Author: nnrider

Nine met at PC for Trevor’s ride to Aylsham only to learn that unfortunately Trevor would not be with us as he was feeling under the weather.

So, Malcolm led the group towards Itteringham turning off to pass by Mannington Hall and then on to Saxthorpe and Corpusty where we hoped to find a bonfire stack on the Green opposite The Duke’s Head ready for the weekend festivities. Alas no, so unless it’s happening elsewhere they have a lot of work to do before Saturday night.

Onwards and upwards, literally, up Station Road into Heydon Road to….Heydon, then Salle before joining the B1145 to take us almost into Reepham. We took a left opposite the entrance to The Old Railway Station Café leading us to the Norwich Road which we followed for a mile or so before turning left into the lanes once again and eventually to Cawston.

At this point John D suggested the Abel Heath route into Aylsham which we were more than happy to take and would you believe it we found ourselves on the Heydon Road again but this time just outside of Aylsham!

Today’s surrogate leader was a bit concerned on reaching the café as we hadn’t phoned ahead to let them know we were coming. However the staff couldn’t have been more welcoming and we enjoyed good value food.

We said goodbye to John D before making our way out of Aylsham to Burgh and then a left turn at the Church Road crossroads into Norwich Road (another one!) to Tuttington. With something approaching a tailwind we made swift progress to Banningham at which point Malcolm decided to let the group follow their noses back to PC which they did via Ingworth and beyond.

Many thanks to Malcolm, although I say it myself, for leading today’s ride.

Alan, Alban, David C (at the café and on the return leg), Geoff (from Potters Bar), John D, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Robert, Stephen.

40 miles PC to PC

Cool and damp conditions first thing in the morning prompted several Wheelers to prepare for an Autumn run but fairly warm and sunny weather was to be the order of the day as 9 Wheelers, plus Jack who left us early on, set off from PC on Kevin’s ride to Cley next the Sea.

A straightforward enough route to Itteringham only notable for a reasonably stiff westerly breeze which would surely help us on the return leg. However halfway up New Road hill and a turn right and Kevin’s ride became very interesting following a great route via Corpusty and on to Thurning. On the way a swiftly repaired front puncture for John S didn’t delay us for long!

It’s impossible to predict when hedgerows are going to be cut and unfortunately Thurning to Hindolveston took far longer than planned as a thorn strewn stretch of road brought puncture after puncture after………..plus a slow flat that Andrew hoped would at least last until the lunch stop! It did as it happens!

North to Melton Constable and then Briningham, Thornage, Letheringsett, Glandford and finally the pub. What a great ride and we all looked forward to a refuel.

Whether an allergy to CO2 (the cartridge now being the preferred method of inflation after a puncture), butyl tubes or otherwise, Alban’s hands had suffered an alarming reaction to something or other and he, Andrew (GP retired) and Stephen (escort home if needed) left us to seek treatment by way of an antihistamine. Hope it was sorted!

The remaining six Wheelers suitably refreshed left The Three Swallows by way of the long drag up Holt Road to Bridge Road and finally to the junction with the A148. Always a busy road it took a few minutes before we could all cross safely. As we headed due East we said goodbye to Robin who turned towards Plumstead then Barningham, Itteringham and home and five continued to the junction of Mill Road and Red Barn Lane where two carried on to Lower Gresham and beyond while just the three turned left to return to PC.

What a glorious day and a great ride, thanks Kevin.

Alan, Alban, Andrew, David C, Jack, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Robin, Stephen.

38 miles PC to PC – (would have been longer but Kevin amended the return route because of lost time to punctures).

Eleven headed towards Itteringham on a cool and initially wet Wednesday morning to start Robert’s ride to Skeyton.

With most wearing water (or at least wind) proof tops the NNW logo was only just on display; overshoes were worn by some for possibly the first time this year; and there were two diehards in shorts – good for them and just as well the NE wind wasn’t cooler and stronger!

After Itteringham and en route to Cawston Robert announced that today’s run was going to be a straightforward loop on good roads. Good choice Robert! The other Saturday when we were joined by Owen of Cycling Weekly he did ask if we changed our lanes and byway routes after or during bad weather and in the winter months when the road conditions deteriorate. After all it generally means safer riding conditions, less punctures and less time cleaning your bike!

