Author: web1691

Ride report by Doug H

On a glorious October day, four wheelers, Mark, Chris Andrew and Ray, met at PC. Unbeknown to them, one wheeler, Doug, had undergone a very embarrassing mechanical incident, which involved a pedal falling off and then having to one-legged pedal back home to fix the issue.
So, without a care in the world, the four wheelers set off south into a slight headwind, picking up Neil at Itteringham. With what they thought was the full peloton, they headed south through Oulton Street, Cawston and Little Witchingham, past Lenwade, over the A47 and on to the lunch stop at Café Verde in Mattishall.

Lunch was consumed, and discussions of wheelers’ current and future adventures in Spain and France were dissected. And, as was tradition, Chris was off for his fast return, with Andrew in tow today, as he had strict instructions to be home early. Then, just as the rest of the peloton began to consider the return trip, the final wheeler arrived. Doug had finally caught up! With great kindness, they waited for him to finish his lunch and allowed him to recount his tale. With minimal ridicule, they began to compose themselves for the return journey.

Off they went, and to their surprise, the wind had shifted and it was back into a headwind. Heading north, back over the A47, there was a quick stop at Danns to consume an ice cream, which was lovely (Thanks Doug!). Then we were on our way again, skirting past Reepham through Wood Dalling. Then, at Corpusty, we said farewell to Neil before heading off towards Edgefield. And then, with Ray heading back to Holt, Doug off to Cromer and Mark back to PC, we ended a lovely October day in brilliant sunshine.

PC to PC was 57.1 miles at an average 15.1 mph (15.6 Out, 14.7 Back)
Riders: Ray T, Chris S, Andrew B, Mark M, Neil M, Doug H

P.S. Andy S has completed his 900 mile ride through France from the Channel to the Med, including Mt Ventoux. Currently travelling home.
Graham A has also returned home, having spent a couple of weeks riding around the Bilbao area of Spain.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 7th October – Wells
Saturday 10th October – Algy’s, Bintree
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

Although this was the last day of September temperatures were still forecast to be well above the average for the time of year. Indeed, it was very warm with a temperature exceeding 22 degrees C. A high probability of light rain was forecast throughout the day but luckily this failed to materialise. A last minute change of route was made as the café on the original route at Trimingham was closed for a couple of days.

With numbers down only Chris, Mark and Andrew set off from PC passing through Gresham, Metton and across the A149 to Thorpe Market. It wasn’t long before a stop was made to remove gilets due to the warm temperature. Although there was a southerly cross wind it wasn’t strong enough to hinder progress (unlike the frequent stops!).

The ride continued to Bradfield and North Walsham, then over the North Walsham & Briggate Canal and through the village of Briggate. Ian who was making his own way spotted a Blue Plaque by the canal and later did some research into it. The canal opened in 1826 having taken two years to build and extended some 9 miles from Wayford Bridge to Antingham. It was used by sailing wherries to serve the mills and village along its route mostly carrying agricultural produce. It was last used in 1934 having been replaced by a faster and more efficient railway system – see attached photo for more information.

Shortly after Briggate the peloton arrived at Lily’s Tearoom at Hadfield’s Nursery. Ian was already there and had secured a table. Having arrived just after 11.30am it was too late for the breakfast menu and too early for the lunch menu which started at 12 am. However, drinks were ordered and lunch orders of the usual mixture of paninis, sandwiches and cakes were taken. Whilst waiting for the food to arrive topics of the day included Spanish logic (or the lack of it), Porsches, Ian’s forthcoming Broads adventure and Andrew’s new robovac which he could track cleaning his house on a mobile phone app. No doubt he has now given a redundancy notice to Mrs B!

After lunch Ian made his own way back leaving the three wheelers to return via Lord Anson’s Wood, Felmingham, Calthorpe, Plumstead and Hempstead. Just after Hempstead Mark insisted on stopping at Selbrigg Lake in the hope of spotting the mysterious 10 foot monster pike! Obviously like the Loch Ness monster it was nowhere to be seen. At this point Ian caught up.

