Author: nnrider

Leader JD. Words by JD

One rider gathered at PC on a wet and blustery morning and as the little hand reached 29, thoughts of a quick dash back to the car; hot coffee and a day on the sofa were on JD’s mind. As the little hand reached 30, Kevin appeared, and after the traditional game of “shall we, shan’t we”, two set off into a stiff breeze – with rain added to the mix – which was to accompany us for the 20 miles to Coltishall.

The route was through Bessingham and around the back of Aldborough to cross the A140 and head through Colby. A stretch of the Trans Norfolk Highway (no JD ride is complete without this) took us via Hylton Crossways to Skeyton Church where I’m sure was heard the ghost of a question hanging in the air “How far’s The Old Goat Inn?”

It was then past the aforementioned pub and a straight forward couple of miles going through Badersfield and Little Hautbois to a welcome lunch break.

The Red Lion provided its usual tasty fare, and after some cheerful banter with the landlord / owner, who is also a keen cyclist, it was off with a helpful tail wind.

Whilst the roads were very wet and strewn with debris, the rain kept away as we rode back through Little Hautbois and took the direct way back to PC, through Buxton, Banningham, Ingworth, Wickmere, Bessingham and Gresham.

No incidents despite the poor weather for the first half of the ride. Well worth the effort. “If in doubt – Go!”

Two out John D and Kevin

40 miles PC to PC

Editor’s Note

In the less than perfect conditions special praise has to go to John and Kevin for “just going” and keeping the flag flying for the Wednesday Wheelers. No excuse really but MS did have to go to Norwich today and therefore missed the fun – didn’t miss cleaning his bike however!

The 4 Wheelers who met at PC quite understood if others chose to stay inside and keep warm but we nevertheless looked forward to Kevin’s ride to the North Coast. The forecast had promised 6 – 9 degrees but with the wind chill it was nowhere near this.

The first part of today’s route took us south through East Beckham, Gresham, Bessingham, Matlaske and Itteringham, at which point we turned right to follow twisting and narrow lanes to Corpusty, Thurning and Hindolveston.

It was then due north to Melton Constable, Briningham, Brinton and Sharrington. An unfortunate (doubly so as it was a rear) puncture, in a Gatorskin no less, did not delay us for very long and in some ways the stop was useful allowing for natural breaks and a walk around to get the circulation going. Not sure if John felt the same way!

The last leg of the outward journey was Field Dalling, Langham and a cheeky curve (rather than the direct Langham Road) to Blakeney. Unsurprisingly we decided against al fresco dining and grabbed a table inside. Alan had driven out to join us – unfortunately not able to come on the run due to feeling rough after a flu jab! Just as we were leaving Francis arrived but sadly we couldn’t stay and share news; so after a brief hallo we were on our way, firstly making the customary parade alongside the harbour.

Andrew left us to head towards The Three Swallows and home while the remaining three climbed up to Bridge Road and High Kelling. We took a breather just after crossing the Cromer Road before following the familiar route to Geoff’s Corner and on to the junction of Mill Road and Red Barn Lane where Malcolm headed off to Gresham, Hanworth and home leaving just the two to return to PC.

Thanks very much to Kevin for devising a great route out and the shorter more direct route back meant that there would be enough time and light for the necessary bike wash after getting home.

Andrew, John S, Kevin, Malcolm – Alan and Francis at the pub.

65 kms or 40 miles PC to PC (max 60 miles ish)

 

Just 5 met at PC on yet another bright and blustery day. A south westerly wind gusting in the mid to high 20s so hard on the way out but surely not so hard on the way back!

Alan lead us first to West Beckham and then directly into the wind to Baconsthorpe. Robert told us that he hadn’t had a decent ride out for 3 or 4 weeks but he seemed to be doing fine as we pressed on to Edgefield, Hunworth, Stody and Briningham to reach Melton Constable. No respite from the headwind as we pedalled directly to Foulsham. There was a good mood in the bunch as we paused briefly before leaving Foulsham for our lunch time destination at The Old Railway Station Café at Reepham.

CJ had cycled out to meet us and, like us, hoped that the wind would be favourable on the return leg. The service and food at the Café was good quality as always and we were able to eat outside which for mid November is a definite bonus.

CJ left before us and Andrew peeled off soon after leaving and headed towards Briston which left just 4 Wheelers to make the journey back to PC.

