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/
North Norfolk Wheelers 