Fortunately the rain didn’t continue today and the bunch arrived at Cawston nicely warmed up. Crossing the B1145 we then followed The Norwich Road as far as Easton way where we paused to reflect on the new Ratcatcher’s Inn. Mixed feelings on its new appearance – it did have a good reputation in the past – we’ll see when it re-opens!

Onward along Haveringland Road, where we said goodbye to John D, into Shorthorn Road and eventually Stratton Strawless. Then Buxton before arriving at The Goat Inn at the same time as a beer delivery – is this what is meant by serendipity! Trevor left us as he had a busy afternoon ahead.

Once inside most of us resisted the temptation of the ales on offer and enjoyed a good lunch before setting off up Long Road. Reaching Church Road we carried straight on to Tuttington and then Banningham where Malcolm left the group and the remaining 8 Wheelers headed in the direction of Ingworth.

From there Calthorpe, Wickmere, Bessingham (at which point Robert lead himself home), Gresham and finally PC.

Thank you to Robert for leading today’s ride.

Alan, Alban, Andrew, John D, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Robert, Robin, Stephen, Trevor.

PC to PC 40 miles

Seven Wheelers met at PC on a cool and breezy morning for Alan’s ride to Binham. Most had wisely chosen either 3/4 or full bib tights but a hardy two were still in shorts.

Red Barn lane into Plum Lane before a right turn taking us to Baconsthorpe followed by Edgefield, Hunworth, Stody and Brinton. Pausing at Gunthorpe for a few minutes Andrew suggested taking the lead as Alan had been taking the full hit of the headwind up to this point. We made our way up to and across the A148 and then Little Walsingham, Wighton and finally Binham. We were looking forward to the warmth of the pub!

The Chequers is now a Community Pub so we’re glad to be able to support it in our small way. The service was efficient and friendly and the food good quality. Stephen left us after a quick refreshment and, after lunch, the six continued on their way bypassing Field Dalling and Bale before arriving at Sharrington.

At Letheringsett we could and, in retrospect, should have joined the A148. Instead we chose to ride the footpath alongside which was strewn with cuttings from the recently trimmed hedgerow. Surely this could only end in tears! Firstly Andrew double punctured (front and rear that is) before we even reached the main road. He was happy for us to carry on without him. Geoff left us at Holt.

Then on the stretch to Hempstead David C punctured, then Alban – both without doubt the result of thorns or other debris picked up on that footpath – Alan and Malcolm carried out a further check of their tyres – at this rate we might run out of inner tubes!

Alban left us at Hempstead and the three pedalled on to Baconsthorpe. Shortly after David C and Malcolm bade farewell to Alan who made his way back to PC and they carried on to Gresham before going their separate ways home.

Thank you to Alan for leading today’s ride.

Alan, Alban, Andrew, David C, Geoff (not our Geoff but a welcome visitor), Malcolm, Stephen

40 miles PC to PC; 50 – 60 miles for some.

With the prospect of a fine dry day nine met at PC for Trevor’s ride to the always popular pub on the Broads at Coltishall.

We started with the familiar route down as far as Barningham Park but then rather than continuing along Church Road we took the Wickmere and Wollerton Roads to Itteringham. Then round the back of Blickling Park to follow the course of The Bure to Ingworth. At this point we parted company with the mighty Bure and indeed with the mighty Robin who had things to do and people to see!

Onwards to Banningham then along Bridge Road and past Colby School on to the B1145 – not for long however before turning right and continuing due south to pass over The Weaver’s Way. The Swanton Abbott Road led us to Scottow Road and then a great route through the lanes to Frankfort, Ashmanhaugh, Belaugh Green and eventually Coltishall. On the way there was a lot of field activity with the potato harvest but with no recent rain the roads were pretty good – a fair bit of hard dried mud and other debris however so we had to take care!

