Ride report by Chris S
Although this was the last day of September temperatures were still forecast to be well above the average for the time of year. Indeed, it was very warm with a temperature exceeding 22 degrees C. A high probability of light rain was forecast throughout the day but luckily this failed to materialise. A last minute change of route was made as the café on the original route at Trimingham was closed for a couple of days.
With numbers down only Chris, Mark and Andrew set off from PC passing through Gresham, Metton and across the A149 to Thorpe Market. It wasn’t long before a stop was made to remove gilets due to the warm temperature. Although there was a southerly cross wind it wasn’t strong enough to hinder progress (unlike the frequent stops!).
The ride continued to Bradfield and North Walsham, then over the North Walsham & Briggate Canal and through the village of Briggate. Ian who was making his own way spotted a Blue Plaque by the canal and later did some research into it. The canal opened in 1826 having taken two years to build and extended some 9 miles from Wayford Bridge to Antingham. It was used by sailing wherries to serve the mills and village along its route mostly carrying agricultural produce. It was last used in 1934 having been replaced by a faster and more efficient railway system – see attached photo for more information.
Shortly after Briggate the peloton arrived at Lily’s Tearoom at Hadfield’s Nursery. Ian was already there and had secured a table. Having arrived just after 11.30am it was too late for the breakfast menu and too early for the lunch menu which started at 12 am. However, drinks were ordered and lunch orders of the usual mixture of paninis, sandwiches and cakes were taken. Whilst waiting for the food to arrive topics of the day included Spanish logic (or the lack of it), Porsches, Ian’s forthcoming Broads adventure and Andrew’s new robovac which he could track cleaning his house on a mobile phone app. No doubt he has now given a redundancy notice to Mrs B!
After lunch Ian made his own way back leaving the three wheelers to return via Lord Anson’s Wood, Felmingham, Calthorpe, Plumstead and Hempstead. Just after Hempstead Mark insisted on stopping at Selbrigg Lake in the hope of spotting the mysterious 10 foot monster pike! Obviously like the Loch Ness monster it was nowhere to be seen. At this point Ian caught up.
Disappointed not to see the monster pike the wheelers made a final push home to PC via West Beckham.
PC to PC was 45.8 miles at an average 14.9 mph (15.3 Out, 14.6 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andrew B and Ian A
North Walsham and Dilham Canal Trust: https://nwdct.org/
Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 3rd October – Café Verde, Mattishall
Wednesday 7th October – Wells and more
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/
