Ride report by Chris S
As the UK entered its fifth heatwave of the summer Chris, Mark and Duncan met at PC. It was good to see Duncan again who had not been out on a club ride for a while due to family commitments. Temperatures were forecast to rise to around 27 degrees C by midday with a moderate south easterly wind. Also the day was notable for the partial eclipse of the sun due around 7pm. The next eclipse will not be until 2081 – a sobering thought as none of us current club members will be around to see it!
The three wheelers passed through Bodham and on to High Kelling with the pace then picking up down the hill to Wiveton where the group was then joined by Clive. The route then continued to the ford at Glandford before climbing again up to Saxlingham and Binham.
After 20 miles the peloton arrived at O’Brennan’s. Ian had already arrived and bagged one of the few outside tables. Although the service was slow the food was excellent especially the cakes! Chris broke his no cake rule and indulged himself with a slice of the chocolate cake. As usual the conversation took in a number of subjects ranging from the medieval village remains of Godwick to the miracles of modern keyhole surgery.
After lunch the five wheelers remounted their steeds. Although Ian had decided to ride at his own pace he continued to pass and repass the peloton each time it slowed or stopped and was last seen at Hempstead after which he stopped to admire the fish in Selbrigg pond where in his words he also “spotted a peregrine and a charming girl with her diary”.
The return route took the riders via the three Barshams – North, West and East (sadly there is no South Barsham). After East Barsham the ride continued into the wind to Great Snoring, Hindringham and Sharrington where Clive turned off to return to Blakeney. This left Chris, Mark and Duncan (and Ian) to continue up the Hunworth Road hill – always good to stretch the legs and a relief when the top is reached. Duncan made an early break and reached the top of the hill first closely followed by Chris.
At Hempstead Duncan turned off towards Holt leaving Chris and Mark to continue back to PC via Selbrigg Pond and Lower Bodham.
Total Distance: 46.7 miles
Average Speed: 15.2mph (16.1 Out, 14.5 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Duncan S, Clive A & Ian A
Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 15th August – Walled Garden, Little Plumstead
Wednesday 19th August – Old Dairy, Stanfield
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 