Author: nnrider

As Ciara fades away and Dennis has yet to arrive there was respite from the very strong winds, not to mention the rain and snow, as 5 Wheelers met at PC in bright but still very blustery conditions for Andrew’s ride to Langham. Due to an unfortunate incident last week, when Andrew’s winter bike suffered damage after it fell from a car mounted bike rack, he was on his summer bike. Conditions were also dry so all was well.

We followed a familiar path through Baconsthorpe and Hempstead to the outskirts of Holt before turning south westwards and the Hunworth Road to The Green and Stody. Thereafter Briningham, Melton Constable and Hindolveston. Then came a fairly tough stretch as we turned to follow the Fulmodeston Road to Croxton. After crossing the busy A148 we passed the Little Snoring Airfield and on to Thursford, Bale, Field Dalling and Langham. Andrew had maintained a good pace and after 28 miles from PC we were all looking forward to a rest, especially Malcolm who was suffering a lower back problem!

The Blue Bell was busy but the service excellent and we enjoyed a good refuel before stepping out into that cold wind to begin the return leg – at least it would be a tailwind! We made our way to Letheringsett and then the A-road to take us up to Holt. Using the old Cromer Road we soon left Holt before joining a cycle path alongside the A148 to High Kelling. At this point we said goodbye to the two Andrews and Malcolm led the trio up to Geoff’s Corner where the final split left 2 heading towards West Beckham and Sheringham and one lone rider continuing on to the junction of Red Barn Lane and Mill Road and thus almost completing the circuit back to PC.

Benefitting from a tailwind for most of his journey home, Malcolm didn’t feel too bad on arrival and still managed a bit of bike preening before a welcome hot shower!

Many thanks to Andrew for leading us on a great route and thanks to all for the company.

40 miles PC to PC (63 miles max)

Andrew B, Andrew C, Kevin, Malcolm, Mark

Words by John S

There are some winter days when the weather conditions are perfect for cycling and this was one of them – and a Drive and Ride to boot! Marvellous!

8 met at the old Honing Station to follow John S on a ride that would take in lanes not normally travelled on Wednesdays.

Off we set on little lanes to Spa Common, up the hill past Bacton Woods and on to Walcott before dropping down to Ingham and Hickling. The A149 was crossed between Potter Heigham and Catfield but we had a bit of bother after this. One of the lanes on the route as we approached Horning was nothing more than a track with a gate barring passage. After a bit of deliberation, John opted to take it and so was launched the cyclocross section of the club! Still, it was a short stretch and mud can easily be removed from cleats!

The Staithe and Willow is situated in a most pleasant spot and the sunny conditions with little wind made it a really nice place to be; which is good, because after refuelling well, Alan noticed that his rear tyre was too flat at the bottom. It was speedily sorted, though, and off we set to return using a southern loop that passed just to the north of Wroxham and Coltishall before turning east at Skeyton. Here, Kevin left us and headed off back to Sheringham – yes, he had cycled over and easily claimed the “most miles” prize*.

Thereafter, it was Swanton Abbott and Worstead before getting back to Honing

42 miles Station to Station

Alan, Andrew C, Barry, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Robert, Stephen

8 Wheelers, 4 vehicles and 1 e-bike

Good company + (mostly) unfamiliar territory + a day when the weather gods are smiling = a super day out.

* After narrowly missing out on a few occasions in the past, this week’s gold star is awarded to Kevin after recording a creditable 75 miles.

On a day that was cold, but not too cold, and windy, but not too windy, and certainly bright and sunny, 6 Wheelers met at PC for a ride to a firm favourite that never disappoints!

Unfortunately David didn’t feel up to joining us so Malcolm stepped up at the last minute to lead the group. A few suggestions for the route came flying in and gave Malcolm enough ideas for a 20 – 25 mile outward leg.

East Beckham, Bessingham, Thurgarton, Alby Hill, Alby, across the A140 and the shortcut to White Post Road, Suffield, Colby, Banningham, Tuttington, Oxnead, Mill Road to the A140, Allison Street to High Street and to the Buxton Road, Eastgate and Cawston.

It’s fair to say that the whole group had worked up a good sweat pedalling directly into a stiff headwind along the Buxton Road. Apart from the odd stretch or two the roads had been clear of both water and mud and we parked our almost sparkling bikes before enjoying a great lunch at the café.

We had to keep a firm grip on the bars for the first part of the return leg through Crabgate, Thurning and up to Briston due to the crosswind but turning towards Edgefield the wind was very much on our backs. The tailwind was very welcome as we made our way to Plumstead and afterwards the Barningham Road, which Malcolm continued to follow to Gresham and homewards, while the remainder of the group carried on up to Plum Lane and then Red Barn Lane back to PC.

Alan, Andrew B, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Stephen.

40 miles PC to PC (60 miles max)

Just one technical today – a headset that needed tightening as a temporary measure before a probable bearing replacement. Good luck with that one John!

Hopefully no one will mind Malcolm awarding himself this week’s Gold Star for both highest recorded mileage and for being the substitute leader for the day.

