found Ian already there, having manfully ridden the full route through the rain and having bagged a nice big table for us inside.

Various combinations of soups, sandwiches, toasties and baguettes were eagerly devoured and a good chin wag, complete with a bit of joshing, was had before we thought we had better brave the weather for the home leg. The pessimists (most of us) donned rain jackets, and we set off in glorious sunshine, only to shed the jackets again after the climb out of Walsingham at the junction with the B1105. Ian, who had elected to proceed at a slower pace, passed us. Thereafter, we headed for Wighton, Warham, Binham, Cockthorpe, Langham to Wiveton. On the way, we caught up with Ian again at a natural break stop, from which he set off ahead of us. We caught up with Ian again a bit later, only to be passed by him once more as we stopped at Wiveton when Andrew and Richard peeled off to Blakeney. All this transpired under mostly warm sunshine and no rain.

Continuing on up Bridgefoot Lane, Duncan set off to catch Ian, passing him halfway up the climb. Andy and Mark caught Ian a bit later. As the peloton stopped at the Bridge Road/Kelling Road junction, where Duncan peeled off for Holt, Ian passed us yet again! Andy and Mark then continued up Bridge road, with Andy turning for Selbrigg and on to Corpusty. Mark was able to get home and gives his bike a quick clean before the rain started again, Andy was not so lucky, getting caught about two miles from home for his second soaking of the day.

PC to PC was 49.0 miles at an average 15.0 mph (15.2 Out, 14.4 Back)
Riders: Mark M, Andrew B, Richard W, Andy S and Duncan S with Ian A at lunch (and several sightings on the way home!)

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 13th June – Fairhaven, South Walsham
Wednesday 17th June – East Bilney 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/

Ride report by Mark M

With a strong south westerly wind and rain forecast from midday, the planned route through Holkham to Burnham Deepdale and back to Holkham was shortened by about 15 miles by stopping at Holkham for lunch.
Four Wheelers set off from PC for Hempstead, Holt, Letheringsett, Sharrington, Binham, Warham and Wells. We made a brief stop at the quay to admire the view and as it was fairly sheltered from the wind, it was busy with people. Chris, it was our only stop on the way out!
From there it was a short ride into Holkham Park and to the café, where we found Ian having already finished his lunch. The café was surprisingly quiet, maybe the post half term lull.
We were able to reach Holkham in the dry though the rain started as soon as we went outside after lunch.
It wasn’t too bad in the shelter of the courtyard but as we headed for the South Gates directly into the wind, it was obvious that it was proper rain, so the two Wheelers who hadn’t bothered with rain jackets had to stop to layer up before they were soaked.

Fortunately at the South Gates we turned East and the wind (and rain) was now mainly a cross wind and a lot easier as we headed for Wighton then back to Binham again. Ian was going at his own pace, so we didn’t see him again.
From Binham to Langham, Duncan and new member Richard disappeared up the road (did we mention the probationary period Richard?). At Wiveton Downs as we turned for Glandford, Richard continued to Wiveton and Cley.
It was also here that Ian must have had a navigation problem, as he took the easier Wiveton, Bridgefoot Lane route back to High Kelling instead of the challenging Hurdle Lane to Bayfield Brecks and the endless climb up Cley Road to Holt. You don’t know what you missed Ian!
In Holt we dropped Duncan off and admired his now fully built house, it looks much bigger without the scaffolding and builders portacabins.
That left Mark and Andy to continue to High Kelling and the final split at the Selbrigg junction. Andy who had successfully completed the Norwich 100mile sportive on Sunday was now feeling the after effects and he was going to have a headwind all the way home to Corpusty, hope you made it ok Andy.

PC to PC was 47 miles at an average 14.4 mph (15.3 Out, 13.8 Back)
Riders: Andy S, Duncan S, Richard W, Mark M, Ian A

In other news, Reepham Station Café has shut down and Pedal Revolution of Norwich has entered administration, though is currently still trading.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 6th June – Watsons, Bacton
Wednesday 10th June – Norton’s, Walsingham
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/