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/
North Norfolk Wheelers 