Author: nnrider

The Wednesday “Club Run Captain” was slightly taken aback to find today’s leader at PC as the latter is known not to be fond of this starting point and had opted for an Erpingham depart. We did confirm with David however that his route would still pass through the village just in case others had cycled there!

As we approached Aldborough the shout of “Puncture” brought us to a halt and this turned out to be a sidewall split which required a bit more than usual patience to fix. Nevertheless we were soon on our way to find no additions to our group of 12 at Erpingham.

Continuing through Calthorpe our route took in Wolterton, Itteringham and Ingworth before a right turn at St Lawrence Church. An eagle eyed Paula noticed a problem with Peter’s rear wheel. An inspection revealed a broken spoke but fortunately the wobble was not too bad. After weighing up his options, Peter opted to retrace our tracks, in the company of Paula, back to Blickling and then home. A call and visit to Greg at Black Bikes would soon sort things out!

Aylsham and Burgh came and went before a polka dot jersey emerged from the pack and attempted a break. Was he trying to gain more points on the “climb” to All Saints Church? Who knows but by his own admission he slightly misjudged things and was reeled in before the right turn at the crossroads and descent to The Goat Inn. On such a lovely day it was a pleasure to sit outside and enjoy the pub’s hospitality. Our number was increased by 1 as CJ had cycled over to join us.

After lunch a steady climb up to Skeyton Corner and a right turn into Skeyton Road took us eventually to John D’s favourite road the TNH which we followed as far as Cherry Tree Lane, which cuts through to the Cromer Road. A swift left and right – we were now on the Bradfield Road which we followed to………Bradfield at which point Malcolm waived everyone through, said his goodbyes, and left the remaining members to make their way back to PC and beyond via Lower Street, Thorpe Market, Hanworth and Gresham.

Thank you to David for leading today’s ride and thank you to the polka dot jersey who was presumably off to the Alps to find something more challenging!

Alan, Andrew, David, Gilly, Graham, Jane, Kevin, Malcolm, Paula, Peter, Robert, Stephen

40 miles PC to PC

 

Words by John D

At a distinctly chilly and damp-feeling 10:30am 5 Wheelers set off for the day’s outing, with John D leading, to Jules Country Café at Alby.

Nobody had driven to the start so with everyone warmed up and a favourable northerly, but moderate, breeze it was a fast run down to Itteringham – 8 miles completed in less than 30 minutes. From here we turned left onto the pretty lane around the north of Blickling Park which took us to Ingworth. Crossing the A140 we turned at Banningham to take a lane seldom used by The Wheelers past Colby school and left for a short section of the Trans-Norfolk Highway. Shortly after turning left again we passed the Corvette garage to head up to Antingham and over the Bittern Line. Again we turned left, noting the long-closed Suffield Arms as we passed beneath the railway to Thorpe Market – where inevitably we turned left to go through to Hanworth and then (of course) two left turns to Thwaite and finally to Alby after just over 27 miles.

Here we were met by a waiting Chris K and Dave C – who rightly judged that our delay must have been due to a p*n*t*r* (This was Andrew, some 4 miles earlier – when it was noted that Norfolk flints were really the worst – and Yorkshire tyres were the hardest).

A substantial lunch – giant doorstep sandwiches and large baguettes (with chips) was consumed, and asthma in sportsmen was discussed of course, but as no one could think of the name of a Croatian cyclist in the TdeF we moved on to pondering the outcome of an entirely different sporting fixture later in the day.

Refuelled and with the sun peeking through we re-mounted, leaving Chris K to return alone via Thwaite Hill. Fed up with turning left we opted for a right from the café and then several more to take us towards Suffield and through Colby to Erpingham where our leader left. As no-one needed to return to PC, I guess several routes were taken to home and with the temperature now in the mid-twenties, hopefully incident-free and at an enjoyable pace.

As you can see from the map we had the lunch spot (only 6 miles as the crow flies from the start) well-and truly surrounded. Thanks to everyone for a very enjoyable Ronde Van Thwaite-with-Alby!

Andrew, Jane, JohnD, Kevin and Stephen. CJ and David for lunch

One deflation but otherwise no incidents.

Had anyone returned to PC it would have been a 39 mile trip, though most will have completed around 50.

