Ride report by Chris S
Autumnal weather had at last arrived. A maximum temperature of 13 degrees C was forecast but feeling more like 9 degrees C. There was also a strong westerly wind though only a slight chance of rain.
Still not to be phased by the weather (after all Wednesday had been quite a wet ride) five intrepid wheelers set off from PC. The peloton included Mark, Chris, Andy, Andrew and Ray – not a bad turnout considering!
The group pushed into the strong wind to Edgefield, Melton Constable before turning south to Hindolveston and Great Ryburgh. After Great Ryburgh the route started taking a south easterly direction losing the headwind. As has now become a Wheeler’s tradition the group stopped at Bintree Mill for the customary group photo on the bridge, arriving at Algy’s café just before midday.
Although the café was busy due to the massive trade Algy’s farm shop was doing in pumpkins (the most expensive size of which was a whopping £18!) a table for five was quickly found. Over lunch Andy regaled tales of his recent mammoth ride from St Malo To Nice including his ascent on Ventoux (well done Andy!). Other topics included Trump’s deal with Russia over diesel supplies (does this man have any morals?) and electric cars.
Having concluded a somewhat leisurely lunch the wheelers mounted their bikes to begin the 25-mile haul back to PC. Luckily the south westerly wind was now in their favour.
It was then up to Foulsham, Wood Norton, Swanton Novers, Gunthorpe, Sharrington and Hunworth. The peloton then tackled the infamous Hunworth Hill which has an incline of 8 degrees near the summit (this was the second time this week for one rider!). Although Chris made the initial break away, Andrew reached the top first with Chris on his tail and Andy third. At this point Andy left the group to return to Corpusty.
Meanwhile the remaining four wheelers continued to Hempstead where Ray said his goodbyes leaving Mark, Chris and Andrew to continue to West Beckham passing Selbrigg Pond on the way although there was no stopping this time to look for the elusive monster pike much to Mark’s disappointment!
At West Beckham Chris made another break away – this time successful arriving at PC first followed by Mark and Andrew.
PC to PC was 51.7 miles at an average 14.9 mph (15.2 Out, 14.8 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andrew B, Ray T, Andy S
Graham A’s send us a report on his recent Spanish Holiday
MY FIRST VISIT TO SPAIN
I left Norfolk by train on the 14th September with two heavy panniers and rucksack. With me was my Genesis Croix de Fer steel bike with newly fitted chain, cassette and chainwheel, plus a new 32mm rear tyre. One train was cancelled but I had more than enough time before i joined the Brittany Ferries ship at Portsmouth. I had two nights in a cabin and reached Santander early on the 16th September.
There was showery rain when I and a few other cyclists rode along the quay and into the traffic. My first stop was the tourist shop for info and a better map of the city. There was now warm sunshine and I had time to cycle round the bay appreciating the fine sandy beaches. My hotel room would not be ready until the afternoon The hotel was on high ground and it overlooked the city and bay. It involved a climb from the beaches and onto a long and busy spinal road. I was pleased to have a rest before exploring on foot.
The highlight of my stay was an excursion by coach to The Picos de Europa and to Potes. I booked this online soon after my arrival. The Picos are part of a mountain range of up to 7000 feet. There is a cable car ride from a resort to a station high up. It is rather like Switzerland. Potes is a stunning resort town in a valley. There were amazing views from the coach en route.
On another thrilling day I took my bike on a train to Cabezon del Sal from where I rode to Comillas, a seaside resort, and from there to Santillana del Mar, an inland tourist town. Then to reach the railway again at Puente San Miguel. My ride was on C class roads which were wide and had 600mm shoulders on which I rode. There were long hills and descents which needed long periods in my lowest gear of 34:34. and it was very warm and sunny.
On another day I road along the northern coast to the Isla de la Vergen del Mar. On two other days I crossed the bay by boat with my bike on one day to do a ride on the other side. But most of the time I used buses and trains to get around and of course do some long walks. Buses are much less than a euro per journey. No wonder they are full. The city is clean, safe and well organised.
Later Brian Platts joined me in the hotel to share my room for a couple of nights. He had come up from the Alicante region using his bike and trains. He found it slow going and hot work. He did some camping for added adventure. We both went back to Portsmouth on 30th September on the same Brittany Ferries ship and sharing a cabin. At Portsmouth we shared a B & B room before using the train with our bikes back to Norfolk. This was a difficult journey because of engineering work and a cancellation. It involved going to Woking and SW London before joining the Thameslink route to Cambridge.
All in all it was a valuable and interesting experience which allowed me to practice my Spanish. Spanish drivers are considerate to cyclists and I did not find riding in city traffic much of an issue. I rode about 100 miles during the period of my holiday.
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 14th October – B24 café, Rackheath
Saturday 17th October – Mardlers’ Rest, Gressenhall – Change of venue
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/
