Author: asbassett5

Six riders met at Pretty Corner for the ride to the ever popular Station Café at Reepham (now open 7days/week). It was good to welcome back Chris B after a long absence, riding his great looking titanium/carbon Merlin. Setting off into a noticeable SSW wind and ominous clouds, the clockwise route via, Gresham, Metton, Hanworth, Calthorpe, Ingworth, Silvergate to Oulton Street, avoided most of the wind.  The run from Oulton Street to Swannington was unable to avoid the breeze, but then we headed west and north through Alderford and the back lanes into Reepham. Despite the lack of sun, the day was warm and we enjoyed our lunch outside. As the Tour was tacking two ascents of Mont Ventoux, Kevin was sporting a Mont Ventoux shirt he got after cycling up it himself, chapeau Kevin.

Jane had met us at the café and joined the ride home, while Chris headed back to Aylsham, which kept the numbers the same. Opting for the less travelled route back to Briston, via Kerdiston and Guestwick, our navigator mistook a goat track for a road, though with the mud, gravel and grass growing down the middle of many back lanes, they can be hard to tell apart, or so he claims! At Briston, John S opted to head directly to PC, reluctantly missing out on the Stody, Hunworth, Edgefield hill climbing section! At Stody, Graham A decided a rest was required and arranged a puncture (Vittoria Rubino Pro for those keeping score at home). Suitably rested we tackled the hill to Edgefield and on to Baconsthorpe, West Beckham and back to PC. 

PC to PC was 48 miles and no showers.

Andrew B, Graham A, Kevin, John S, Chris B, Jane and led by Mark

Seven riders met at PC on a drizzly summer’s day for a trip south to the Broads at Horning. The route to Coltishall took us through Sustead, Northrepps and Southrepps and then onto North Walsham. There was a slight detour at Walsingham to say goodbye to our ex-leader Malcolm who was moving house the same day. Alas we were too late! The group then carried onto Coltishall via Tunstead through quiet, and some very muddy lanes. Malcolm would not have been happy!

We were able to take lunch outside at Dollies and all enjoyed the substantially filled buns and beverages. After lunch John Sharples made his way home separately to nurse his ankle injury. The remainder of us made our way back via Lamas, Buxton, skirting around Aylsham on towards Aldborough. The group split shortly afterwards to make their different routes home.

PC to PC was 46 miles

Graham A, John S, Andrew B, Mark, Graham S and Kevin, led by Robert.

Three riders met at PC on a glorious summer’s day for a trip south to the Broads at Horning.  Mark M and Graham A were pleased to be joined by John S riding again after an ankle injury.  John and his bike had been dropped off at PC, so he could ride back home to Honing after lunch and hopefully not overstress his ankle.

The trio set off, cooled by a steady southerly headwind, via Gresham, Hanworth, Trunch, Knapton, Honing, Smallburgh and Neatishead to Horning.  At the advertised destination the Swan Inn, Horning, we found Andrew C, who as part of his hip op rehabilitation had set off from Hanworth to meet us.

All four re-grouped at the New Inn to sit outside, shaded by a huge parasol to watch the antics of the Broads cruisers as we waited for lunch. The New Inn had let us book a table outside which the Swan was unable to offer, hence the change in venue.

After lunch, we said goodbye to John S as he returned to Honing, while Andrew C maintained the numbers by joining us for the homeward leg. For once the wind had remained consistent and now provided a steady tailwind as we headed via Ashmanhaugh, Sloley, Swanton Abbot to Gunton Park, where Andrew C continued to Hanworth.  The route continued to Aldborough and the final split at Sustead Church.

PC to PC was 55 miles

Graham A, John S, Andrew C, led by Mark M.

This was the first ride without pre-booking following the relaxation of Covid restrictions, so it was good to see seven riders at the start, including Kevin joining us again after a long break. 

The route took us west in light wind and sunny conditions via Gresham, through Barningham, Matlaske and onto Edgefield were we nearly lost Graham who had stopped for a comfort break! Then onto Briston and through Melton Constable onto a rather busy B Road towards Thursford. It was therefore decided to divert from the route and navigate the lanes to Hindringham via Sharington and Bale (with help from Graham). From Hindringham the route took us to Binham during which there was an impromptu sprint (Boys will be Boys) and then onwards to Warham.

On arrival at the pub, we were joined by Andrew C looking in good health following his recent hip replacement. Thankfully we were able to sit under a marque in the shade for a very good meal and refreshments.

After lunch the route took us back to Langham via a diversion to Cockthorpe, and then along Route 30 towards Wiveton, with Jane leaving us for home at the Langham Road junction. In honour of Andrew C who had joined us we diverted to Cley past his house, and then up the hill to re-join the route along Long Lane to Kelling. Graham left us for home at this point and the reminder of us proceeded to High Kelling were Andrew B left the remainder to proceed back to PC.

Estimated distance PC to PC was 46 miles.

Duncan, Kevin, Stephen, Graham, Mark and Jane, led by Andrew B.

This was Andrew’s first ride a Run Captain going solo without Malcolm there for guidance. It was good to see Jane A joining us again after a long break.

The route took us west against a fairly strong wind, through Lower Bodam, Hempstead to up a steep but picturesque lane to Edgefield where we crossed the main Norwich road. We then continued onto Huntsworth, Briston and Sharington, then crossing the main A148 when there was a sufficient gap in the holiday traffic! Jane decided to continue to the pub on her own at this point and the rest of the group took a slightly longer route via. Bale, Hindringham, Binham, Langham and Wiveton. On arrival at the pub, Jane had found a good table at the top of the garden sheltered from the wind and we all enjoyed a good lunch, mostly in the sun.

After lunch Jane decided to head home to Blakeney the remainder of us headed back to PC. The route took us to Kelling via. Long Lane with great views of the sea, and then up to High Kelling where Duncan left us to make his way back home to Holt. Retracing our steps shortly to Hempstead and the to Baconsthorpe, after some confusion caused by navigational errors by the leader. From there we made our way to North Barningham where Graham and Robert left us to make their own way. Andrew and Mark continued to the Red Barn Lane, where we spilt up to make our separate ways home.

Estimated distance PC to PC was 38 miles.

Duncan, Robert, Graham, Mark and Jane, led by Andrew B.