Author: web1691

Ride report by Andrew B

Five riders met at PC on a sunny morning (but chilly due to the cold north east wind) for a ride to Heydon. The route had been shortened due to recovery from various illnesses for which the author was very grateful!

The planned route took us through East Beckham, Gresham, Bessingham, Aldborough, Edgefield, Briston, Hindolveston, Foulsham, Guestwick and Wood Dalling.

About 7 miles before Heydon we spotted Ian in the distance (who had made his own way there) and once we caught up we rode the rest of the way as a group.

On arrival at the Tea Rooms we were shown to a table in the garden in a neat enclosure (see photo) which Mark had booked for us.

The food as always was excellent, with choices of soup, bacon sandwiches, Welsh rarebit, Mackerel pate etc. Those who chose tea as a beverage were awarded with a hug teapot and extra hot water, with Mark managing four cups! Alas no cakes were consumed, much to my disappointment.

On leaving after lunch it was discovered that both Mark and Ian had punctures, so there was a delay while these were fixed (too late for cakes by then!). This keeps Ian in the lead on the puncture chart but Mark is also up there. At least it was nice and sunny whilst the rest of us watched proceedings.

The route took us through Southgate, Aylsham, Ingworth, Calthorpe, Wickmere, Plumstead, Baconsthorpe and West Beckham. Ian made his own way back. Andy S and Duncan also split off on the way to make their own way home. Despite still recovering from illness, Chris found the energy to sprint up the final two hills, leaving the two of us in his wake!

A great ride in fine sunny weather. The views of the countryside were also amazing with everything in blossom, as evidenced by the photos from Ian.

PC to PC 51 miles at an average 15.2 mph (15.7 Out, 14.6 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Duncan S, Andy S, Mark M, Ian A and Andrew B.

Ed’s note – Ian leads the Puncture Challenge with 6 and is on course to set a new record as the last two years were won with 6 punctures. Full disclosure, Mark is second with 4 and also managed to nip his tube on installation, so had to resort to the spare spare.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 25th April – The Lighthouse, Walcott
Wednesday 29th April – Hoveton Hall
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Ride report by Doug H

On a glorious morning, with just enough of a nip in the air to still warrant arm and leg warmers, four wheelers met at PC. Mark, who was well on the mend from a nasty virus, was joined by Chris, who was just over the peak of it, with Doug and Neil standing just far enough away to feel they might not be next on the sick list.
With the sound of rasping coughs, we set off into a headwind towards Bodham, past High Kelling, collecting Ian and Andy on the way through. With the peloton complete, we rode on to Blakeney for the first photo opportunity of the day, then up to Langham, Warham, and on to the second photo stop at Wells-next-the-Sea. There was another opportune pause to greet Harvey at some temporary traffic lights — lovely to see him.

On we went through Holkham Park and on to the next photo opportunity at Burnham Overy Staithe.

Then we were off again, heading inland, skirting past Burnham Market and making a final stop at the home of Nelson.
At this point, even Chris’s cold rallied briefly to allow him to comment on the number of stops — this may be the only time we get away with that! Off we went through Burnham Thorpe and on to the lunch stop at Creake Abbey Café.

An excellent lunch was enjoyed, with the breakfast bap being the star of the show. Normal ramblings followed, with many topics covered. With lunch finished, Chris rejoined the peloton for the afternoon and we were away with a lovely tailwind towards North Creake, then through North, West and East Barsham, Great Snoring, Hindringham, Bale, Sharrington and Hunworth — where the race of the day commenced.
With the main protagonist too ill to compete, it was left to Ian and Neil to fight to the top of the hill, with Ian taking the plaudits. But it’s important to note that Chris was not last!
With that done, Andy and Neil headed home, while the rest of the peloton continued on to Baconsthorpe, with Ian turning off for home. Doug then headed for Cromer and Mark and Chris carried on back to PC.
A great day with some lovely stops.

PC to PC was 60 miles at an average 14.5 mph (14.3 Out, 14.7 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Doug H, Neil M, Mark M, Andy S, Ian A and Harvey T on the road at Wells

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 22nd April – Heydon Tea Rooms
Saturday 25th April – Lighthouse, Walcott
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Ride report by Ian A

A bit of confusion about who was out today on what was hoped to be a dry and mild day for the ride to Kelling Heath, a new destination for the Wheelers club riders. In the end it was only Mark at PC and he picked up Duncan and Ian at the Bridge Road/A148 junction in High Kelling. It was good to see Mark back out although still not fully recovered from the nasty viral infection that’s doing the rounds. (So we had to share the workload on the front!) The trio headed past the Rugby Club meeting traffic at the pinch point at the NNR road bridge but swerved through that to continue down to the junction and turn left for the gentle drag into Holt where we picked up Andy on the Cley Road who had ridden there from Corpusty via Edgefield.