Disappointed not to see the monster pike the wheelers made a final push home to PC via West Beckham.

PC to PC was 45.8 miles at an average 14.9 mph (15.3 Out, 14.6 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andrew B and Ian A

North Walsham and Dilham Canal Trust: https://nwdct.org/

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 3rd October – Café Verde, Mattishall
Wednesday 7th October – Wells and more
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

Four Wheelers met at PC on a fine, still September morning. Perfect cycling weather which lasted all day.

Our outbound route took us past Selbrigg pond to Hempstead and then down to the old mill and up Sandy hill into Holt. A sharp right into Charles Road took us through the outskirts and back out again, headed toward Hunworth. As we were about to descend the twisty hill into Hunworth we met a wide load escort vehicle with flashing lights and sure enough, a giant potato harvester was grinding up the hill as we shot round the blind bend into its path. Fortunately we had heeded the warning and were being careful, so avoided being mashed!

From Hunworth we took the back road to Stody and Brinton where we met Clive who had ridden out from Blakeney to meet us and complete the peloton. We carried on to Gunthorpe, across the A148 at Bale, through Thursford and Great Snoring to Morrisons at the outskirts of Fakenham. Mark’s in-depth knowledge of Fakenham led us through the back streets to pop out again at Hempton and then up the long drag to Whissonsett. Our lunch stop was only a little further on at East Bilney Fishing Lakes and the Lakeside Cafe.

This is quite a new venue for us and it is in a lovely setting right next to one of the fishing lakes. It was such a nice warm day that we could sit outside in their very pleasant covered area. Lunch was ordered quickly and although it was rather expensive, the quality was good and the food was tasty.

Lunch conversation was wide-ranging as usual and included Alps cycling trips, Andy’s St Malo to Nice trip (he was half way at this point), the slow property market and the difficulty of introducing Essex to Japanese Zen garden design.

Chris left early to get back with time in hand for lots of chores while the rest of us enjoyed lounging in the lovely weather. We eventually set off and headed toward Brisley to take the lanes to Broom Green and then Bintree Mill where we stopped for the usual photo opportunity on the bridge before climbing the hill to Bintree. Crossing the A1067, we carried on to Foulsham where Clive left to take a more direct route back to Blakeney.

The remaining three carried on to Guestwick, Wood Dalling and to Corpusty where Neil left for Home. Mark and Ray carried on through Saxthorpe and up the Matlaske road, turning for Plumstead and Baconsthorpe where Ray turned for Holt and home. Mark carried on solo to PC and home.

A lovely day’s riding in perfect September weather.

PC to PC was 58.1 miles at an average 15.2 mph (15.2 Out, 15.3 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Ray T, Mark M, Neil Mc, Clive A

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 30th September – Coast Café, Trimingham
Saturday 3rd October – 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/

Andy S has sent the following update and photos after his ride today (Sunday 27th);
Eight days into my French End to End trip, so far covered 557 miles and 32,000 feet (9,753m) of climbing.
From St-Malo the first 3 days were relatively flat travelling south/east to and through the Loire valley.
After day 3 the elevation has ramped up and seem to be going up and down all day through lovely valleys.
Weather and scenery fantastic and cycling with a great bunch of people. Getting slowly more knackered as the days go on but great fun.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 30th September – Coast Café, Trimingham
Saturday 3rd October – 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 Andrew B

Two riders met at PC for the ride to Burnham Deepdale. The weather was fine but with the threat of showers and a fairly brisk wind.

The planned route went through East Beckham, Lower Bodham, High Kelling, Hempstead, Holt, Letheringsett and Little Thornage, where Andrew and Clive were picked up. The four then continued through Sharrington, Binham, Warham and Wells, where we stopped on the quay to admire the view (see photo),

Then through Holkham Park which had a large herd of deer (I counted about 200 – see photos), Burnham Overy and Burnham Market. A good pace was made despite the head wind. The rain held off and we even saw a rainbow at one point.

