Author: John S

The continuing warm weather brought 8 to PC for Trevor’s run to Mundesley.  There was a bit of a head wind as we set off but this didn’t stop Trevor from forcing the pace.  It was Aldborough, Erpingham, Banningham, Swanton Abbott, Sloley, Dilham, Honing and Edingthorpe before approaching Mundesley along the coast road through Paston.  David C was at the cafe to meet us.  We were a bit late to the lunch stop as I punctured but it gave me the chance to use a gas canister inflator – blink and you will miss it!

The return trip saw us head towards Bradfield and here the group split, leaving two to return to PC via Antingham (who passed Brian on the approach to Gibbet Lane).

A longish ride to lunch at good pace – somewhat slower on the return.  A good number of folk were out – especially as 4 regulars were absent.  It was great to see both John H and David back in the saddle.

A very nice run on a very nice day – many thanks Trevor.

9 out.  45 miles PC to PC.  1 puncture.

An “about to be frazzled five” met at PC to follow Alan to Rackheath.  It was very hot!  Off we set to Saxthorpe at a good pace.  Then it was Heydon, Cawston and Horsford before turning east for Spixworth and the cafe.  It was an approach to this popular venue not used before and new lanes were again a feature.  How hot was it?   Well, everyone was leaking pretty profusely when we stopped for lunch and we opted to shelter inside from the sun’s rays.  The thermometer said 31 deg C and we clocked 15.7 mph average to lunch.

The return was Horstead, Coltishall and Skeyton before a conventional return to PC via Banningham.  Only Alan made it back to PC as riders returned home from various points along the route.

Alan always researches his runs well and this was no exception.  Well thought-out and well led – many thanks, Alan.

5 out (plus Robert on his motor bike for lunch).  PC to PC 51 miles.  No punctures. Many pints of fluids lost!

The famous five of Peter, Kevin, Robert, Alan and myself set off from PC on a humid but blue sky day. We went out to High Kelling, Glandford, Langham, Cockthorpe and Binham. On to Great Walsingham, across the ford and up Bunker Hill, south along the Wells Fakenham road for 1/2 mile then a welcome descent to Little Walsinham and the welcoming Black Lion. An excellent lunch that was taken outside in welcome shade.

The return discovered CJ sitting at the Bull inn which was a shame, but after brief greetings we returned via Hindringham, Bale Stody, Briston and Edgefield.

28 miles out and 18 back at a none too shabby 15.2mph.

Words by Andrew – thanks!.

This was Peter’s first time as run leader and 7 met him at PC in perfect cycling weather.  That is, if you ignored the westerly wind – just right for a run to the west!   We expected a long run and a good one – we were right on both counts.  It was Edgefield, Hindolveston and the Snorings before turning north (and out of the wind) just beyond Waterden. This is a part of the world not often visited on a Wednesday – we should do so more often, it’s delightful.   The last part of the route to the coast road took us through the grounds of Holkham Hall and this really is a super place to cycle.  There was at least 7 miles of new lanes for a Wednesday Run.

It was 33.6 miles to lunch and we were ready for some food when we arrived.  We ate alfresco, basking in the glorious sunshine – good food as always.

Peter led us off on the return to PC but, as he lives in Bale, he left us in Langham.  It was a conventional route home with tired legs doing well on the climb up to the Sheringham ridge.

Peter is off back to Spain for the winter shortly so we won’t be able to enjoy another of his rides for a while.  And enjoy this one we did – in spades!   Many thanks Peter – super!

 

7 out.  52.25 miles PC to PC (and a lot more for Trevor and Peter).  No punctures.

 

Five Wheelers met at PC to follow Trevor to Erpingham.  Some regulars were away, or about to go away, but you really have to ask why with conditions like this on your doorstep!  Almost no wind and blue skies were to be the back-drop for the day.  Trevor had had at least three Weetabix for breakfast, and possibly a banana or two, because he led us off at considerable pace.  In fact, the first 18 miles flashed past in just over the hour.  Although things calmed down a bit, the 26 miles to the lunch stop saw a 16.5 mph average.

Trevor had crafted a beautiful route – and a new lane or two were involved.  It was Matlaske, Itteringham before scooting around the north of Blickling to pass through Alysham.  We then turned east towards Skeyton and then north to Felmingham and Colby, before dropping down into Erpingham.

Four Wheelers were at the lunch stop to dine with us.  One of these was David C and it was great to see him back out on a bike.

The trip back to PC was more or less direct with a westerly leg south of Bessingham to add an extra mile or so – at a much slower pace.

It was a glorious day for a bike ride and Trevor served up a treat.  Many thanks, Trevor.

9 out.  36 miles PC to PC.  No punctures.

Sunshine and a fresh breeze greeted the 11 riders who met at PC to follow John D to Alysham.  These included Dylan, who was visiting from Coventry.

