Ride report by Ian A
A perfect day for a bike ride greeted Chris, Doug and Mark at PC. Sunshine, not too hot and a light westerly to provide a crosswind more or less all day for the southerly ride to Honingham. The more observant amongst you will have noted that this was the second ‘Goat’ inspired ride this week. The trio collected Ian and Neil at the top of Red Barn Lane and continued via Plumstead then Corpusty to pick up Andy and complete the half-dozen out today.
The route skirted Heydon and went on to Reepham where Doug turned back as he had a wedding invite for later in the day. The five continued south to Whitwell where soon after, Neil left us in order to stop at Junction 21 and get back for yet another afternoon party – it’s all about the prosecco and bell-ringing as I understand things.
The remaining four passed through Lyng, over the A47, South Green (past Cafe Verde – another favourite), then a loop via Brandon Parva, Barnham Broom (past the golf & country club) arriving at the Goat Shed just south of Honingham in good time to beat any potential lunchtime rush.
Our last trip to this venue was in May 2023 and was the first time for some of us. It seems to be a thriving commercial operation with a well-stocked shop, cheese production, goat petting and the cafe. But surprisingly cheese was the one thing off the menu today! No matter. We seated ourselves outside under a large awning with good views of the aforementioned goats.
After some earnest enquiries about the size of the teapots, Mark hedged his bets and ordered a flat white fearing a tiny teapot, but when the others’ teas arrived the teapots had increased in size from the last visit. (Phew.) Hearty breakfast baps, plus poached eggs/beans on toast soon arrived and all was tasty. After demolishing his tea and bap, Chris left us to get some fast miles in as part of his TT training – beaten (albeit by just a few seconds) last week by a 76 year old prodigy, he really is letting the side down!
That left just Andy, Ian and Mark to set off together for the return leg which after just 7 miles brought us to Dann’s Farm Shop. Always rude not to stop and Andy kindly treated us to ice-creams.
Then it was on to Elsing (pretty over the streams), Bawdeswell, Guestwick, Briston and up to Edgefield. With no Andrew to goad Ian into a race (and vice-versa!) plus Ian’s cunning plan (more later) Andy led us up at a steady pace to the top. Andy then turned for Corpusty to get his hair dyed (nice to have the option!) and hot pants on for ‘Classic Ibiza’ at Blickling Estate later that evening. Not quite as “out there” as we thought as it’s actually Ibiza tunes but played by an orchestra. Nice compromise. That left Mark and Ian to continue on to Baconsthorpe, up to the mast at Bodham Hill (still no sign of a race) and down New Road where Ian turned left for High Kelling leaving Mark to ride back to PC and then back to Sheringham. An excellent ride with some very nice countryside (well it’s all nice actually) in the southern portion of the route – despite the appearance of electricity pylons.
PC to PC was 64.8 miles at an average of 15.3mph.
Riders: Andy S, Chris S, Doug H, Ian A, Mark M, Neil M.
ADDENDUM: Having missed out on last week’s 100 miler due to an early evening social commitment, Ian was determined to have a crack at it this week. So when he got to the A148 High Kelling junction having completed 67 miles, he showed great mental strength by turning left instead of right for home! Boosted by a coffee and cake at Folks Coffee in Holt, Ian then did a further 35 mile loop via Wiveton, Saxlingham, Field Dalling, Binham, Walsingham, Wighton, Warham, Cockthorpe, Langham, Wiveton, Bridgefoot Lane, Kelling Heath and back to High Kelling – 102 miles at 15.4mph average. And thanks to Mark by knocking the earlier pace off a notch to give Ian a fighting chance.
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 5th August – Pleasure Boat Inn, Hickling
Saturday 8th August – Cart Shed, Gt Massingham – 9am Start
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 