Ride report by Mark M
With a forecast short window of calm between two named storms, it was decided to abandon the long ride to Poppylands and have a short ride to Watsons of Bacton instead and start at 9am hoping to get home before the rain arrived.
So four Wheelers met at PC in bright sunshine, though it was cold and the south westerly wind was brisk.
Setting off for Gresham, Hanworth, Suffield and North Walsham to White Horse Common, we then crossed the Dilham Canal and climbed up past Witton Heath and onto the higher ground around Witton’s isolated Church. From here we could see Happisburgh Church and Lighthouse to our east and sea ahead of us. At Pollard Street we headed the short distance down the main road to Watsons and were sat at our table by 10:18am, which must be our earliest stop yet. With the full choice of the breakfast menu available, we all had some variation of the full English and a huge pot of tea, plus one coffee.
Lunch conversation included Andy asking about Doug’s experience waxing as he is going to try it himself and if white spirit and meths is good for pre waxing. As we know a waxed chain is a clean chain and makes a big difference when fixing rear punctures and also prevents chainring tattoos.
All the talk of clean chains had Chris making his excuses and leaving for his faster run home so he could apply more old sump oil onto his chain.
Eventually the teapot was drained and the rest of us headed off, the sun had vanished and it felt colder and windier than before.
We passed the gas works, Paston Barn and on to Mundesley, where the climb out seemed particularly hard today, then on to Gimingham, past the badgers of Wellspring Lane, Hungry Hill, Northrepps and past Sally Bean’s, sending Doug off downhill to Cromer.
The remaining duo, crossed the A149, had to pedal downhill against the wind to Metton, past some emergency water repair works at Sustead, to Sustead Church, where Andy turned for Corpusty and Mark for Gresham and PC, getting home and bike cleaned before the rain started.
PC to PC was 37.7 miles at an average 14.5 mph (15.6 Out, 13.6 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Andy S, Doug H, Mark M
Ed’s note, met Geoff P in Tesco’s, he says hi to all. He is now on the wait list for a new hip, hope it happens soon as he is in a lot of pain and very limited to how far he can walk.
P.S. Clocks go back Sunday morning (25th)
Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 28th October – Vera’s, Stalham – Cakes!
Saturday 31st October – Coast Café, Trimingham
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/