On arrival at the cafe we found that Ian, who had made his own way there, had already nabbed a table for us all. We were just too late for the breakfast menu but enjoyed a good selection of baguettes/ciabattas with salad and crisps, along with the usual teas and coffees, which arrived very quickly. The lunch talk consisted mainly of the merits of electric cars and the deals around at the moment, noting that the author has just ordered one!

Chris left early to get a fast training session in and Ian continued to take a more leisurely ride home. The remainder made their way back starting with a loop towards Docking then back to Burnham Market, Burnham Thorpe, south of Holkham Park, Wighton, Binham and Langham.
Clive and Andrew made their own way back to Blakeney at this point, leaving just Mark (and Ian) to ride back through Glandford, Bayfield Brecks, Holt to High Kelling, then West Beckham to PC. Again, a good pace was maintained with the wind behind us but a more hilly terrain.

Overall a good ride, and despite the constant threat of rain we made it back dry!

PC to PC was 60.4 miles at an average 15.0 mph (15.3 Out, 14.7 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Clive A, Ian A, Andrew B

P.S. Andy S has completed day 4 of 14 (total 302 miles of 900) of his French, Channel to the Med ride.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 26th September – East Bilney Lakes
Wednesday 30th September – Coast Café, Trimingham
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

Chris, back from his Italian motoring trip, was obviously keen today as he was already at PC when Mark arrived. With plenty of Wheelers away, it was just the two setting off for Gresham to collect Doug. The main topic of the day was the weather, very warm and extremely windy from the south west, which was the direction we were headed. This would result in some tactical re-routing on the way.
Setting off south initially for Ingworth, then Blickling and Cawston. We then headed for Felthorpe and Attlebridge, but took the shorter route to Swannington and Attlebridge, giving us plenty of time to stop at the bridge.

Then after crossing the A1067, it was up the newly traffic calmed Marl Hill before turning for Lyng, passing the back of the golf course and dinosaur park on the way. At Lyng Easthaugh, instead of climbing up onto the very exposed plateau of Collen’s Green, we continued on the lower river valley road to Lyng, which was still windy enough. Then over the Wensum and up the hill to the A1067 again, with a short run down the main road before turning for the café. We were all pleased to arrive and had saved ourselves 2.3 very windy miles.
The café and the Bug Park were busy and we noted that a very lifelike giant ant had taken up residence in the kids play area, I don’t know if it scared the kids as no one was playing on it.

There is always a good menu choice and for once Mark was going for the healthier poached eggs, only to be told they ended at 11:30, so a full breakfast and a huge Bakewell slice it was then. Chris and Doug had the tuna jackets with Doug also opting for a huge cake. Chris told us about his enjoyable trip and his car survived the 3000+ miles, though after a road works bollard got in the way of his left mirror, he had to reattach it with a giant roll of gaffa tape.
Lunch and tales over, he headed off for his training ride home and to fit his replacement mirror.

Doug and Mark were much slower in leaving, to give Chris a head start obviously, and soon noticed the mighty tail wind as we headed for Alderford and Swannington. Then we turned north for Cawston, Heydon, Saxthorpe, turning past Mannington Hall onto the Itteringham road.
At the Little Barningham crossroads, Doug turned for Thurgarton, Sustead and Cromer. As we were parting ways the only rain of the day started, fairly light and not lasting long, when it cleared and the sun came out, there was a partial rainbow over in the Cromer direction, maybe the pot of gold is at Doug’s house!
Mark continued north for Barningham Winter and PC. When he then joined Holway Road at the PC car park, an old red double decker bus (part of the 1940’s weekend) was struggling up the hill enroute for Holt, with a huge queue of cars behind it, ah, the good old days.