After Salle Park we joined the Heydon Road which took us all the way into Station Road and the village of Corpusty. After crossing the B1149 there is a long steady drag up and at this point Robert’s legs felt the lack of recent miles but he battled on and we soon reached Little Barningham and then the junction with Barningham Road just after the Church of St Peter. Here there was a two way split as Malcolm and Robert headed off towards Gresham and beyond leaving Alan and Kevin to complete the circle/cycle!

Thanks very much to Alan for a well planned and executed (as always) ride out. Road conditions pretty good but potholes getting pretty bad here and there. No major bike washing today – how much longer can this good fortune last?

Alan, Andrew, Kevin, Malcolm, Robert and CJ at the Cafe

40 miles PC to PC (60 miles max)

As Malcolm met John S at the PC Car Park the latter remarked “I’m not sure that this is altogether a good idea!” to which Malcolm replied “Well it’s certainly breezy and not very bright!” 3 others joined M & J and the group set off into the “breeze” on Malcolm’s run to this popular watering hole.

With John almost back to full fitness and given the small size of the group plus the prospect of a tailwind on the return leg Malcolm set off at a decent pace despite the headwind! The first part of the route took us through Lower Gresham, Metton, Hanworth and the longish drag up to Thorpe Market. After a brief foray on the A149 we turned right on to the Thorpe Road to Southrepps. Shortly after we followed a back lane to the junction with the Gimingham Road at Trunch. We stopped briefly for a drink and a polite request was made to slow things up a tad, one rider feeling slightly off the pace today.

The Knapton Road took us to……..Knapton from where we descended via Old Hall Street to the North Walsham and Dilham Canal (now partly used) and then an ascent (sorry Andrew!) to Edingthorpe Green. Turning right to descend through Bacton Woods we were again into the headwind so we looped round to Ebridge Mill and White Horse Common and eventually to North Walsham. Leader’s error – Malcolm didn’t double check behind him and managed to lose two riders but a quick call on the mobile soon got the group back together and we negotiated the joys of the NW one way system to join the Aylsham Road and thereafter Tungate Road and Skeyton Road to our lunch stop. There waiting for us was CJ.

After a welcome refuel Andrew and CJ set off together en route for Felbrigg and beyond while the group of 4 headed off in a slightly different direction to Burgh, Aylsham, Ingworth, Erpingham, Aldborough and Thurgarton. At the crossroads adjacent to All Saints Church Malcolm said farewell and headed off on the Bessingham Road to Hanworth and home while the remaining 3 took the same road but in the opposite direction towards Bessingham and back to PC.

Many thanks to all for the company on a good ride out.

Andrew, Graham, John S, Kevin, Malcolm and CJ at the pub

41 miles PC to PC (60 miles max)

On a sparkling Autumn morning 6 Wheelers met for Kevin’s ride to the North Coast. An OS Map was spotted in Kevin’s back pocket. Did he have a few surprises up his sleeve – some cheeky off-piste sections perhaps?

We turned east after Lower Gresham but the bunch soon regained its composure as we continued on through Sustead, Thurgarton, Wickmere, Calthorpe and Ingworth. Considering the amount of rain on Tuesday the roads were not bad at all – just as well as one of the group was on his best bike without mudguards!

At the junction with the Blickling Road the OS Map made its first appearance and after a brief meeting it was agreed that we should pass through Silvergate and on to Oulton Street and then in the direction of Cawston. At Southgate we turned right to make our way to Guestwick, but not before another quick check of the OS Map followed by a number of nodding heads. Andrew offered a hand of guidance suggesting Briston, Stody, Hunworth, Thornage and Letheringsett. Our leader confirmed this was indeed the route he had planned but was grateful to Andrew for taking the lead briefly and using his knowledge of the lanes to good effect.

After Glandford and Cley we joined the Coast Road for the last few miles to our lunch stop. The pub was extremely busy and we were told there would be a half hour wait for a table but the group of 5 (Stephen having left us at Glandford) happily propped up the bar and reflected on what had been a very enjoyable if slightly long (37 miles from PC) morning’s run.

After lunch Andrew had a fairly short and very flat journey home while the rest of us climbed Market Lane and Bloomstile Lane to eventually join Bridge Road. After crossing the Holt-Cromer Road at High Kelling we followed a direct and very familiar route to Mill Road where Malcolm headed off to Gresham and beyond while the remaining 3 took a left into Red Barn Lane and back up to PC.