The route then took us on a loop via Wiveton, Langham, Saxlingham, Glandford and back to Wiveton. On the way we had a brief ‘comfort stop’ where we removed gilets, leg warmers etc. as it was definitely warming up. We then continued uphill via Newgate and onto the junction at “The Heater” (who knew) where we turned left for the descent to Weybourne down Holgate Hill. That just left us the small matter of the climb past Weybourne Station and up Sandy Hill Lane to arrive at the holiday park and our lunch stop. Duncan showed us all a clean pair of heels up the climb from Newgate and out of Weybourne to the Holiday Park entrance. Not to mention a very clean chain & cassette as Andy had remarked earlier!
After an unsuccessful attempt to use the wooden bike racks (our wheels were too big!) we parked our bikes against a fence and walked across the plaza to the cafe/restaurant. It was quiet inside (not to mention a little gloomy too – trying to save energy costs maybe?) and after some quick negotiating we found a nice round table for lunch. The toasties and wrap with fries were all very tasty and good value – even if not perhaps overly laden with filling – but the coffee was good too.

Conversation centred around upcoming trips to Gozo, Norway, Andy’s rather challenging house/shed/barn(?) clearance task and expensive local eateries – Ian was at the Gunton Arms yesterday and the food/service was excellent and doesn’t have to be silly money if you choose sensibly!
After lunch the route took us on to Bodham where we crossed the A148 without incident and then rode via West Beckham and the Barninghams to the Matlaske junction where Andy turned right to head back to Corpusty while the remaining trio continued on to Aldborough, Hanworth and Sustead where we took a small deviation from the planned route to avoid heading directly south into a headwind and took an easier route back to Gresham Church where Mark headed back to PC leaving Ian & Duncan to head up Holt/Mill Road (yes Duncan left Ian behind there too – but waited at the top) where they took the well ridden route back to High Kelling via Lower Bodham. At the A148, they parted ways for Holt & High Kelling. A slightly lumpy and not very long ride round well known roads and I think we’d all be happy to stop at Kelling Heath again – but probably always outside the busy summer season.

PC to PC was 44.4 miles at an average speed of 14.5 mph
Riders: Andy S, Duncan S, Ian A, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 18th April – North Creake Abbey
Wednesday 22nd April – Heydon Tea Rooms
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Ride report by Ian A

Due to illness a couple of the usual stalwarts were absent today so Doug met himself at PC where he proceeded to meet Andy, Ian and Neil at the top of Red Barn Lane. It was good to see Andy out on a club ride again after fracturing his leg on a skiing holiday.
Due to the forecast for a wet morning and being Andy’s first group ride for some time, and Ian needing to get back for guests arrival, a cunning plan was hatched. Instead of the planned route to Mattishall we opted for a shorter ride to the Station Cafe at Reepham. Basically using the original route but cutting across to Reepham a mile after Cawston, and picking up the return leg via the Kerdiston Road/Wood Dalling route.
Shortly after setting off we met a pheasant by the roadside, looking unable to move – maybe clipped by a car? Andy used his ‘Man of The Land’ skills to dispatch it to save it a slow death. The route took us south to Itteringham where we deviated from the planned route to avoid Heydon and a road closure – thanks for the heads up Mark – carrying on via Oulton Street to reach Cawston where shortly after we turned west for Reepham via Booton, past the impressive but redundant Grade 2 listed St. Michael the Archangel’s Church to reach the cafe around 11:15am. A bit early for lunch but Doug managed a jacket potato while the rest of us opted for excellent blueberry and lemon scones with jam.

So we saddled up to leave before midday – surely a record, though possibly not one to be too proud of? From Reepham we headed towards Kerdiston, then Wood Dalling, Thurning, waving to the roosters along Heath Road. Neil then headed back to downtown Corpusty and we dropped Andy off soon after, leaving Doug and Ian to cross the Norwich Road and head up the steady climb to Edgefield via Ramsgate Street. Ian found the energy for a last minute spurt and won (in his mind anyway) the ‘sprint’. Doug just can’t be goaded! The route continued via Rectory Road and towards Hempstead where Ian branched off to head back to High Kelling via Selbrigg Pond, leaving Doug to stay with the route to Baconsthorpe and back to Cromer via Gresham.
Footnote: During the afternoon leg, Neil lost his big ring so was stuck with the smaller one, hopefully not due to recently replacing his chain, cassette and bottom bracket himself.