David C met us at the pub having reserved a couple of outside tables. Unfortunately the sun disappeared for a while – but despite that we had a pleasant enough lunch before leaving via St James up to Sco Ruston and the B1150. We missed the left turn into The Hill which would have avoided cycling along the often busy B1150 but with a tailwind and on the whole considerate drivers it wasn’t too bad. Along to Scottow where we turned left to follow the relatively quiet roads to Swanton Abbott and a loop round to Skeyton (well just up the hill from Skeyton). Trevor bade us farewell and Malcolm then lead the group via Back Lane to Tuttington. With the wind behind us the drag up to Banningham was barely noticeable! Malcolm left the group at High Noon Road heading off in the direction of Suffield and home while the remaining 7 Wheelers pedalled the familiar route via Erpingham back to PC.

Thank you to Trevor for leading the ride today.

Alban, Alan, David C, Graham, John S, Malcolm, Robert, Robin, Stephen, Trevor

49 miles PC to PC

With only one waif and stray (no offence Graham!) to collect at PC Geoff arrived at the Banningham pick up point to meet two more Wheelers for Malcolm’s ride to Cart Gap. Although it had been a slightly chilly and damp start to the day the weather was improving rapidly and the four of us were looking forward to it.

Pretty standard Tuttington, Skeyton, Worstead and Briggate before a left turn just after the North Walsham and Dilham Canal into Corner Common Road and then a steady climb with lovely views across towards North Walsham. It is slightly puzzling how you can cross one North Walsham Road to reach another North Walsham Road; however this is what we did turning right and shortly left into Sandy Lane to take us to Bacton Village before descending to the coast road. We cut back inland following the lanes to Ridlington and then straight to Happisburgh and the café stop. About 21 miles from Banningham but all four had put in extra miles to get to the pick up point.

We were joined by Trevor and David C and after good food and friendly service we set off under increasing cloud to retrace our steps (or should that be wheel tracks?) to Ridlington. Then Witton Bridge and back to North Walsham Road! Trevor left us to head off home and the five continued along the lanes to Edingthorpe Street, Paston Green and Trunch. David C bade us farewell.

We reached Lower Street where we met two thirsty cyclists (with a dog in a basket) in search of a pint at the Gunton Arms. We pointed them in the right direction which in fact was the direction in which we were going but having said goodbye to Robin we pedalled ahead of the two thankful cyclists reaching Thorpe Market and then eventually the junction with the A140. Geoff was not with us, had he had a mechanical? Malcolm and Graham waited and then cycled back a short distance until we met him.

“Where’s Robin?” said Geoff.

“He left us at Lower Street”

“Oh that’s alright then, I thought we’d lost him”

Malcolm headed off at Hanworth to leave just the two to make their way back to PC.

David C, Geoff, Graham, Malcolm, Robin and Trevor

56 miles PC to PC; 45 miles B to B

Six Wheelers met Malcolm just down (or should that be up!) the road and the seven cycled as one – well they tried to since Andrew was clearly turbocharged today as he led us onwards to Letheringsett.

Plumstead, Barningham Green and Edgefield came and went in an instant before we paused to catch our breath at the B1354 to continue to Thurning and Swanton Novers. Shortly after SN a shout came from the back – had someone punctured? It turned out to be a loose cleat and despite all efforts the only solution was to remove it completely since the offending bolt was knackered – I think that’s the correct technical term. We carried on. “This feels very weird” exclaimed Robert.

After leaning his bike against a tree during the aforementioned mechanical Kevin had picked up a hitchhiker – a snail had decided that the drive side crank of his bike would be a perfect resting place. Not sure how it would feel after falling off a few miles down the road and then taking a month or so to get back home!

Where were we – oh yes Sharrington and then gourmet style lunches at the café which was all very pleasant.

Robert and Stephen left us, heading for home along the main road, while the remaining five left the A148 asap and pedalled on via Thornage, Hunworth, Stody and Briston (almost) to Edgefield and Baconsthorpe. Andrew and Alban headed NW and home at this point leaving just three to chat for a while at the T-junction reflecting on life, the universe and everything before two went broadly in the direction of PC leaving Malcolm to wend his way home.

Thank you to Andrew for leading the ride today.