Many thanks to Kevin for leading today’s ride.

Alan, Andrew, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Stephen; and Jane who had waited for us at the pub to say hallo but sadly had to head off so couldn’t join us.

47 miles PC to PC (66 miles max)

Tour de Cromer – words by David C, our leader for the day.

On a breezy but reasonably mild Wednesday morning, ten Wheelers descended into the back lanes of East Beckham. The peloton slowed allowing the leader to search unsuccessfully for his long lost Poundland spectacles. Picking up a spare wheel at Gresham Church, the group made use of the strong Westerly to descend through the village and up and out again towards the Aylmerton Cross.

An encounter with a friendly bottled gas delivery driver slowed our progress, but we were soon up and on the move again through Aylmerton and the rear end of the Felbrigg estate. Negotiating the cattle grids we hit the Felbrigg main gate and enjoyed the long descent towards Cromer.

Taking a right at Amazonia Zoo onto the recently completed cycle path, the group climbed up towards Roughton Road, Cromer. “Bollards!” someone called out. And yes, they were a tight squeeze, calling for some beginner’s bike handling skills.

A brief sojourn of no more than twenty metres on the A148, followed by three mini roundabouts in quick succession, had us on Mill Road, Suffield Park with Cromer Hospital on our left and the newly opened Surgery on our right.

At this point the leader became a tad nostalgic for childhood haunts and led the group past Great Aunt Dot’s old house on Connaught Road followed by a slow meander through the mean streets to Suffield Park playing field, the scene of former sporting glories when us Cromer lads handed out a footballing lesson to the Suffield locals on numerous occasions circa 1968-9.

It was time to hit the open country once more. A right turn onto Northrepps Road had us at the foot of the rather unexpected (for some!) steep ascent of the Forest Park climb. After a brief pause at the summit to gather our thoughts, the group enjoyed the rather pleasing Nut Lane descent into Northrepps Village.

The Run continued – words by the Editor

After such an eloquent intro I shall keep it brief.

After Northrepps we followed Craft Lane on to the delightfully named Clipped Hedge Lane at Southrepps and then the back lanes to Gimingham. After Trunch we passed through Bradfield and were lucky not to be held up at the railway crossing. Then came Antingham, Felmingham, Skeyton Corner, the steady climb up to All Saints Church and eventually reached Burgh followed by Aylsham. En route we were treated to the nostalgic sound of the air whistle of a locomotive on the Bure Valley narrow gauge railway.

The Conservatory had not been forewarned of our arrival but despite it being a busy time and no seats available inside they were quite happy for us to dine al fresco. By now however the sun had disappeared completely and it was a bit on the cool side but this did nothing to dampen spirits and the banter flowed. “When are we receiving our Certificates?” Alban asked. We were puzzled. “Well all those hand signals through Cromer felt like we were doing our Cycling Proficiency!”

After lunch we headed off towards Blickling but then cut across to join the (old) Cromer Road and followed the course of The River Bure for a short distance to Ingworth. At this point Malcolm turned eastwards for Banningham and home leaving the group to make their way to Erpingham and follow familiar roads back to PC.

Thanks very much to David – the tour of his former stomping grounds in Cromer not to mention the look of surprise on some visitors’ faces as we wound our way through the grounds of the Felbrigg Estate provided an unusual and welcome start to the ride.

Alan, Alban, David, Ian W, Jane, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Robin, Stephen

41 miles PC to PC

Shorts were still the order of the day for most of the 7 who turned out for Andrew’s ride to a venue that is fast becoming a favourite for the Wednesday crew! Traditional surroundings, an open fire and great value warming food – what more could you ask for now that Autumn is very much upon us? A great route and that is what we got as Andrew lead us via Baconsthorpe, Plumstead and Edgefield to Briston.

Drizzly rain would not go away and it seemed as though this might be the first ride for some while when some serious bike cleaning would be needed later on, particularly for those on their road bikes without mudguards. With spirits high in spite of the road conditions the small bunch of riders passed through Stody, Brinton, Sharrington, Bale and Hindringham.

Just after joining the Hindringham Road in the direction of Great Walsingham we were brought to an abrupt halt as tarmac disappeared into a sea of thick mud – like impassable! Apropos the recent Facebook posting on the NNWCC group page, the reporting of an incident between a person on his bike and a local farmer (nothing to do with the Wheelers or the previous day’s Club Run incidentally), yes of course farmers have every right to be on the road but not to leave a good portion of a field’s contents behind them. Let’s hope it was cleared up later. Respect for all road users and all that!

