Author: nnrider

Prepared for a mild battering from the gusty wind, 5 Wheelers met at “The Reservoir” for Alan’s ride to the banks of the River Bure.

The headwind didn’t seem too much of a problem as we followed a straight course via Little Barningham, Itteringham, Oulton Street and Cawston. Then came Brandiston, Swannington and Upgate before heading east through Felthorpe and up to the A140. At Stratton Strawless Robin left us (for a busy afternoon no doubt) so just 4 turned right on to the Hainford Road then left at the T-junction for a fast paced last leg before lunch to Horstead and our mid-ride destination at Coltishall.

Now could this be the last time the sun rises for the Wheelers at Colishall? Even in a gusty wind it is still a most pleasant location but the recent takeover by Colchester Inns has increased the food prices and we all felt it wasn’t great value. As The Rising Sun is really a summer pub, for the next few months it was agreed that it will be The Red Lion (Cyclist friendly) when we visit Coltishall.

We parted company with John S after lunch and the remaining trio went first to Great and then Little Hautbois enjoying the big skies that this route provides, then Lamas, over The Bure at the Mill before joining the Aylsham Road at Buxton. We turned off to Oxnead, crossing The Bure once again and then up to Church Road and straight on to Tuttington, Banningham and Colby. Here Malcolm headed off towards Suffield, Antingham and home while 2 pedalled on to Erpingham, Aldborough, Gresham and finally PC.

Many thanks to Alan for leading today’s run which was at times challenging in the wind and it was quite understandable why several Wheelers chose not to venture out.

Alan, Geoff (not Mr P), John S, Malcolm, Robin

PC to PC 46.5 miles

The way out by John D

So, 10 riders arrived at Pretty Corner for JD’s ride to Cawston on a day which was typical of the season of unreliable weather forecasts. There were several shorts on show, a few warm layers, JD prepared for rain and Robert dressed for the beach! In the event the weather proved kind, although the moderate and somewhat chilly north-westerly made its presence felt.

Having been pre-warned that we would be meeting Malcolm and Dave C later en-route we left captain-less and headed through Gresham and Sustead to Hanworth. Here the widely spaced cattle-grid on the northern approach rattled several of the men’s teeth and dislodged Stephen’s rear light. There must be a case for re-orienting these grids by 90 degrees so the cyclist can pick a single bar to ride over – well perhaps not!

It was then briefly on to the A140 before taking White Post Road to skirt south of Gunton Park to Suzie’s vegetable stall where we found David and Malcolm browsing the produce. We missed the 11am meeting time by 10 minutes but even so had covered the 10 miles from PC in just under 40 minutes.

It was then a southerly direction on Long Lane until turning off to Colby and the now obligatory couple of hundred yards on the Trans-Norfolk Highway (aka B1145). It was then the lane towards Tuttington, and shortly after crossing the now-dismantled Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway line (Aylsham to North Walsham) the first puncture of the day – a pesky flint taking out Alan. Soon on our way we headed for Oxnead Mill and across the A140 again.

It was here that the second mechanical of the day occurred when Dave C’s chain parted. Luckily he was carrying the appropriate amount of used fivers to pay for a spare fixed link and the appropriate tool that Trevor E was carrying. Judging that fixing this problem was quite technical and could be unpleasant to watch, the main bunch headed onwards leaving Kevin ‘he’s a practical bloke – good with a truncheon’ and Alan to effect repairs and make their way to a late lunch.

The bunch made Cawston via Buxton Heath and Haveringland for lunch by 12:50 after 26.5 miles from PC. Space was limited at All Things Nice due to the presence of another bunch of riders, but service and food was of the usual high standard. An hour later there was a three way split, with JD heading east for an early bath and the Sheringham and Cley/Wells/Lt Walsingham contingents heading into the breeze and for the coast.

Thanks guys for being easily led!

