Author: John S

Seven Wheelers met at PC for Trevor’s run to Banningham.  Those cycling to the start from the east recorded “personal worsts” for the cycle to PC – the wind was quite strong.

At the top of Red Barn Lane, Malcolm joined us for the speedy “with the wind” passage towards Banningham.  We were close to Antingham in no time but Trevor was enjoying the easy cycling conditions and led us further south east.  This was good fun but the further south east we got, the longer the slog into the wind for the return to Banningham.  We were well past RAF Coltishall before we turned.  But it wasn’t that bad and we had a stonking average speed to the turn.

Geoff was at the pub to meet us.  The Crown always looks after us well and we dined in great spirits.

The run back to PC was the traditional direct route via Ingworth and Thurgarton and, as usual, riders left the group at various points, leaving four to return to PC.

Whilst the wind was pesky, the sun shone for the whole ride and the countryside looked fantastic.

A really nice ride out that saw the welcome return of Hugh.  Many thanks, Trevor.

9 out.  38 miles PC to PC.  0 punctures.

We’re heading East to discover the ‘delights’ of some of the rural roads between Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft/Oulton Broad.

We will be parking at Mill Lane Playing Fields and Community Centre, Bradwell, NR31 8HS.  There are two car parks – the Community Centre car park and another just before the entrance to the Community Centre. We’ll use the general playing field car park that’s immediately ahead of you as you make the turn from Mill Lane.  See the image below.

See you there.

8 Wheelers met Alan at PC for his ride to Tunstead.  Conditions were dry with a cold, easterly wind which we were confident would be on our backs for the return trip – hmm.

Off we set towards Itteringham but with a strange loop taking in Little Barningham – a sign of things to come?  With the sun now on our backs, it was Cawston and Brandiston before turning east for Hevingham, Stratton, Strawless.  Coltishall was the next town before we turned for Tunstead through St. James.

The Olive Branch is a great venue for us and it didn’t disappoint.  David and Geoff were there to meet us and we all dined well.

There was a puncture as we left but, being a cycling venue, The Olive Branch has a track pump which was really helpful.

Off we set towards Scottow but, again, there was an unusual loop.  And so the non-traditional approach continued as we went through Swanton Abbott and skirted Banningham, Erpingham and Aldoborough.  Alan had put in some work and crafted a route to take in lots of new lanes – excellent!

Contrary to expectation, the wind was not co-operating for the trip home as it had turned to the north, but the sun was still with us.

A super ride, longish and cold but with the sun to warm us.  Many thanks Alan.

10 out.  49 miles PC to PC.  1 puncture.

There was some discussion about weather prior to the ride with snow in some forecasts.  It looked iffy but 3 Wheelers met at PC.  John S had decided on a short run to give a fighting chance of getting back before the weather turned sour.  So it was Baconsthorpe, Edgefield and Wood Dalling before arriving in Cawston just on noon.  We enjoyed sunny skies and dryish roads.

John D joined us at the cafe where we dined well.  There was a quick look at the weather radar before leaving.  The previous forecasts had been variable and so uncertainly was a feature.  The radar look ahead showed we should stay dry – but this also proved to be a bit out.

The run back to PC was direct and we watched menacing clouds slip to the south west of us.  We encountered light rain about 15 minutes out from home.  This turned to wet rain, sleet and then snow as we got back to PC.  Near perfect planning!  Kevin noted that, given the timing, the snow actually added to the ride – he was right.

Run one (Always Go) rules!

Thanks to Kevin, Alan and John D for turning out.

4 out.  30 miles PC to PC.  No punctures.  Some snow.

Welcome to first-timers Phil and Sean, who were part of the six that met at Pretty Corner to follow Trevor to Mundesley.  The weather gods must be cyclists because this was the second Wednesday in a row where conditions were ideal for (winter) cycling.  Off we set, basically heading for Aldborough, Banningham and then Worstead before turning north for the coast.  A nice use of lanes to bring us into Mundesley from the east.

Four more Wheelers met us at the cafe where we were very well looked after and a splendid lunch was had by all.