Not wishing to miss the opportunity of yet another glorious day for cycling 9 Wheelers met at PC for Kevin’s ride to the North Coast.

Kevin’s route took us through Lower Gresham, Metton, Hanworth and Thurgarton, bypassing Aldborough to take quiet country lanes to Little Barningham. We said goodbye to John D as we continued on to Edgefield. We then followed the course of The River Glaven to Hunworth and on to Thornage, Sharrington and Bale.

On reaching Binham and then Cockthorpe we turned due East to continue the drag up to Langham. Checking the distance covered so far it was decided that 27 miles to the lunch stop would be just about right – so no extra loops today!

We parked our bikes and enjoyed our lunch in the garden. Food was good, service was good and value not bad considering the touristy location! The landlord was certainly friendly enough, cheerily quipping that he had bought a new bike at the end of last year and keeps bumping his head on it as it remains hanging up in his garage gathering dust!

Jane and Alban soon after left us at Blakeney leaving 6 to pedal the fast stretch to Wiveton. Andrew headed for home at this point while the remaining members of the original 9 tackled the reasonably steep climb up to Bridge Road. The heat and exertions of the day caused one or two little splits but we had all but regrouped at High Kelling before Robin peeled off for Kelling Heath preferring a less busy route to the A148!

Alan, Kevin, Malcolm and Robert pressed on towards West Beckham, Malcolm leaving the other 3 to complete the run back to PC as he went via Gresham and Hanworth to home.

Many thanks to Kevin for leading today’s ride.

Alan, Alban, Andrew, Jane, John D, Kevin, Malcolm, Robert, Robin

40 miles PC to PC

Footnote (update from a previous note)

Regarding her recent long distance cycling adventure Jane reports that she hadn’t written a detailed account, had really enjoyed her “holiday” and was a little embarrassed at the fuss and attention. A modesty so typical of someone who simply enjoys riding their bike!

9 met at PC for Robert’s ride to this popular coastal destination.

There was an unusual starting twist to today’s tale as we headed towards Sheringham! As we sped down Holway Road close to the speed limit there was a screech of brakes as we slowed to turn right into Woodland Rise eventually reaching the extremely busy A149. Safely (!?) integrated with the traffic we continued as far as Station Road and then the long climb up Sandy Lane to the A148 before being consumed by the Lion’s Mouth!

Our route took us through Sustead, Thurgarton, Wickmere, Ingworth and Banningham at which point we were sure we heard our leader announce that we were going to pass through Tuttington. However we travelled along the Trans Norfolk B1145 until just past Colby where we took a left to head towards the A149 crossing and Antingham. At the rail crossing we turned to Bradfield at which point we felt it a good idea to give the Café a call to tell them to reserve a table.

After Bradfield another “twist” as we reached Swafield and back on the B1145 all the way into Mundesley via Knapton. 27 miles from PC with some having pedalled almost 40 miles before lunch. There to greet us at Corner House was CJ. The variety, quality and value of the food at the Café never fails to impress and duly fed and watered we left on the Coast Road but only as far as the back lanes to Gimingham and Southrepps. At this point Malcolm continued on to Thorpe Market and then home while the remainder of the group went via Northrepps and Felbrigg to Metton, Gresham and back to PC.

Many thanks to Robert for leading today’s run.

Alan, Gilly, Graham, Kevin, Malcolm, Paula, Peter, Robert, Stephen, CJ (at the Café)

42 miles PC to PC

(The only real technical apart from a dropped chain early on was a minor GPS glitch that at one point appeared to want us to follow it rather than Robert’s preferred route)

Alan’s run to Coltishall – words by Alan

6 members met at PC for the Wednesday ride.

Despite the gusty SW wind we headed South towards Corpusty before turning East past Mannington Hall to Itteringham, Oulton, Oulton Street, Cawston and Swannington. Then up through the woods to Felthorpe heading East to Shorthorn Road before crossing the A140 to Hainford, Frettenham and down into Coltishall and the welcoming sight of our destination. Here we joined CJ for a well-earned lunch and rest in the sun.

Following the break we headed up past Coltishall to Tuttington, across A140 again, Dunkirk, up to Erpingham via the potholed road, Calthorpe, Alborough, Gresham and finally PC.