The way back by Malcolm

Well, just 8 Wheelers began the journey “home” along well worn tracks towards Oulton Street and then the junction with the Blickling Road. Kevin now became the second rider of the day to suffer the fate of the Norfolk flint but the tube was replaced in a flash and we were on our way again (or so we thought!) only for Kevin to puncture a second time. Unaware of this, four riders had cycled on to the right turn to Itteringham and down to the bridge expecting the other group of four to follow. We waited but there was no sign, so Malcolm volunteered to cycle back up the hill leaving 3 to continue on to PC. By the time he reached the group they were back on the road and all 5 pedalled incident free up to the Little Barningham junction where Malcolm headed off to Erpingham and home and the others the few miles back to PC,

Alan, Andrew, David, Geoff, Graham, John D, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Robert, Stephen, Trevor E and CJ (who met us at All Things Nice)

40 miles PC to PC

Many thanks to John D for leading us along the excellent route from PC to our lunch stop.

Words by Kevin

5 met at PC for Kevin’s foray to the Kings Arms at Blakeney, on a gloomy but dry and not too windy day.

The ride started with a small apology stating we were to go through Fakenham, one rider commenting he had only been there on a drive and ride?

The route was PC to Saxthorpe and on to Guestwick where we came across a couple of cyclists. One of them had unfortunately come off his bike banging his head on the tarmac resulting in quite a lot of blood. Fortunately he said he was okay, stating he would be buying and wearing a helmet from now on.

After wishing them well and saying goodbye we pressed on to Hindolveston, Stibbard, Great Ryburgh and then down the B1146 to Fakenham past the famous Gas Museum!

On leaving Fakenham we pedalled to Great Snoring, Hindringham, Binham, and finally to everyone’s relief Blakeney. Just over 39 miles to lunch, another first I believe for a Wednesday ride.

After lunch Jane went home and Peter and Paula headed for Bale, leaving Alan and Kevin to make their way back to PC the usual way past Holt Rugby club.

Apologies for missing Andrew at the pub.

Runners and riders: Alan, Jane, Kevin, Paula, Peter

50 miles PC to PC with no incidents.

Many thanks to Kevin for leading the ride.

 

 

Words by Robert

We met at PC in the rain and it rained most of the way to Mundesley.

Due South to Itteringham and then on the back road around Blickling Estate, right at Ingworth and through Banningham.

A mistake (in planning) took us along the B1145 all the way to North Walsham, then northwards up to Bradfield, through Trunch and then Mundseley.

Nice lunch and (on this occasion) John S did not have soup.

Dry all way home, though Gimingham, Southrepps, Northrepps, across the edge of Felbrigg, then Metton, Gresham and PC.

One broken spoke, and one flat tyre (after I had left the others).

Alan, Andrew, John S, Kevin, Robert, Stephen,

PC to PC 38.5 miles

Many thanks to Robert for leading the Run.

 

http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/neil-featherby-running-column-1-5644514

 

9 Wheelers at PC soon became 10 as we met David at the pre-arranged pick-up at Banningham for Malcolm’s Run to the banks of the Bure at Horning!

On another warm, slightly humid, late summer’s day with fairly light winds there was a relaxed feeling in the bunch even though the pace was and remained fairly swift. Our progress was interrupted just after passing All Saints Church Skeyton by a pilot car announcing the approach of a ridiculously large piece of agricultural machinery. We were squeezed to the sides but the road was just wide enough to allow a safe passing.

Swanton Abbott, Scottow, Tunstead and Hoveton Hall came and went and the Stalham Road was eventually crossed with the bunch regrouping on the other side to begin the gentle descent down Long Lane. The road does narrow considerably alongside Bewilderwood and the leader slowed to give way to a car travelling towards us. Perhaps due to a slight loss in concentration or late braking two riders came to grief as they touched wheels but all was well as they checked their bikes, remounted and continued on with the group to the lunch venue.

There to meet us were Trevor N and John S. Some chose to eat inside at the reserved table while the remainder sat in the garden and took their chances with the wasps that have seemed to be a bit of a problem this summer. The S & W provides good service and good value food and we left well set up for the return leg.

