Author: asbassett5

Four riders met at Pretty Corner for a run to Natural Surroundings Cafe, Bayfield Hall on a cool day with the threat of some rain later. The route took us through East Beckham, Bessingham, Matlaske, Little Barningam, Saxthorpe, Thorning, Hindolveston, Melton Constable, Biningham, Brinton and Sharrington. Despite the strong head wind a good pace was maintained and we arrived at the cafe before lunch was available! However, we were able to order and had coffee in the beautiful wild garden (the cafe is well named) whilst waiting as the sun had come out by then. The lunch arrived very shortly afterwards and was excellent, especially the toasted sandwiches and cake. After lunch Clive left us to make is own way home and the remainder made their way back through Wiveton, Kelling, Holt, Hempstead, Backonsthorpe and Plumstead. Despite some minor spots of rain we missed the forecast heavy showers and again maintained a good speed especially when the wind was behind us! The route back included a diversion to review progress on Duncan’s new build – very impressive. Duncan spilt of for home towards the end of the route and Andrew at the top of Red Brick Lane, leaving Mark to head back to PC alone. 

PC to PC 42 miles

Average speed 14.9 mph

Total Elevation 1863 ft

Mark, Clive, Duncan and Andrew leading.

Six riders met at Pretty Corner on a beautiful sunning day for a run to All Things Nice Cafe at Cawston. This included newcomers Shelly and Nigel who were welcomed to the club. The route took us through West Beckham, Bodham, Hempstead, Edgefield, Briston, Guestwick and Reepham. Shelly and Nigel had to split off part way through the ride due to other commitments but hope to join us again for future rides. On arrival at All Things Nice we met up with Ian who had made is own way there having had a long ride the day before and we all enjoyed a good lunch. It’s good to see the cafe back on the schedule following reopening after Covid as it was a former favourite. After lunch we made our way back through Oulton Street, Ingworth, Banningham, Felmingham, North Walsham, Antingham, Thorpe Market, Hanworth, Bessingam and Gresham. Graham and Andrew spilt off just before the end to make their own way home, with Mark and Chris going back to PC.

PC to PC 51 miles

Average speed 13.8 mph

Total Elevation 1600ft

Mark, Graham A, Chris, Nigel, Shelly and Andrew leading.

Five riders met at Pretty Corner on a nice spring day for a breakfast run to The Parlour (which is served until 11:45am). The planned route took us through Plumstead, Edgefield, Briston, Brinton, Gunthorpe, Thursford and Hindringham. We arrived in good time for a late breakfast, with most opting for the Full English, which was excellent. We had only been there for five minutes when Chris appeared, having had to go back for a mechanical problem on route to PC but had then done the route on his own. We were then joined by Robert and John who had made their own way to the venue, making a grand total of eight members for lunch. After lunch we made our way back through Langham, Kelling, High Kelling, Hempstead, Backonsthorpe, Bessingham, Sustead and Gresham. Unfortunately, we managed to lose Graham on route to Kelling, so bad mark for the leader. Kevin left us at Baconsthorpe to make is own way back home, with Andrew and Ian doing the same at Gresingham. Overall a good ride on a fine day for cycling.

PC to PC 44 miles

Average speed 14.4 mph

Total Elevation 1900ft

Andrew B, Mark, Chris, Graham A, Ian and Kevin.

Four riders met at Pretty Corner on a clear day with the promise of sunshine later, for a ride to Purdy’s at The Old Reading Rooms. The planned route took us through Matlaske, Plumpstead, Edgefield, Briston, Stody, Brinton, Gunthorpe, Bale, Field Dalling, Langham and Wiveton. A good pace set by Mark, especially on the downhill leg to Langham through Bale. On arrival at the Old Reading Room, which was full as it was half-term, we managed to find a table and all enjoyed a good lunch with free coffee and tea refills. To our surprise Ian was also there with his wife and nieces which was nice. After lunch we made our way up the hill back to PC via High Kelling in bright sunshine.  Duncan left us shortly after to make is way back home. The remaining riders continued onto via. Baconsthorpe, Bessingham, Sustead and Gresham. Unfortunately, Andrew had yet another puncture on this leg, but this was soon sorted with Mark’s help and his new frame pump. A good days cycling in great weather for February with a temperature of 14degC recorded!

PC to PC 40 miles

Average speed 14.1 mph

Total Elevation 2060ft

Andrew B, Mark, Chris and Duncan

Four riders met at Pretty Corner on a wet and windy day for a ride to Purdy’s at Woodgate Nursery Aylsham. The planned route took us through East Beckham, Lower Gresham, Sustead, Hansworth, Alby Hill, Erpingham, Felmingham, Tuttington and Burgh Next Aylsham, with Harvey joining us for part of the route. Despite the forecast of heavy rain we only encountered drizzle until we reached Aylsham when the heavens opened up! However, once settled in the cafe we soon warmed up and all enjoyed a good lunch. After lunch we were surprised to find that the rain had stopped and although cold it was a pleasant ride back through Oulton Street, Corputsy, Briston and Edgefielld were Brian left us for home. With threat of rain clear from the sky a slighter shorter route was taken back to PC via. Baconsthorpe, with Andrew departing for home part way through. The rain did arrive giving a damp end to the day but overall a good ride considering the poor forecast with a good lunch stop.