Alan, Jane (fresh from her epic ride), Kevin, Peter, Robert, Robin

51 miles PC to PC

Footnote

We hope to include more detail of Jane’s epic ride after getting some details from her.

Meanwhile a quick mention of Robin who had the “honour” of wearing Damiano Cunego’s 2004 Giro d’Italia Pink jersey for 2 days in a recent Italian Sportive (or Gran Fondo) in recognition of his sterling efforts up and over the Dolomites. He was the only person not to dismount on gradients exceeding 10% (the steepest being over 20%) despite being the oldest entrant by some 25 years. What can you say!?!

On what promised to be a more or less perfect day for cycling 11 met at PC for Kevin’s ride West to Walsingham.

So we went due South of course passing through Barningham, Matlaske, Wolterton and Itteringham. Just before reaching the top of the hill and the Blickling Road we headed West for the first time bisecting Corpusty and Saxthorpe and onwards to Thurning.

Now Kevin is probably the youngest of the Wednesday bunch and at times it was a bit of an effort to match his youthful pace and so it was as we sped on to Hindolveston and Fulmodeston, over the A148 Holt Road to Little Snoring, Great Snoring and finally The Walsinghams.

For those that don’t know, Norton’s Café Bar is based at The Shrine of Our Lady and is on the lower level of The Pilgrim Refectory, the upper level being reserved for residents. The Café Bar was busy but there was still space enough outside for all, including Geoff P and Chris (CJ) who were there to meet us.

After some fine and friendly al fresco “dining” the 11 (Geoff and CJ having gone their own separate ways) left Little Walsingham for Great Walsingham passing over the River Stiffkey to then head due North in the direction of Wighton.

Now pedalling eastwards we reached Binham where we said goodbye to Barry, Peter and Paula and then on to Langham and Glandford. From here we plunged South via Letheringsett, Hunworth and Stody to Briston where we bade farewell to Robin. The remaining 7 headed in the direction of Edgefield and Baconsthorpe losing Andrew (of his own choosing of course) on the way.

Of the remaining 6, Alan, Alban, Geoff O and Kevin made their way to different parts of the North Coast or thereabouts while Malcolm and David C carried on to pass within a whisper (okay a shout) of PC, the former taking the Gresham, Bessingham route towards home while the latter had decided that a cup of tea in the sumptuous grounds of Felbrigg Hall would round his day off nicely!

Many thanks to Kevin for leading today’s ride.

Alan, Alban, Andrew, Barry, David C, Geoff O, Kevin, Malcolm, Paula, Peter, Robin

53 miles PC to PC. 75 miles for at least one!

The famous five met at PC on a morning full of mist and gloom but at least dryish after the heavy rain showers overnight and warmish considering the sun was nowhere to be seen! With only a gentle breeze from the SW this was never really going to be a factor today as Malcolm lead the group through Gresham and Bessingham en route to Hanworth and Suffield.

We took a right turn to follow the lanes towards Felmingham and in doing so passed Corvette Kingdom but didn’t linger to watch the specialists at work. We had a brief (but thankfully not too dramatic) encounter with a motorist who was obviously assuming that no other road users could possibly use this stretch of road at this time of day. Evasive action taken by driver and group! No harsh words – one of those things, but one that cyclists encounter too often!

We continued on via Skeyton Corner, Swanton Abbott and Scottow to Tunstead and then a took a left signposted Hoveton Hall just after Wroxham Barns along St Peter’s Lane and Long Lane towards our lunch stop. Feeling in no way bewilder(wood)ed we took the short Letherington’s Lane to the main road and then down to Lower Street and the banks of the River Bure.

Although an inside table had been reserved we instead “dined” al fresco. Having made good time on the outward stretch we were ready to leave at 1pm and headed up the Neatishead Road passing “the world’s longest continuously operating radar site” according to The RAF Radar Museum Norfolk’s homepage.

Our route now took us to Dilham, Honing, Crostwight, Edingthorpe, Knapton, Trunch, Southrepps and Northrepps at which point we headed due west towards Felbrigg and then Metton, Gresham and back to PC.