While Trevor made his own way back, John joined us for a few miles. Our route took us past the Neatishead Radar Station, Smallburgh, Dilham and on to Honing where John left us. Then Crostwight, Bacton Woods, Edingthorpe Street, Knapton and Trunch (where we said goodbye to Robin);  Southrepps, Northrepps (cheers to David and Robert), Crossdale Street, Felbrigg and Metton, where there were splits in the group. Firstly Graham headed off towards Aylmerton and the remaining 4 riders decided not to wait for Alan and Kevin, the former taking it a bit easier on the homeward stretch as he was suffering the effects of a summer cold!

Malcolm paused at Lower Gresham to say his goodbyes to Alan and Kevin leaving just 3 to climb the last mile or so back to PC.

Alan, Andrew, David, Graham, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Robert, Robin, Stephen, Trevor E, Trevor N

52 miles PC to PC (70 miles for some)

Eight of the Wheeler flock gathered at PC for Andrew’s ride to Reepham. The question was would the flock manage to stay together under his leadership?

All began well as we headed down and up Red Barn Lane before the right turn at Mill Road and then a left to run more or less parallel with the A148, through Bodham, Hempstead, Hunworth, Stody and Brinton. A few of the group seemed a bit puzzled as to where we were, such is the twisting and turning nature of the North Norfolk lanes and by-ways. Our leader confirmed that we were passing through Gunthorpe and only one or two more upward stretches to go!

On reaching Swanton Novers a quick check confirmed all were present but then en route to Hindolveston (or thereabouts) 3 became detached. While 4 of the group waited, Malcolm retraced our tracks but could find no trace of our “lost sheep.” Just the 5 pedalled on to Guestwick and then a quick dash along the lanes to Reepham, thankfully managing to avoid the worst of the debris and holes along the way!

The original 8 were eventually reunited at Reepham and we all enjoyed a pleasant lunch in the garden of The Old Railway Station Café in the company of Trevor N and Chris and Maggie K who had ridden/driven out to join us. Apologies were offered for what has to be said was a basic error – not ensuring that all members of your group were together or at least not being aware that some were off the back and may have missed a junction, had a mechanical or worse! It would be unfair to point the finger only at the leader on this or any club run – we all have a responsibility to look out for each other. On this particular occasion it was a missed junction!

CJ, Maggie and their German Shepherd (might have been useful earlier on!!) made their own way home; Malcolm accompanied Trevor N on a wind assisted return via Booton and Buxton and the group of 6 began their return journey via Wood Dalling, Thurning and Briston where Trevor E and Stephen departed for Walsingham.

For the remaining 4 riders Edgefield Street to Baconsthorpe; at the radio mast at West Beckham (Geoff’s corner) Andrew and Barry turning towards High Kelling.

Thank you to Andrew for leading today’s ride.

Andrew, Barry, David C, Jane, Kevin, Malcolm, Stephen, Trevor E

PC to PC 41 miles

Message from Andrew

“Sorry about the lost sheep!!”

As 9 Wheelers gathered at “The Reservoir Gates” for Peter’s run to Warham we were all relieved that the excessive heat and humidity of the previous day had given way to cooler, cloudier conditions even if we were going to be pedalling into a headwind for most of the 30 miles to our lunch stop!

Barningham Park and on to Plumstead, Edgefield, Briston and over (rather than the usual through) a very dry Craymere Beck before the long straight stretch to Hindolveston and Fulmodeston. No big black dogs today (if you need to ask you weren’t there!) but we did encounter a roadworks. “There was a sign saying Road Closed!” said the workman “Well we’re only bikes” replied Peter.

Onward through Croxton, over the busy A148 Holt Road to Little Snoring and inevitably Great Snoring. Peter decided to use the RC Church By-pass around Little Walsingham, then Edgar Road aka Sandy Lane to reach the B1105 Wells Road. Had Stephen missed the right turn to Wighton? No he was on his way back to Wells – things to do and all that! The few remaining miles to the pub took us past the Warham Camp Iron Age Fort but you wouldn’t know it as it is hidden from the road and there’s little else to indicate that here lies probably the best preserved Iron Age Fort in East Anglia!