PC to PC was 50.7 miles at an average 14.9 mph (14.8 Out, 14.9 Back, despite the tail wind)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Doug H

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 23rd September – Nest Café, Burnham Deepdale
Saturday 26th September – East Bilney Lakes
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 others’ European Adventures, just Mark and Andrew met at PC on a breezy but bright Autumnal day for the pretty and, even by North Norfolk standards, ‘church heavy’ ride down to Hoveton Hall.
The route took the duo via Gresham, Sustead, Hanworth, crossed the Norwich Road and passed Gunton Park (waving to some impressive red deer stags today) before crossing the Cromer Road and continuing across the mainline via Antingham Hill. Nature called and unfortunately during this stop what Mark thought was a big lump of mud on his shoe/cleat turned out to be much more unsavoury. (Suffice to say, we sat outside the cafe at lunch to dissipate any ripe odours…) Continuing on, the route took in the edge of North Walsham and then a lovely section comprising Meeting Hill, Honing, crossing a pretty spot at Tylers Cut via a bridge just before Dilham, then Neatishead and Irstead.

At St. Michael’s Church Irstead the duo met Ian as planned, who had made his own way there and arrived just a couple of minutes earlier. The church is delightful and has much to commend it. In particular an impressive font which has some of the original paint faintly visible. Stained glass windows, the original 14th Century door and above it, a carving of St. Michael fighting a serpent are some of the other highlights.
Church done, we then spent a couple of minutes by the River Ant which runs into the considerable expanse of Barton Broad just north of Irstead. (There’s a short boardwalk which has a viewpoint giving good views over the broad and you might spot common terns for which the NWT provide nesting platforms.)
Anyway, back to the bike ride! The trio remounted and cycled the next 5 miles together via Ashmanhaugh to reach Flora Cafe just before 1230. Malcolm had made his own way there and given that last time we met him (Little Plumstead) he arrived just as we were leaving (and no we didn’t wait for him!) so by the time we arrived he had finished his lunch. But that meant that while we ate he could update us with his news and musings uninterrupted. Every cloud etc…

Other topics over lunch included Andrew’s mounting confusion with solar panels and electric cars, the pros and cons of smart meters and Ian’s joy over his latest erection in his garden… a metal arch made by a local Artist Blacksmith. We’d enjoyed a good tailwind all morning so after lunch (yes you’ve guessed it) although Malcolm was now going to get a tailwind. Ian said his goodbyes and headed off a couple of minutes before Mark/Andrew at his gentler Wednesday pace, expecting to be caught in a few miles time. The homeward leg crossed the mainline again at Tunstead, then went via Scottow, Swanton Abbot (by which point Ian had been caught, and he stopped to add a photo of the Village Sign there to his growing collection – viewings by arrangement.). Then it was Skeyton, Tuttington (another nice church), Banningham, Ingworth (another nice church), skirting Calthorpe, Wickmere and on to Matlaske.

It was good to see Andrew again as it had been a while but he wasn’t feeling 100% after a recent bout of man flu, so at Matlaske Mark and he diverted straight to PC, shaving about 1.5 miles off of the full route. When Ian (finally?) arrived at Matlaske he was feeling as strong as an Ox and manfully completed the route via Plumstead, Baconsthorpe and to the top of Bodham Hill before turning left for High Kelling at the bottom of New Road. A nice route in dry conditions with a good dollop of churches and dog poo.

Irstead Church: http://www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/irstead/irstead.htm – 

PC to PC was 53.1 miles at an average 14.8 mph (15.1 Out, 14.4 Back)
Riders: Andrew B, Mark M, Ian A, Malcolm S at lunch

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 19th September – Chrysalis Café, Sparhamhill
Wednesday 23rd September – Nest Café, Burnham Deepdale
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 Andy S

Doug, Mark, Andy and new member Ray met at P.C. this Saturday morning. The weather was cloudy with a stiff southwesterly wind. The group set off heading westerly and into a head wind for most of the morning. The route took us through West Beckham and up to High Kelling where we were met by Ian, completing the group of five.

