Ride report by Mark M
Despite the brisk and chilly easterly wind, six Wheelers arrived at PC for the ride to Javabean on Coltishall airfield and with Ian making his own way there, it would total seven for lunch.
Setting off in a general south easterly direction, via Gresham, Aldborough and Erpingham, crossing the A140 we met a couple of groups of cyclists heading swiftly in the opposite direction. Then it was Banningham, Swanton Abbot, Scottow and onto the Norfolk dual carriageway (one lane in each direction) and Tunstead. Here we turned for Coltishall and soon had to stop for a large tractor, somehow Les didn’t get the memo and ended up weaving between us to stop a few yards further ahead, it seemed to focus his attention though.
With roadworks on the B1150 in Coltishall, we met a number of cars and vans as we headed through St James and Gt Hautbois, then turned for Lamas and on to Badersfield. Ian had arrived a few minutes earlier and placed his order before it was busy, though we were all soon being fed and watered.
We had not seen Duncan since August, so it was good to catch up and recent member Les had been busy with his new house, so it was his first time out with us since September.
Our visit also confirmed why we avoid Javabean in the winter, it is a large industrial building with little or no heating and despite extra coffee and cake we started to feel cold. Naturally Chris had eaten and was on his way again before he could get cold and Ian decided to get going to warm up as well.
When we did leave, it still felt very cold outside as we made our way to Skeyton, Burgh and Aylsham, out through Drabblegate back to Erpingham. The wind was more in our favour on the return leg, which always improves morale. At Wolterton, Andy turned for Corpusty while we continued to Matlaske, turning at Barningham Winter for Bodham Hill, with Duncan heading for Baconsthorpe and Holt.
A surprise attack, meant that Mark beat Andrew in the race for the Bodham Hill pylon, though of course Andrew had to redeem himself (just) in the final push to PC.
It was a mixed day with plenty of cloud, some very black, late sunshine and it stayed dry and the bikes remained clean.
PC to PC was 47.0 miles at an average 14.6 mph (15.1 Out, 14.0 Back)
Riders; Andy S, Chris S, Andrew B, Duncan S, Les B, Mark M, Ian A.
Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 7th November – Holkham Hall
Wednesday 11th November – Crown, Trunch
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/