Suitably refreshed, ten left for the trip home with folk departing at various points along the way.  The route was Trunch, Bradfield, then crossing the A149 at Thorpe Market for a run through Hanworth and home.

A really nice bike ride with loads of sunshine.  Many thanks, Trevor.

10 out.  41.5 miles PC to PC.  Same stats as last week but no punctures – hurrah!

Six Wheelers met at PC to follow Kevin to Walsingham.  And, for the first time in ages, there was no wind – must have had something to do with the passing of the sprout season.  However, Wheelers were not the only ones out and about – the hedge cutters were, too!  The first puncture occurred about 200 yards from the start – a record, I believe.  Robert dealt with this quickly and we were off – only to meet David C at the junction of Gibbet Lane and Red Lane.  David was mending two punctures, one in each tyre, and decided to retire from the ride (which he hadn’t quite started!).

But the six were in feisty spirits and shot off towards Walsingham.  It was basically Saxthorpe, Thurning and the Snorings before arriving in Walsingham.  It was a pacey ride – must have been all that “resistance training” in the preceding weeks.  We ended up eating in The Black Lion due to the target venue not serving food.  This was our first visit there but it won’t be our last – it was just right.  Geoff, Trevor and John D met us at the pub, which was quite something, as this was not where we were intending to go!

Suitably recharged, we returned to our bikes for the trip home – only to be greeted by two flattish tires owned by Kevin and Dan.  Still, could have been slow punctures, so more air was added and off we set.  This was a tad optimistic as they had to be fixed in the end.  No matter, punctures are social experiences and the weather was fine.  And so on to Wiveton – where Alan punctured.  At this point we were beginning to feel a little hard done by!

Despite the punctures, it was a very good ride – a good work-out and new lanes to boot.  Many thanks, Kevin.

9 (or 10) out.  41.5 miles PC to PC.  Oh, and 6 punctures!

Rule 1 is “Always Go” but this was subject to challenge for this ride.  Despite the wind, four hardy souls met at PC for a festive, end of year ride to Alysham.  First timer Dan noted that the wind was strong – he was spot on!  It was also from the south, which is where we were headed.  It was Baconsthorpe and Edgefield before heading towards Cawston and then turning for Alysham.  The wind really impeded progress and strong gusts made us careful.  The positive spin on this was to consider it a, “resistance training ride” – hmmm!

We got a warm welcome at the lunch stop which was not busy.  Wonder why?

With a strong southerly wind, the northerly trip home was a blast – literally!

We had a 14.6 mph average moving speed which, given the conditions, is not too shabby.

4 out.  35.5 windy miles PC to PC.  0 punctures and no rain.

What a nice day for a bike ride!  A tad on the breezy side but sunny, clear skies greeted the 7 who met at PC to follow David to Banningham.  David had cooked-up an unusual route which saw us cycle through the grounds of Felbrigg Hall and go up and down the coastal ridge a number of times.  It’s always nice when there are a couple of new lanes involved but this ride had a fistful of them.  It was basically north east towards Overstrand, then south east towards North Walsham before heading for Banningham via Colby.

Robin hooked-up with us as we approached The Crown and Malcolm was waiting at the pub for us.

Lunch was a leisurely affair with conversation turning towards the approaching festivities.  In this regard, David had to leave us to go to the cinema with his family.  As a clue to what he went to see – he had to swap his bicycle pump for a light sabre.

The group dispersed pretty quickly on the way back and only 2 returned to PC.

Great ride David – many thanks.  We have room for the mince pies now!

9 out.  37 miles PC to PC.  No punctures.

Here are the runs for the first two months of next year.  Let’s hope for some nice weather!

John

January 2016

6             The Bull Inn, Walsingham                                           Kevin Hornshaw

13           The Corner House Cafe at Mundesley                         Trevor Neild

20           Forget Me Not at Lenwade                                          John Dimascio

27           The Chequers Inn, Binham                                          Alan Fisher

 

February 2016

3             Hadfield Garden Centre, North Walsham                    David Carrier

10           The Old Railway Station at Reepham                         Robert Nixon

17           Explorers Bar & Coffee House, Briston                       Andrew Chapman

24           The Butchers Arms East Ruston                                  Geoff Poulter