With our two regular diesel engines (Mark & Chris) missing, the pace was slower than usual. Ian led most of the way and was mindful to keep Andy on board too. No-one actually rode ‘PC to PC’ so the distance and speed figures below are estimated. A nice sociable club ride with plenty of time left in the afternoon for other activities.

PC to PC 35 miles (estimated)
Average speed: 14.4mph (estimated – Ian’s home to home average)
Riders: Andy S, Doug H, Ian A, Neil M.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 15th April – Kelling Heath
Saturday 18th April – North Creake Abbey
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Ride report by Andrew B

Three riders met at PC on a sunny spring morning with the promise of warm weather later for a ride to Hickling Broad. The forecast caused some confusion as to what to wear as the temperature was still in single figures when we set off, leading to an array of different clothes. Those that trusted the forecast were proved right!

As Mark was absent due to Man Flu, Chris led the way setting a cracking pace. The planned route took us through East Beckham, Gresham (where we picked up Clive), Metton (where we picked up Doug after some confusion regarding the meeting point), Thorpe Market, Trunch, Knapton, Edingthorpe, Ridlington, Happisburgh Common, Ingham, Calthorpe Steet and Hickling.

On arrival at the pub we found a queue of people waiting for it open as the fast pace meant were there before 12:00pm. Ian had just arrived as well after making is own way there. We found a table in the garden as it was now warm and sunny as predicted.

Once the pub opened we were able to order food and drinks fairly quickly and the food arrived soon after. Most opted for sandwiches which were served with salad and crisps and were excellent. The talk over lunch unusually concentrated on the latest news on the war in Iran. Alas a sign of the times. However, this did not dampen our spirits with fine weather.

After lunch Chris left us to make his own way back as part of his training for the upcoming time trial series. The remainder took the planned route back through Hickling Heath, Stalham, East Ruston, Honing, Spa Common, North Walsham, Suffield, Alby, Aldborough, Bessingham, and Gresham. Again a fast pace was set (Andrew to blame this time), resulting in Clive and Ian deciding to ride at their own pace in the later stages. Doug left to make his own way home around Hanworth and Duncan at Gresham.

A great ride in fine sunny weather, hopefully the first of many this summer! The views of the countryside were also amazing with everything in blossom, as evidenced by the photo from Ian.

PC to PC 54 miles
Average speed 15.7 mph
Total Elevation 1575 ft
Riders: Chris S, Duncan S, Clive A, Doug H, Ian A, Andrew B.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 11th April – Café Verde, Mattishall
Wednesday 15th April – Kelling Heath
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Ride report by Chris S

As the US Artemis II rocket was heading into outer space towards the moon on Easter Saturday two Wheelers, Chris and Mark, blasted off from PC to set out on their own adventure into the greater depths of Norfolk. As usual for an early Easter the weather was cool but dry and sunny with a south westerly wind veering south and increasing in strength throughout the day.

At Gresham Church, a third wheeler Doug was relaxing in the sunshine waiting to join the peloton. The three then headed south into a predominantly head wind passing through Bessingham, Aldborough and Calthorpe before collecting Neil at The Spread Eagle in Erpingham.
Just before setting off again a noise emanated from Doug’s direction sounding like chronic wind. The source was traced to his electric pump which had set itself off. Having recovered from this the quartet continued through Ingworth, Tuttington and Oxnead where a number of newly born lambs were spotted in the fields. The route then dropped down to Frettenham before turning north up to Horstead where a short stop was made to view the navigable head of the River Bure.

Arriving at A Piece of Cake Coltishall having completed 25 miles the only table available was outside in the courtyard which luckily was very sheltered and south thus benefiting from the sun. Lunch comprised soup, paninis’, a jacket potato and hot drinks with conversation topics ranging from mental health issues, house insurance, fly tipping and environmental contamination.

Back on their bikes again the group headed east to Neatishead before a short northerly leg followed by a longer westerly run from Worstead to Aylsham. This westerly leg involved battling against an increasingly strong cross wind.

After Aylsham it became plain sailing as the route was mainly in a northerly direction and therefore benefitted enormously from the southerly tail wind. Just after Itteringham Neil turned off to head home to Corpusty.