A brisk pace had been maintained throughout the ride so everyone had slightly tired legs after a good day out on the bike.

Alan, Andrew, Graham, Kevin, Malcolm

50 miles PC to PC. 72 miles for the leader.

8 met at PC on an overcast, cool and breezy morning for Andrew’s ride to the coast. Dry conditions meant that the lanes wouldn’t be muddy but we have been finding on recent rides that there is a lot of gravel and sandy soil on the roads which means taking extra care!

So we carefully proceeded through Baconsthorpe and Edgefield and on to Sharrington and Hindringham, losing Alban en route as he had to respond to a call of duty and turn back for home. After Wighton we headed due west for New Holkham and took the splendid “Avenue” through the Holkham Estate past Holkham Hall and eventually reached the Coast Road and then the short distance to Wells.

There to meet us was Stephen in both a host and project manager role. The work taking place on The Globe only affected us in so far as our bikes were “parked” out front rather than out back. After an enjoyable lunch with Stephen we were soon back on the road and had hoped that the sun might make an appearance – sadly not!

After only a few miles we lost Peter and Paula as they headed off home in a slightly different direction to us. Our route now took us through Warham, Binham and Langham. At this point we said goodbye to Jane leaving just 4 to continue on to Wiveton. At the end of Bridgefoot Lane Andrew left us and soon after, at Kelling, Geoff also bade farewell. That left just two to head towards PC but that was reduced yet further as Malcolm set course for Gresham, Bessingham, Hanworth and home.

Extra brownie points for Alan this week as the only Wheeler to start and finish at PC!

Thank you to Andrew for leading today’s ride.

Alan, Alban, Andrew, Geoff, Jane, Malcolm, Paula, Peter

46 miles PC to PC. 70 miles max.

 

To say that the Spring weather has so far been variable would be an understatement. The saying that there is “No such thing as bad weather only bad clothing” is true up to a point but choosing the right gear for cycling is always tricky. To be fair the forecast had predicted cool and breezy but dry conditions, but also with the possibility of some sunshine; so today as 12 met at PC for Malcolm’s run to the coast we saw some in longs and rain/windproof tops but others more optimistically in shorts and long sleeved jerseys. As the day progressed those without at least a warmer top would definitely feel the bite of the northerly wind!

Our outward route took us down to Matlaske and then towards Erpingham. At the turning into Scarrow Beck Lane one Wheeler slid on loose gravel and broke a rear wheel spoke in the process. Fortunately he was unscathed which was just as well as this was his first outing with us after an extended injury free skiing holiday. We were able to continue to Ingworth and Banningham where Trevor was waiting for us and a further check was made on the wheel. Although a bit out of true we decided it was safe to continue!

The remainder of the route was familiar to most but provided new opportunities for several of the group as we passed through Tuttington, Skeyton, Swanton Abbott, Worstead, Lyngate, Briggate, Honing, Crostwight and Witton Bridge. We then headed in to a strong headwind to the Coast Road and our lunch time destination. A table had been reserved at the café and all welcomed the warmth and shelter from the wind as well as the refreshments which were provided in the Kingfisher’s normal efficient and friendly fashion.

Trevor and John S went their own ways as we left Walcott on the Coast Road initially but then on to the North Walsham Road through Pollard Street as far as Edingthorpe Green and Edingthorpe Street and the lanes to Knapton.

At Trunch Peter, Paula and Gill left us and the leader decided to follow Brewery Road not realising that extensive road repairs had been carried out in the last couple of days. We carried on but on reflection it may have been better to have chosen an alternative. The repairs appeared to be a new type of surface dressing involving less stone chips but nevertheless slightly hazardous, not helped by one particular car and lorry approaching us at speed on this narrow lane and causing emergency breaking in the bunch and some deft bike handling!

Eventually we reached Lower Street where we said goodbye to Robin and carried on to Thorpe Market and Hanworth at which point Malcolm turned to head off home leaving just 6 to make their way back to Pretty Corner and beyond.

Those in their winter gear probably faired the best today but the reasonably brisk pace hopefully prevented the others from getting too chilled!

Alban, Alan, Andrew, Geoff, Gill, Jane, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Paula, Peter, Robin, Trevor.

44 miles PC to PC.