After a very enjoyable lunch enhanced greatly by Andrew’s round of drinks celebrating his 3 score and 10 it was decided that The Three Horseshoes needs to be a regular on the Wheeler’s list. This could prove to be a popular venue although the total round trip of 65+ miles (for some) could be a bit much in the colder wetter conditions likely to be encountered Nov – March.

There was a helpful tailwind on the return leg as we passed through Binham en route to Field Dalling. We had already said goodbye to Paula as we turned north-east to Saxlingham now saying goodbye to Jane as we pressed on to Wiveton, cheers Andrew, and the long climb to Bridge Road. Peter left us at Kelling Road to head towards Holt and home while just 4 reached High Kelling. It was then the familiar route to Geoff’s Corner where 3 followed the road to West Beckham and back to PC and Sheringham while Malcolm reached into his pocket for a snack bar for that last 12 miles or so home.

Many thanks to Peter for leading today’s ride and Happy Birthday Andrew!

Alan, Andrew, Ben from Bedford, Jane, Kevin, Malcolm, Paula, Peter, Stephen

48 miles PC to PC

Run Leader and Report – Alan Fisher

Nine riders met at PC in pleasant sunny conditions.

Down to East Beckham and Gresham, up towards the Lion’s Mouth turning right into the park past Felbrigg House heading in the Roughton direction via the Metton/Cromer Road. We crossed the A149 at Crossdale St then took the long way around past North Repps Hall to North Repps. We then followed quiet lanes to South Repps, Lower Street and Antingham; over the A149 again to Felmingham and Skeyton before looping back to Tuttington and our lunch venue at Banningham. Waiting for us were CJ, David C & Trevor.

After a fortifying lunch we said goodbye to Trevor (out for short run) and headed to Ingworth, turning left to follow the River Bure Valley round the Blickling Estate to Itteringham and then the well followed route back to PC. We said goodbye to Peter & Paula at Little Barningham and David & Robert at the Gresham turnoff.

A pleasant ride out with good company and good weather.

Unfortunately 1 puncture and 2 mechanicals.

38 miles PC to PC

Alan, Barry, Graham, Kevin, Paula, Peter, Robert, Stephen, Trevor E

(CJ, David C, Trevor for lunch)

 

 

Okay so no excuse but today’s leader, Malcolm, is so used to the weekend runs to Cart Gap that he completely forgot to check to make sure the café was open mid-week. It is indeed closed on Wednesdays so apologies to anyone who may have ridden out to join us!

Just 5 (including a return to the Wednesday bunch of Trevor E) met at PC not knowing at this point that the 28 miles to the lunch stop would be extended by a few miles. At least there was to be a tailwind for most of the time to our eventual destination on what promised to be quite a warm day.

The outward route took in Lower Gresham, Metton, Felbrigg, Northrepps, Southrepps, Trunch, Knapton, Paston Green, Edingthorpe, Bacton (on-the-hill) and Keswick. We were making good time so Malcolm turned inland from the Coast Road to Ridlington, Ridlington Street and East Ruston before heading towards the coast again via Lessingham. There at Cart Gap to meet us were Trevor N on a gentle ride and John S on a recovery drive – good to see them and best wishes from all of us.

The Lighthouse seemed like a good alternative venue and so it was as we relaxed in a cooling breeze under garden umbrellas enjoying a welcome refuel before saying our goodbyes to T and J and not long after returning to the road to begin our homeward leg.

Apart from a slight dip South towards North Walsham and a bumpy but at the same time very pleasant detour along Little London Road to avoid the road closure on the outskirts of NW, it was a fairly direct route back to PC via Bradfield, Lower Street, Thorpe Market, Hanworth, Bessingham and Gresham.

Alan, Barry, Kevin, Malcolm and Trevor E enjoyed a good day out.

50 miles PC to PC