Sensibly we backtracked slightly and took an alternative route along the Wells Road as far as Wighton where we turned off right to pass the Warham Camp Iron Age Fort and eventually our mid ride destination. Stephen had to skip lunch and carried on to Wells.

Apart from two other customers, who seemed either slightly put out or maybe just curious of the bonhomie exuding from our lycra clad group, and a man and his dog we were the only ones in for lunch. Food is freshly prepared here but the wait was worth it and all thoughts of the cool damp weather outside soon disappeared.

The return leg took us through Binham, Field Dalling and Saxlingham shortly after which Jane and Alban left us. Just 4 continued on to Wiveton and then the seemingly endless (for Norfolk) climb to Bridge Road and High Kelling. Our leader for the day bade us farewell leaving 3 to make their way to Geoff’s Corner where there was a final split as 2 headed towards the Holt Road and Sheringham Park while the lone rider descended to Lower Gresham and Bessingham and then south-eastwards and homewards.

Many thanks to Andrew for leading today’s ride and good to see Alban back in the saddle!

Alan, Alban, Andrew, Graham A, Jane, Malcolm and Stephen

PC to PC 42 miles (max 65 miles)

Holidays and other pursuits kept the number low today as 5 Wheelers met in the sunshine for Robert’s ride to Banningham. Robert promised us lots of twists and turns on his route which was worked out in the early hours due to a temporary bout of insomnia!!

We passed by East and through West Beckham before heading towards Bodham but took a sharp left before we reached the A148. This pleasant lane did however take us to Bodham Church and on to Baconsthorpe. Then came Hempstead, Edgefield and Briston.

A shout came from the back, “Are we going to Banningham then?”

Obligingly Robert turned to head south easterly to Corpusty and then followed the Irmingland Road and Spa Lane to Oulton. On reaching Itteringham Robert had decided not to go the more direct route following the course of The River Bure to Ingworth but to head up towards Wolterton then Erpingham, Colby and our lunchtime destination after some 27 miles. A great route with the promised twists and turns!

CJ was already tucking into his baguette as we arrived but The Crown is pretty quick at getting the orders out so we were soon enjoying ours.

Although we left as a group of 6 there was soon a split as two headed off towards Suffield and home while the remainder of the group were lead by Robert towards Alby and Aldborough and back to PC.

Many thanks to Robert for leading today’s ride.

David, Jane, Malcolm, Phil, Robert and CJ

38 miles PC to PC

Those who knew Paul Bailey planned to attend the Service at Cromer Crematorium in the early afternoon; so after a short discussion on alternative routes and lunchtime destinations 12 Wheelers were lead by Malcolm firstly to Matlaske.

Our route took us through Erpingham, Colby, Suffield, Antingham, Lower Street, Southrepps, Northrepps, Felbrigg Village and finally the tearooms at Felbrigg Hall.

After an al fresco lunch during which the temperature fell somewhat a small group continued on to pay their last respects to and celebrate the life of a fine club member.

Alan, Andrew, David, Geoff, Jane, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Robin, Scott, Stephen and Trevor E enjoyed the ride of 22 miles to Felbrigg

With the weather continuing to be pretty much ideal for cycling and the sugar beet harvest not yet upon us 8 Wheelers met for Malcolm’s ride to Reepham.

The route was Aldborough, Erpingham, over the (old) Cromer Road, along a floodless (but for how long) stretch to Drabblegate and into Aylsham. Then Burgh next Aylsham and Oxnead before leaving The River Bure behind and joining the Cawston Road. The long straight road to Cawston is a bit exposed but the crosswinds were not too much of a problem as we continued on to Booton and finally our lunch stop at Reepham where we found CJ relaxing in the sunshine.

Refreshments were served with (more than) the usual efficiency and after discussing our exact route back to PC we all left together to follow the B1145 a short distance and then Salle where Robin left us. We then passed through Oulton and Itteringham before the steady climb up to Little Barningham. Trevor E had peeled off en route to head towards the Walsinghams, Robert and Malcolm turned towards Gresham and home leaving the remainder of the bunch to make their way back to PC.

Alan, Geoff, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Robert, Robin, Trevor E and CJ at the café.

PC to PC 40 miles