As two waited for one more at PC the lonesome rider appeared, struggling slightly with a dodgy freewheel – yes freewheel and not freehub – he was on a retro steel framed bike! We hoped that we could make it to the pick up point at Erpingham and indeed we did via Lower Gresham and Aldborough.

We picked up one more at Erpingham and decided that a bike swap would be a good idea as Brian lives only a short distance away. However the freewheel seemed to be behaving itself so we made our way, led by Malcolm, to the Blickling Road passing through Ingworth on the way. The freewheel gave up again so Brian did the decent thing and told us to carry on and he would “limp” back home.

Our route took us to Silvergate, Oulton Street, Cawston, Eastgate, Buxton, Badersfield, Swanton Abbott and on to a new lunchtime destination (thanks to Geoff for the suggestion). Brian rejoined us and David also turned up for the social gathering before he headed off to Wroxham.

John also had things to do and left early leaving just 3 to complete the return leg; Lyngate, Briggate, Honing, Crostwight, Edingthorpe Street, Paston Green, Knapton and then the B1145 to Swafield and the outskirts of North Walsham (before turning off the by-pass into Lyngate Road).

We followed the back lanes stopping briefly opposite the Antingham Ponds as we seemed to have lost one rider after he had stopped for a call of nature, We soon caught up with each other again and proceeded to Antingham, Suffield and the perimeter of Gunton Park before taking the Hanworth Timber Co shortcut to the A140, crossing to join the road to Aldborough. Brian then took us on a detour on back lanes and there was a split as one rider headed back to PC and home while the other two retraced their tracks to Suffield and home.

Brian, Geoff, John S, Malcolm. David C at the pub

54 miles PC to PC (66 miles max)

Dry roads but plenty of mud to clog up the mudguards!

7 Wheelers met at PC for Robert’s ride to this popular pub.

Conditions were relatively mild and misty/cloudy with barely a westerly and with no rain for several days the roads were pretty good – certainly a contrast to last week.

Robert took a direct route to Itteringham, then up to the Blickling Road before turning off for Oulton Street. Shortly after passing through Cawston one rider announced a deflating front tyre but we made it to The Ratcatcher’s car park before stopping to check things out. More air seemed to do the trick so may be a dodgy valve.

Long straight stretches of road took us through Haveringland and on to Stratton Strawless and Buxton. We were making good time and eventually arrived at our lunchtime venue well before the usual 12.30pm.

The Goat always serves up good value food and today was no exception. Everyone was pleased when Trevor arrived to say hallo and he joined us for a few miles on the return leg. As we left the pub Malcolm suggested avoiding a straight on up Blackhorse Road as the previous day it was covered with hedge trimmings; however, turning left to take us to All Saints Church proved only marginally better as we got stuck behind the hedge trimmer and we had to carefully pick our way through up to the crossroads.

Thereafter it was Tuttington, Banningham and Ingworth, where Malcolm peeled off leaving the group of 6 to make their ways back to PC and beyond via Calthorpe, Wickmere and Matlaske.

Many thanks to Robert and he wins the Gold Star award for leading rides on successive days having led the NVL group on Tuesday!

Alan, Andrew B, Andrew C, Graham, Kevin, Malcolm, Robert, Trevor at the pub!

40 miles PC to PC

Words by Geoff – leader for the day

Three out from Pretty Corner rode down to Itteringham Bridge where we were to pick up a fourth rider. We then back-tracked to go via Mannington Hall and then down to Corpusty, where we picked up the back roads to take us towards Briston. Turning off at Sandy Lane we made our way to Hindolveston and then Fulmodeston with a hard push to ride to Kettlestone.

The ride so far had been into a hard head wind but with little flooding or mud and no ice.

An alternative route here would have been to ride down to Stibbard and then to Great Ryburgh and up the hills. However, wiser heads decided against this as we had escaped the worst of the flooding so far and the climb out of Great Ryburgh may have been problematic with mud. Instead, from Kettlestone, we made a quick ride to the Pensthorpe Café which was its usual excellent self – fast service and an extensive menu.

Our route back was via Fakenham roundabouts to Hindringham and then Sharringtom, Briston and then home to Sheringham.

Excellent weather – good tail wind on the return.

Our commiserations and best wishes to club member Mark who was pole axed by ice coming out to join us. Damage to his bike meant that he could not continue and he had to return home.

Riders : Brian, Malcolm, Graham and Geoff ( Mark in spirit )

PC to PC 50 miles

After last week’s first Wednesday Run of the year, this week Andrew B led us on his first run in the “leader’s jersey” to what is becoming a firm favourite for a lunch stop. A couple of days before, Andrew was concerned that the forecast rain could create some serious flooding on his chosen route – and he was about right!

After just a few miles as 8 Wheelers headed southwards from PC a concerned motorist warned of floods ahead but we had already been through two so we nonchalantly rode on.

We passed through Plumstead, Edgefield and Stody and then in fairly quick succession 2 riders punctured. Neither held us up for long and we continued on bypassing Brinton, Sharrington and Bale to Binham. By the way did I mention the floods?