Alan, Alban, Andrew, Kevin, Malcolm, Robert and Stephen

42 miles PC to PC (65+ miles for some)

As 9 Wheelers were about to depart from the Banningham pick up point there was a rather loud pop as Harvey’s rear tyre instantly deflated to absolutely zero. This was not a regular flat and would need some close attention so Harvey waved us through and wished us well on today’s run to Waxham.

Malcolm was happy to step up and off we went via Tuttington, Oxnead, Badersfield, Scottow and Tunstead to the still mud free (well mostly) back lanes to Smallburgh. A brief foray on the A149 as a necessary connection for the road to Dilham and then Honing. The conditions were bright and quite warm – could it be that we would be lucky and miss the forecast showers?

After East Ruston we crossed the B1159 to continue on to Brumstead. As we approached the Star Inn at Lessingham it may have suited one or two in the bunch to stop here for lunch particularly as we were running slightly late after a puncture a few miles earlier. However the leader for the day pressed on knowing that once we joined the Palling Road there would be enough tailwind to make up at least a few of the lost minutes.

We arrived at Waxham before the bride and groom – there was a wedding reception in the Great Barn – but as none of us had brought a tie there was little chance we could mingle and sneak a glass of champagne! So we settled down to a pleasant lunch instead.

The skies were certainly darkening but what to do except set off on the coast road to Sea Palling where it was suggested we take the aptly named Beach Road (those that were there will know what I mean) into Heath Road, through Hempstead and full circle back to Lessingham. Only light rain so far! Whimpwell Green, Happisburgh and Ridlington came and went and even Witton Bridge and Edingthorpe Street were quite dry but Knapton was another story as the heavens opened and we sought refuge first under trees and then in the bus shelter.

After a few minutes Trevor decided he would head off and take his chances and soon after the remainder pedalled to Trunch where there was a parting of the ways but all getting a soaking on their various paths home. After Bradfield just three riders were left to follow the traditional route via Hanworth back to PC. However Geoff and Barry later reported that our latest Wheeler recruit was there one moment and gone the next so hopefully he found his way home without too much difficulty.

By the by Harvey expertly rescued his split tyre by judicious placing of plastic wrapper and was able to nurse his bike home but sadly missed out on the weekend run.

Alban, Barry, David C, Geoff, Harvey, Ian, Malcolm, Robin and Trevor

60 miles PC to PC

Ten met at PC for Alan’s ride to Hilltop Café on a bright and breezy morning.

Fortunately the breeze was at our backs as we headed towards Lower Gresham. Malcolm didn’t even get that far as he punctured courtesy of a North Norfolk flint! He was at the back of the group and alas his shouts were not heard. After a quick repair he chose the correct route to Hanworth and after a call to the leader they met at the A140 before the two rejoined the group at Suffield.

Onwards via Felmingham and Swanton Abbott and then along School Road onto the B1150, left into Westwick Road (towards Worstead) before turning right in the direction of Sloley. Just as well it was dry as this stretch of tarmac is not great in the wet! Finally onto the Tunstead Road and straight (pretty much dead straight) to Hoveton. Here we paused briefly before weaving our way through the centre of Wroxham and then relief from the traffic as we flowed down The Avenue. The B1140 took us to Salhouse and from there just a short distance via Muck Lane back to the Wroxham Road and the café at Rackheath.

The café was as busy as usual but this didn’t prevent prompt service and after a good value refuel we were back on our bikes. Leaving the main road we entered Swash Lane and carried on pretty much due north via Granny Bard’s Lane to Horstead. Here we bade farewell to John D and Peter as we continued through Coltishall, Little Hautbois and Badersfield. Robin left us en route and Trevor also peeled off as we reached The Goat at Skeyton.

Exposed to the stiffening breeze it was a bit of a slog up to the crossroads but up and over we went before Malcolm turned off towards Felmingham and home while the remaining five, under threatening skies, did a direct route back to PC via Banningham, Alby, Thwaite Common, Aldborough, Little Barningham and Gresham.

Everyone managed to avoid the showers!

Thank you to Alan for leading the ride.

Alan, Alban, Andrew, John D, Malcolm, Peter, Robert, Robin, Stephen, Trevor made it an enjoyable run out.

52 miles PC to PC