Ride report by Neil M
Four Wheelers met at PC on a fine, still September morning. Perfect cycling weather which lasted all day.
Our outbound route took us past Selbrigg pond to Hempstead and then down to the old mill and up Sandy hill into Holt. A sharp right into Charles Road took us through the outskirts and back out again, headed toward Hunworth. As we were about to descend the twisty hill into Hunworth we met a wide load escort vehicle with flashing lights and sure enough, a giant potato harvester was grinding up the hill as we shot round the blind bend into its path. Fortunately we had heeded the warning and were being careful, so avoided being mashed!
From Hunworth we took the back road to Stody and Brinton where we met Clive who had ridden out from Blakeney to meet us and complete the peloton. We carried on to Gunthorpe, across the A148 at Bale, through Thursford and Great Snoring to Morrisons at the outskirts of Fakenham. Mark’s in-depth knowledge of Fakenham led us through the back streets to pop out again at Hempton and then up the long drag to Whissonsett. Our lunch stop was only a little further on at East Bilney Fishing Lakes and the Lakeside Cafe.
This is quite a new venue for us and it is in a lovely setting right next to one of the fishing lakes. It was such a nice warm day that we could sit outside in their very pleasant covered area. Lunch was ordered quickly and although it was rather expensive, the quality was good and the food was tasty.
Lunch conversation was wide-ranging as usual and included Alps cycling trips, Andy’s St Malo to Nice trip (he was half way at this point), the slow property market and the difficulty of introducing Essex to Japanese Zen garden design.
Chris left early to get back with time in hand for lots of chores while the rest of us enjoyed lounging in the lovely weather. We eventually set off and headed toward Brisley to take the lanes to Broom Green and then Bintree Mill where we stopped for the usual photo opportunity on the bridge before climbing the hill to Bintree. Crossing the A1067, we carried on to Foulsham where Clive left to take a more direct route back to Blakeney.
The remaining three carried on to Guestwick, Wood Dalling and to Corpusty where Neil left for Home. Mark and Ray carried on through Saxthorpe and up the Matlaske road, turning for Plumstead and Baconsthorpe where Ray turned for Holt and home. Mark carried on solo to PC and home.
A lovely day’s riding in perfect September weather.
PC to PC was 58.1 miles at an average 15.2 mph (15.2 Out, 15.3 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Ray T, Mark M, Neil Mc, Clive A
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 30th September – Coast Café, Trimingham
Saturday 3rd October – Café Verde, Mattishall
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/
Andy S has sent the following update and photos after his ride today (Sunday 27th);
Eight days into my French End to End trip, so far covered 557 miles and 32,000 feet (9,753m) of climbing.
From St-Malo the first 3 days were relatively flat travelling south/east to and through the Loire valley.
After day 3 the elevation has ramped up and seem to be going up and down all day through lovely valleys.
Weather and scenery fantastic and cycling with a great bunch of people. Getting slowly more knackered as the days go on but great fun.
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 30th September – Coast Café, Trimingham
Saturday 3rd October – Café Verde, Mattishall
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/