After Binham it was a straightforward route via Copys Green and Great Walsingham to welcome refreshments at the Norton Café.

Mark left us as he had some wiring to inspect so 7 retraced their steps to Great Walsingham and followed the long Walsingham Road to Binham and thereafter Langham. The group was together at this point but split after Malcolm punctured courtesy of two thorns, one of which was refusing to budge and caused a longer stop than he had hoped for. Thanks to Alan for staying back to help out.

Coincidentally our leader had also punctured a bit further up the road. As a result of all this 3 rode on towards home while a group of 4 eventually pedalled on to Wiveton and up to High Kelling. Here came split number 3 with just 3 continuing the gradual climb up to Geoff’s Corner. They went together as far as the junction with Red Barn Lane and the final split as 2 completed the circuit to PC and the other descended to Gresham and homewards.

Many thanks to Andrew for leading today’s ride and we look forward to the next time.

I did mention the floods didn’t I?

This week’s gold star award goes to Alan who, after a considerable lay-off with an ankle injury, has returned to the group and is pedalling like he’s never been away!

Alan, Andrew B, Andrew C, Jane, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Mark

40 miles PC to PC (60 miles max)

4 Wheelers met at PC to pick up one more at Erpingham for a bright and breezy run to the ever popular Cart Gap Café.

While some roads were drying out there was still plenty of standing water to be found as we made our way via Banningham, Tuttington, Beck Lane, Skeyton, Scottow, Sloley and the lanes to Mill Road, Chapel Road and Smallburgh. Then came Dilham, Honing and East Ruston. After crossing the B1159 we followed more lanes passing by Brumstead and Lessingham reaching the café after some 30 miles from PC.

There to meet us was Geoff. The café was busy but the service efficient and friendly and after a good refuel we left for the return leg,

The route back was Whimpwell Green, Walcott Green, Ridlington Street, Edingthorpe Street, Paston Green, Knapton, Trunch, Lower Street and Thorpe Market. At Hanworth the group split with 2 heading for Aldborough and completing the Erpingham to Erpingham circuit with the remainder pedalling back to PC.

Brian, Geoff, Harvey, Kevin, Malcolm, Scott

45.5 miles Erpingham to Erpingham

55 miles PC to PC

The inaugural Wednesday Run of 2020, on familiar roads to a familiar location, led by Malcolm, what could possibly go wrong?

Perhaps the weather for a start which was wetter than forecast but not to worry we thought as 7 set off from PC. However it wasn’t long (less than 1/4 mile) before the group was brought to a halt after one rider experienced an alarming shimmy from the front end of his bike. Unfortunately he had to return to PC but fortunately his car was parked there.

So 6 followed a straight path to Itteringham and thereafter Ingworth, Aylsham, and Tuttington. We soon joined the Skeyton Road and expected a smooth run up to North Walsham but the puncture gremlins struck twice and delayed us by 20 minutes or more. A quick courtesy call to the café was required but back on the road we passed through North Walsham and on to White Horse Common and Ebridge Mill. Shortly after, with Malcolm pressing on, a call went out that Stephen and Andrew were well off the back – another mechanical!  The foursome was told to carry on and they arrived at the café to be met by Alan who was on another bike and wondering where we had got to! No sign of Andrew or Stephen during lunch so they must have headed back home after all.

The weather had cleared up quite well and the group of 5 followed a direct route back towards PC via Bacton, Edingthorpe, Paston Green, Knapton, Trunch, Bradfield, Lower Street, Thorpe Market and Hanworth, where there was a two way split as one half returned to PC and the other towards Thurgarton and thereafter the coast for one and North Walsham the other.

In spite of the incidents it was a good ride out and a quick update on Andrew and Stephen who did indeed head back but both arrived home safely sharing out their meagre rations on the way!

We’ve yet to hear the final outcome of Alan’s earlier mechanical but the favourite (if not at all desirable) is that the fork steerer had started to detach itself from the blades – just as well that the failure occurred at low speed!

Alan, Andrew C, Jane, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Stephen

45.5 miles PC to PC

Several riders exceeded 60 miles today but the gold star award goes to Jane.

Malcolm’s Annual Report

Total of 49 Runs (3 runs cancelled, 2 due to unsafe conditions, 1 due to Christmas Day)

Total of 360 appearances (including guest riders)

Largest group 14

Smallest group 3

Total mileage PC to PC 2145

Average mileage per run approximately 44 miles

19 different venues (11 pubs and 8 cafes – must find some new cafes!)

The mileage covered by individuals both on particular runs and in total over the year did of course vary.

Some of the Wednesday group also rode with the Saturday group which in one case at least increased his NNWCC mileage over the year substantially!

While not an exact science the above gives a good picture of the last year but what can’t be measured is the enjoyment of being out on your bike and of being with a great bunch of people; hopefully this was conveyed to some extent in the weekly reports.

Many thanks again to all who helped to make the Wednesday Club Runs a success and in particular to those who lead rides and guided us around the lanes and byways of North Norfolk. Here’s to another great year in 2020!