Ride report by Mark M
Despite a forecast of rain for most of the day, the early morning was dry enough to convince us to set off and hope for the best.
Chris and Mark met at PC and Ian and Andrew were waiting at High Kelling. We had planned a two stop ride, with our first stop to visit Richard W in Blakeney and then to head to Wells for the Wells and Walsingham railway café, which Ian recently visited.
To work up an appetite for Richard’s biscuits, we went the long way to Blakeney, going down to Kelling, where we found a tractor/trailer and car stuck trying to pass on the narrow lane. Ian took charge of the situation (must have been his recent wearing of the Captain’s Cap) and coaxed the flustered driver past the trailer with millimetres to spare.
Then it started to rain enough for rain jackets to be donned as we climbed up and along Salthouse Heath. Then down to Cley Newgate, across the ford to Glandford, up to Wiveton Downs and into Blakeney.
Richard was waiting for us and we stored our bikes in a gatehouse, Chris left us at this point and continued his ride, no breaks from the rain for him.
Richard’s house sits on the hill behind the harbour and from the upstairs seating area we had a fantastic view across the harbour and out to sea, while we enjoyed our coffee and biscuits. Richard is looking very well, though is still having some physiotherapy on his shoulder after his July Wheelers ride crash. One of his next projects is getting his indoor training area set up.
Biscuits finished and rain stopped, it was time to thank Richard and continue our journey.
We went to Wiveton, then Langham and the rain started again, then became heavier, so when we reached Binham we decided to stop at the Parlour instead of continuing to Wells. Food and drink ordered, Ian told us more about his Broad’s adventures which he thoroughly enjoyed. While we were having lunch in the dry and warm, Chris had already completed the full route and was back home! Eventually the horizontal rain eased off enough to set off on a direct route home, sadly missing out on Hunworth Hill. Our new route took us to Field Dalling, Saxlingham (where Andrew turned for Blakeney), Letheringsett and up the A148 into Holt and on to High Kelling. Ian wanting to ride at least 30 miles to justify his two stops, continued on to Lower Bodham before returning home and Mark continued to PC
PC to PC was 34.6 miles at an average 14.1 mph
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Ian A, Andrew B & Richard W for coffee.
Andy S sends his St Malo to Nice final ride update.
12 days in to my French trip and completed 787 miles & 49,800 ft of climbing.
Taking us through the Ardeche gorge and into the Rhone region to Malaucene , where on day 11 we tackled the famous Mont Ventoux. With a 13 mile ascent with an average gradient of 8.4% . The wind on top averaged 55 mph gusting a lot higher, made staying up right a bit of a challenge.
With a few more layers on for the descent we stopped at the Tom Simpson memorial , who died at the age of 29 on the Tour de France in 1967 .
The descent took me to Sault , where lavender dominated the area .
The route took us down through Provence region with stunning scenery, finishing on the sea front in Nice on Saturday 3rd October, after 14 days of riding the stunning French countryside.
Total mileage for trip was 900 miles
Total ascents 60,000 ft / 18,288m
Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 10th October – Algy’s, Bintree
Wednesday 14th October – B24 Café, Rackheath
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/
