Ride report by Doug H
On a somewhat windy, slightly cold but dry Saturday morning, Mark, Chris and Doug were joined by newbie Les, who had recently moved to Sheringham. We set off from PC and headed towards Bodham with a very strong sidewind, but with the high-sided roads we were relatively well protected.
We picked up both Neil and Ian heading into Holt and continued on to Glandford, Saxlingham, and through Binham, where we collected the final Wheeler of the day, Andrew. We continued on to Wighton, New Holkham, Burnham Market and then on to our lunch break at Creake Abbey Courtyard.
It was quite busy and, with the weather improving, we sat outside. We decided to open the umbrella more as a social enhancement than to protect us from the sun. After what seemed like a long old time, and several suggestions on how to do it, we finally worked out the mechanism, with the intervention of the staff, who could clearly see a bunch of men becoming increasingly likely to use too much force and break their furniture.
Once we had all settled down, the usual conversations ebbed and flowed, mainly focusing on Andrew’s food being very late and the fact that this appeared to be a common occurrence. We then shared a very nice cake which, as a sign of the times, was “a bit pricey”. And with that, Chris was off to ensure he would get back in time to finish off a project or two.
With lunch finished, we were off again, heading back towards Great Walsingham, with a bit more sunshine and still the strong crosswind. Through Hindringham, Bale, Sharrington and Hunworth, we then arrived at the Hunworth Hill climb.
It is true to say that a small conversation had taken place suggesting that, as this had been quite the day of climbing, the legs of all of us — and for Les, even more so — were probably not in the right place for the normal race. This, however, may have been said and acknowledged, but, as had happened at lunch with the umbrella, our intentions aren’t always sensible.
So, with a burst of energy, Andrew was off, followed by Ian and Neil. Andrew held them off and won the climb, with the rest of us slowly joining them at the top.
With that, Neil headed home and the peloton headed back towards Baconsthorpe. Soon after, Ian and Andrew headed back towards Holt and, as ever, there was more adventure. Assisting a fellow cyclist with a back wheel and helping a family with their own misadventure. Well done to both of you, and thank goodness Andrew didn’t fall off!
The final three headed back, with Doug heading off to Gresham’s and on to Cromer, while Mark supported Les and his increasingly empty legs back to PC.
We are hopeful Les will be back on Wednesdays!
It was a great day, but probably the hilliest of rides to start your adventure with the Wheelers. Wednesday will be easier Les!
PC to PC was 57.8 miles at an average 14.6 mph (15.3 Out, 13.8 Back)
Riders: Doug H, Chris S, Mark M, Ian A, Neil M, Andrew B, guest Les B
P.S. Vuelta d Espana daily highlights on Channel 5 at 7pm
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 26th August – The Lighthouse, Walcott
Saturday 29th August – Waxham Barn
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 