PC to PC 45.5 miles

Average speed 13.1 mph

Total Elevation 2450ft

Andrew B, Mark, Chris and Brian

Three riders met at Pretty Corner for the last ride of the year to the Lighthouse Walcott on a warm but breezy day. Shortly after leaving we met Harvey who also joined us for a few miles. The planned route took us through East Beckham, Sustead, Thorpe Market, Bradfield, Swafield, Trunch, Knapton and onto Walcott. Shortly before arrival at the Inn we met the local hunt in full regalia. The arrival was good timing as it had just begun to rain as forecast. Graham A who is still recovering from his rib injury met us there as pre-arranged and we all enjoyed a good lunch. By the time we left the rain had really set in for the day so there was no choice but to go for it. The route back took us through Ridlington, White Horse Common, Meeting House Hill, Worstead, Swanton Abbott, Tuttington, Banningham, Ingworth, Erpingham and Alborough where Brian left us for home. The two remaining riders then made their way back to PC through Bessingham and Gresham. A good ride despite the soaking in the afternoon.

PC to PC 48 miles

Average speed 12.5 mph

Total Elevation 1500ft

Andrew, Brian and Chris leading

Three wheelers met at PC for a ride to the Blickling Hall on a cold but fine autumn morning. The route took us through Gresham, Sustead, Fellbrigg, Crossdale Sreet and Northrepps, where we met up with Graham A as pre-arranged. The four riders then continued through Southrepps, Gimingham, Trunch, Bradfield, Antingham, Felmingham, Banningham and Ingworth. On reaching Blickling Hall we found a good table and enjoyed a good meal in the warmth. Following discussion, it was agreed to change the planned route back as this was on busy roads. Mark therefore led us on a parallel route through Oulton Street, Corputsy, Edgefield Steet, Edgefield, Hemstead and Selbrigg, where Ian left us to make his own way home. The remaining riders the proceeded back to PC with Graham splitting off at the top of Red Barn Lane. Overall a good ride in excellent conditions for late November, with the latter part of the ride in bright sunshine.

PC to PC 43 miles

Average speed 14.1 mph           Total Elevation 1385 ft

Ian, Graham A and Andrew B/Mark leading.

Two Wheelers met at Pretty Corner on a cold but dry autumnal morning for a ride to Watsons cafe following a route provided by Harvey. The route took us through Gresham, Crossdale Street, Northrepps, Overstrand and Sidestrand where we met Harvey who then rode with us for a few miles. We then proceeded through Trimingham, Mundsley, Trunch, Knapton, Edingthorpe and Bacton. At the cafe we both chose the vegetarian all day breakfast option which was excellent. The route back took us through Ridlington, Honing, Worstead, Swanton Abbott, Burgh next Aylsham, Aylsham, Ingworth and Aldborough, where Brian left to make his own way home. The lone rider then proceeded through Gresham before making their way home. An excellent days cycling along a good route in sunny conditions.

PC to PC 50 miles

Andrew B and Brian.

Two wheelers met at PC for a ride to the Old Reading Room, Kelling on a sunny autumn morning. The route took us through East Beckham, Matlaske, Plumstead, Edgfield, Briston, Stody, Brinton, Gunthorpe, Thursford, Hindringham and onto Binham. As it had started to rain by the time we reached Binham and Ian had no waterproof (never trust forecasts!) we decided to stop for coffee and cakes at the Priory Parlour cafe. The cafe was welcoming and the food and drink were excellent. It was still raining slightly when we left the cafe so we decided to head straight back without stopping at Kelling. The route back was through Langham, Wiveton, Kelling and onto High Kelling where Ian left to make is own way home. I then continued back to PC via. Baconsthorpe and West Beckham. A nice ride despite the unscheduled rain.

PC to PC 40 miles

Average speed 14.5 mph           Total Elevation 1500 ft

Ian and Andrew Bassett leading.

Four riders left Pretty Corner at the revised time of 10am on route for Wells Beach Cafe. The planned route was somewhat different to begin with as it took riders to Weybourne via Bodham. Holgate Hill warmed us up for the rest of the journey which took in the usual villages of Glandford, Binham and Warham. Rain threatened us at one point but the only evidence was wet roads from Wiveton Downs onwards. After 21 miles and some strong breeze at times the cafe was reached, and light refreshment was enjoyed. We walked up the slope to view the new lifeboat building with glimpses of the newest and fastest lifeboat.

Returning to Wells on Beach Road we met Jane A who was hoping to meet us for lunch. This was rather disappointing for her and for us but there was no immediate remedy only lessons to learn for future meet ups. After a short chat with Jane the four riders continued to Wells S and SW along the Holkham estate wall, fighting a strong headwind. Turning E it was easy going to Wighton, Copys Green and Hindringham. We went via Bale, Sharrington, Brinton and Stody where Neil Mc left for home and the three remaining riders arrived at Hunworth.

We took a steep  idyllic route at Hunworth starting at a ford and through woods bordering Hunworth Common. The track was invisible, being carpeted with leaves but it was firm under our wheels, possibly having a tarmac surface. That was our rough stuff for the day! Then we went to Holt and through the houses to Hempstead Road. Andrew B left after Selbrigg pond and the remaining two of us soon reached Pretty Corner.

PC to PC 49.5 miles

Average speed 13.7 mph

Andrew, Mark, Neil and Graham A leading