With the wind on our backs, it was Sustead, Thorpe Market and Trunch before turning south to head for North Walsham.  It was then Skeyton Beck before heading into the wind for the approach to Aylsham.

Being a warm, sunny day, dining outside at Food Lovers was a treat.  Maggie and CJ joined us at the cafe – CJ sporting his new bike.  Even the puncture gods were in a good mood – Kevin punctured but was able to deal with is as we waited for our food.  Great timing.

The group split after lunch to wend their various ways home.  For the group returning to PC, it was basically straightforward, taking in Ingworth and Gresham.

A lovely day out on the bikes and a novel route to take us to lunch – many thanks, John.

13 out.  38 miles PC to PC. 1 puncture.

Scribe – Andrew Chapman.

Seven gathered at Pretty corner undeterred by grey skies and light drizzle. The usual suspects plus Graham from Nottingham.

Robert lead us off south to Maltask then to Saxthorpe, through Saxthorpe and past Little London, up Heath road and on south of Briston towards Hindolveston. It was on this road that a pothole concealed by a puddle caught Alan by surprise. Fortunately he remained on his bike but caught his undercarriage and will now be singing with the Alto section of the choir.

On to Fulmodeston with brightening skies and right at the cross roads to Barney. Across the B1358 via a cunningly concealed entrance to Station Road. As our resident wag John remarked we nearly missed the Thurning. Then at great pace down to Hindringham and to Binham. A none too shabby 15 mph to the pub. Good sarneys and beer.

The journey home was the direct route of Langham, Cley, High Kelling and Pretty corner all in lovely sunshine. A round trip of 37 miles.

1 puncture. Thanks Robert for an excellent outing. Those on the role call were John D, Kevin, John S, Alan, Andrew and Graham.

Hot and windy conditions were in the forecast for our ride to The Butchers Arms in East Ruston.  Nevertheless, 6 Wheelers met at PC to test their thermostats.  It was Hanworth, Thorpe Market, Trunch and Knapton before dropping down past Bacton Woods to approach the lunch stop via Crostwight. It was a super route, very pretty with a new lane – albeit a small one.  And it was hot, so we stopped a few times for drinks.  Normally a head wind is a nuisance, but not so to-day as it cooled us nicely.

There was a brief discussion as to whether we should sit outside in the heat and sunshine but sense prevailed and we dined inside.

The return to PC was conventional.  Worstead, Banningham, Colby, Erpingham, Aldborough and Gresham before a final push up Gibbet Lane.  As ever, the group split on the way back with the 3 riders who had ridden a fair distance to the start leaving at different points.  And the wind was helpful again – it was forecast to turn and it did, so we had another head wind to make it harder but cooling.

A lovely day out.  Hot, yes – but not unbearable.  The average was 15.2 mph which was certainly not too shabby considering the conditions.

6 out.  28 deg C at times.  41.6 miles PC to PC, but more for some.

Alan always puts a lot of thought into the runs he leads, and so it was on the run to Cawston; 6 lucky Wheelers reaped the benefit.  The run turned north after a conventional start and took in Felbrigg on our way to Cromer, and very pleasant it was, too.  There was some speculation as to whether we had a Cawston-on-Sea that we had not heard of!  It was then Northrepps, Thorpe Market, Felmingham, before touching Badersfield and turning west for Cawston.  Lunch is always good at All Things Nice and was very welcome as it was just over 30 miles to the stop.  And CJ and Maggie were there to join us which was nice.

After lunch, Alan had an unusual route for us on the return to PC with lanes around Wolterton being brought into play.  Marvelous!.

A super run with the weather gods playing ball – many thanks, Alan.

44.4 miles PC to PC.  8 out. No punctures and no need for mudguards!

Don’t you just love it when something works out really well.  And so it was with to-day’s ride.  4 Wheelers true met at PC to follow Robert to Mundesley.  Robert had planned the route the night before but it didn’t quite work out as planned which was great – new lanes!  It was basically Aldborough, Erpingham, Colby, Felmingham before turning north to take in Bradfield and Trunch before arriving in Mundesley.  This sounds traditional, but an unorthodox left after the junction between Red Barn Lane and Mill Rd. set the tone for the ride – lots of little unusual twists.

The Corner Cafe at Mundesley is always nice to visit but we usually do so when wringing wet – how nice that the showers which we saw falling around the area left us completely alone.  Malcolm met us at the cafe and joined us for a bit of the ride home.

The route back to PC was straightforward except for the “zig-zags” dialled in by Robert – there was no danger of being torpedoed by enemy submarines!  And we were using little-trodden lanes.

Alan punctured loudly as we approached Gresham – this was notable for the “ever so impressive” use of a gas canister inflator.

The weather was good but a tad windy and we got a slight dusting of rain as we approached PC. Still – we expected a dousing.

A super ride.  Many thanks, Robert.

5 out.  37 miles PC to PC. 1 puncture (impressively dealt with).