The remaining trio continued onwards making good pace until just 5 miles from PC when Mark announced he had a puncture (could this put him top of the 2026 leader board? (ED. No, Ian is still leading)). After a brief discussion Chris and Mark decided to abandon Mark to his roadside repair and continue on with a somewhat spirited ride back to PC. Doug left the ride at the top of Red Barn Lane to head to Cromer leaving only one rider to head back to PC.

PC to PC was 59 miles at an average 15.6 mph (15.5 Out, 15.7 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Neil M, Doug H

P.S. Mark met Geoff P and dog on Woodland Rise, he was in good spirits though he now needs a couple of new hips, if you have any in the shed. He says Hi to fellow Wheelers.
Also, passing through Itteringham, we saw a mini with a very rare two character number plate, a quick online search found a similar one for sale via a broker, yours for just £688,212.50

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 8th April – Star Inn, Lessingham
Saturday 11th April – Café Verde, Mattishall
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Ride report by Mark M

A small turnout this week, with Chris and Mark meeting at PC. Andrew was expected and despite waiting until 10:02, we left without him. He later emailed to say he had a puncture and was unable to make it, car or bike wasn’t specified. As he was due to write the ride report he might find himself added the Puncture Challenge regardless.
Doug was on holiday and joined us near Sustead, with the trio making it to Meeting Hill, where we stopped to admire the view and Chris carried on to complete the ride non-stop as he had an important meeting in the afternoon.

Arriving on the old Coltishall airbase, the Jaguar jet at the end of the building, a point of reference for JavaBean, was missing. No it hadn’t been pressed into service again, instead had been mothballed in a hanger for winter and is due back soon.
Andy S was waiting for us at the café, having cycled a shorter route to test out his recently broken leg. He joined us riding back to Itteringham and completed about 33 miles, good going for his maiden road ride. Let’s hope he feels ok tomorrow.
Doug and Mark continued up to Matlaske, stopping at the airfield memorial and then heading directly back via North Barningham, instead of going via Plumstead and Baconsthorpe, purely for Doug’s benefit obviously.

PC to PC was 52 miles at an average 15.0 mph (15.9 Out, 13.9 Back) – Full route was 56 miles
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Doug H, Andy S

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 4th April – Piece of Cake, Coltishall
Wednesday 8th April – Star Inn, Lessingham
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Ride report by Neil M

Three Wheelers departed PC on a dry, late March morning. The chilly wind meant that it still wasn’t feeling particularly spring-like, but it was at least dry and there were some glimpses of sun.
Ian, Doug and Neil were sat on the bench waiting at Gresham church. There was a certain air of Last of the Summer Wine about the seated trio, but there was no tin bathtub nearby that could be pressed into service as an impromptu toboggan down any nearby hills. On balance, bicycles are probably safer.

The full peloton including Compo, Clegg and Foggy set off to Bessingham, Matlaske and then down into Itteringham and up the hill to Oulton. Crossing the Holt Road the usual route through Cawston was avoided by a diversion down Southgate lane and on to Reepham via Salle.
From Reepham the route continued on to Whitwell and up Nowhere lane to cross the Fakenham road at Sparham. The roads were quite dry, so the usual mud and gravel mess at the bottom of Limekiln Road before Sparham Hole was a lot better than usual and it was a nice ride along to Bylaugh with the Wensum valley to our left.

We crossed the Dereham road and carried on past Robertson Barracks. This is in the process of being closed down by the Army (current regiments to leave in 2027) and there were signs announcing various new housing developments around the site. From the barracks it was a swift ride to Hoe and then to our lunch destination, Gressenhall Workhouse Museum.

Due to it being rather chilly, Neil went straight in to the cafe to order lunch. This was a very cunning manoeuvre as it turned out as it was half term and several families with children appeared and piled in before the other Wheelers. This resulted in a considerable delay while the chips ran out and were re-filled. Neil happily tucked into his quiche, chips and beans while everyone else languished at the back of the queue. Snooze and you lose!

The (eventual) lunchtime conversation was as broad as is usual. Ian recounted his first time adventures with private podiatry where simple treatment of a painful callus turned into a spa experience where his nails were buffed and his feet anointed with oils. You wouldn’t get that on the NHS! Doug’s not-quite-a-puncture was also discussed and it was agreed that a pressure loss (detected by Doug’s advanced on-board diagnostics) that then sealed itself without delaying the group or coating Doug in sealant goop didn’t count. Dodged that one then…

Chris left us early to get some TT training in and the remaining 5 set off into the chilly wind for home. The first leg North through Gressenhall, East Bilney and Brisley was still windy, but this became easier as we turned East to Broom Green and Bintree Mill. The daffodils were out at the Mill and we stopped on the bridge for the usual photo opportunity.

