Ride report by Doug H
Chris, Neil, Mark, Andy and Doug set off from PC on the annual 100-mile ride (only if you have the legs) on a warm and lovely day, heading directly into a headwind. From PC, we went through Bodham, picking Ian up at High Kelling, before heading on to Wiveton to pick up Andrew.
With the peloton mildly organised to share the effort, we were off through Langham, Binham and Wighton, where Neil left us to attend a garden party in the afternoon. We continued on into what was now a very strong headwind, heading towards New Holkham, through Burnham Market, Docking and then south to Fring. Finally, we turned left and enjoyed a tailwind up to Bircham Windmill for an early lunch and a good rest.
With lunch ordered, we consumed a mixture of breakfast and lunch fare. Andrew’s meal took some time to arrive, which turned out to be fortunate, as Graham, who had intended to join us, arrived just as Andrew’s meal did — by which time the rest of us had finished eating.
With the chit-chat completed, we experienced the first incident of the day, with the makeshift pole collapsing and causing the sun canopy to fall on top of us. But there was no need to panic. We instructed some young people on how to resurrect the pole and took complete responsibility for making good the situation.
With lunch completed, we headed off again, this time with a lovely tailwind, through Great Bircham, Syderstone, South Creake, Waterden, North Barsham, Houghton St Giles, Great Snoring, Thursford, Gunthorpe, Brinton to Hunworth.
Then the race was on — but only for those who had decided that their legs weren’t going to carry them the whole 100 miles. The Hunworth Hill climb was won by Andrew, by half a wheel from Ian, but it was a tight one. So, at the top of the hill, mile 60 in the ride, Andrew, Andy and Ian headed home, while Mark, Chris and Doug decided they had enough left in their legs to carry on.
Later, it would be reported that Andrew had had a tumble on the road towards Selbrigg Pond and ended up in the Cromer Minor Injuries Unit. Scratches and bruises were reported, and we wish him well for Wednesday’s ride.
So, back to the last three members of the peloton, who had turned into a cross headwind towards Briston, then on to Hindolveston and Foulsham, before finally getting out of the headwind at Themelthorpe and heading to Junction 21 for a well-deserved final stop for tea, cake and a refill of water. It was a hot old day!
With the final stop completed, we? shared the effort again through Reepham, Cawston, Oulton Street, Itteringham and Ingworth, before heading through Erpingham, skirting around Aldborough, through Hanworth and on to Metton.
We then had a little celebration as Doug reached his 100 miles before heading back to Cromer, with Chris and Mark completing their 100 miles on the way back to PC.
A great day’s riding, and very well done to one and all. And Ian broke his bell! (That’s a bell end)
PC to PC was 100.9 miles at an average 15.5 mph (35miles to Bircham 15.1, 35miles to J21 15.5, 30miles to PC 15.8)
Riders: Andy S, Chris S, Doug H, Neil M, Mark M, Ian A, Andrew B, Graham A lunch
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 29th July – Skeyton Goat
Saturday 1st August – TBA
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 