From the Mill we climbed the hill to Bintree, crossed the Fakenham road to Foulsham and then headed to Thurning. Ian had already dropped off the main group to take it easier and spare his knee for the final few miles. We crossed the Blackwater at chicken corner (they are actually a pack of semi-feral Cockerels) and turned down Heath Road to pick up Town Close lane to Corpusty where Neil left for home.

The remaining Wheelers carried on through Saxthorpe up the Matlaske Road to Plumstead and Baconsthorpe to Rectory Road. Doug carried on to Gresham and home to Cromer while the remaining two Wheelers turned down Red Barn lane to PC and home.

PC to PC was 56.6 miles at an average 14.7 mph (14.7 Out, 14.7 Back)
Riders: Mark M, Chris S, Andrew B, Neil Mc, Ian A, Doug H.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 1st April – Java Bean, Badersfield
Saturday 4th April – Piece of Cake, Coltishall
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Ride report by Mark M

With a very strong westerly wind and showers forecast for the afternoon, Mark, Chris and Andrew met at PC, all wrapped up in winter attire despite the sun shining.
Our route would take us south west in a series of west, then south legs and we certainly knew when we were heading west into the wind. We made our way to Selbrigg, Holt, down to Hunworth across to Stody and then a good long leg south, via Melton Constable to Hindolveston.
Another hard push west to the B1110 Holt Road, down to Wood Norton and across to Stibbard and our most westerly point at Great Ryburgh. Here we turned south again and uphill to Gateley and across to Brisley, where a mighty gust almost stopped us in our tracks, then a short run to the warmth and comfort of the Old Dairy.

Toasties and soup were the choices of the day along with tea and coffees. Chris finished his soup and was soon on his way home as he was heading down to Oxfordshire later in the day. That meant Andrew and Mark had plenty of time for another coffee and a tasty cake before heading back.
As soon as we retraced our route back to Brisley we could tell that the wind was going to be helping us home, which was great. On to Bintree Mill, Foulsham, Guestwick, Craymere Beck and Briston.

By now the sky was very black a few drops of rain arrived but stayed mainly dry through Edgefield until we approached Baconsthorpe, where we encountered a horizontal hail storm, which was both icy cold and painful. Fortunately that didn’t last too long and as we approached PC the sun came out again.

PC to PC was 50 miles at an average 15 mph (14.7 Out, 15.2 Back)
Riders: Andrew B, Chris S, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 28th March – Mardlers’, Gressenhall
Wednesday 1st April – Java Bean, Badersfield
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Ride report by Doug H

On an stunning clear and sunny day, with just a bit of a chill in the air, three wheelers met at PC. Mark, Chris and Doug headed south past Barningham, through Matlaske, south of Aldborough, Suffield, Antingham, Lower Street, Bradfield, picking up John S at Trunch, then on to Knapton, Edingthorpe Green, Ridlington, and towards the coast to Bacton and the lunch stop at Watsons Café, where Graham had ridden more directly from Cromer.

Soup, sandwiches and the classic Watsons all-day breakfast were ordered, along with copious amounts of tea and coffee. The food was excellent as ever, and there was a lovely catch-up with John and Graham.

With lunch completed, Chris headed off early to greet friends. The rest were then ready to go, with Graham heading off on a more direct route back to Cromer, with the remaining three headed inland towards Honing and Dilham. With John heading home, the final two carried on to Westwick, Felmingham, Banningham, Colby, Calthorpe and through Aldborough. At Sustead, Doug turned back to Cromer, with Mark making his way back to PC.

A slightly cold but beautifully sunny day, which reminded us all why we get on a bike!

PC to PC was 53.7 miles at an average 15.1 mph (15.6 Out, 14.8 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Doug H, John S, Graham A
As Mark reached PC car park he met Graham J out for a ride, so stopped to have a chat. Graham is well and enjoying the better cycling weather, he sends his best wishes to fellow Wheelers.

Reminder that Club Kit Shop is only open to March 26th.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 25th March – Old Dairy, Stanfield
Saturday 28th March – Mardlers’, Gressenhall
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/