From here the route went down Bridge Road to Cley, over the Glandford ford, out of Glandford and up the Dragway. Just after the top of the Dragway , Ray was attacked by a wasp which stung him on the neck before proceeding to buzz down his top. Today there seemed to be a lot of bugs about with plenty of bees and wasps feasting on the ivy in the hedgerows. A good sign for the wildlife but a bit annoying for cyclists!

The route went through Saxlingham and Field Dalling. At this point , due to the exposed head wind, rather than going to Binham and back to Hindringham, the group detoured to Bale and onto Hindringham taking advantage of a sheltered route. Then onto Great Snoring, East Barsham, North Barsham and a loop round and back to Little Walsingham for lunch at Norton’s Cafe.

The Cafe turned out to be very quiet so lunch was served very quickly with a selection of toasties and jacket potatoes. At lunch Ian gave us a very interesting lecture on a recent trip on the Wells to Little Walsingham railway. Apparently the 4 mile route makes it the world’s longest 10.25” narrow gauge railway line. More importantly he found another cafe at the Well’s train station (that got the group’s attention).

With the group well fed and watered we made ready for the homeward leg once we had got our bearings right and started heading the correct way. Once out of Walsingham we headed back to Hindringham and Gunthorpe. At the Melton Road junction Andy headed off towards Melton Constable for an early shower. This left the remaining group proceeding towards Swanton Novers, Hindolveston, Corpusty, up the Edgefield Hill and on towards Baconsthorpe. Ray turned off for Hempstead and Holt, while Ian won the sprint up Bodham Hill before turning back to High Kelling and home. The remaining two, Mark and Doug, made their way back to Red Barn Lane before splitting for PC and Cromer respectively.

PC to PC was 58.9 miles at an average 14.9 mph (15.0 Out, 14.8 Back)
Riders: Mark M, Doug H, Ray T, Andy S, Ian A

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 16th September – Hoveton Hall
Saturday 19th September – Chrysalis café, Sparhamhill
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

Holidays, sickness, the strong north westerly wind and a hilly route, resulted in just Andy and Mark meeting at PC. Ian would be out as well, meeting us for lunch.
We set off into the wind for High Kelling, Cley Newgate, some respite to Glandford, then to Langham and across a very windy airfield, finally turning south after 15 miles.
It was now an easier ride to Binham, across the A148 to Sharrington and down to Letheringsett, having crossed the ford at Little Thornage (we thought of you Richard). Then it was the hard and windy climb up Wall’s Lane to Bayfield Brecks, the descent to Glandford crossing the ford for the second time before making our way to Bayfield Hall and Natural Surroundings café.

Ian had arrived a few minutes earlier and had just received his cafetiere and large fruit scone. We soon had our cheese on toast, cake and tea ordered and then discussed whether Andy should be tapering before his upcoming France coast to coast trip or if the day would be good Mont Ventoux training, as he still had to get home, we decided on the latter.

After lunch, Ian continued at his own pace, though would keep overtaking us when we stopped on the way back. Setting off to Wiveton and then the Bridgefoot Lane climb as a warm up before dropping into Salthouse for the Bard Hill effort. After recovering from that, it was the Cley Road up to Holt and an easy couple of miles down to Hunworth before the ever popular Hunworth Hill to Edgefield. As Andy turned towards Corpusty and home, Ian appeared again, so we both made our way to Hempstead, Baconsthorpe and up Bodham Hill then each turning for home.

Our hilly route had 704m of climbing, today’s Vuelta stage classified as flat had 1084m and if that wasn’t enough to demoralise us, then Chris S, currently on a motoring trip to Italy, sent us video from the Gavia Pass in Italy of a guy riding it on a unicycle!

PC to PC was 48.3 miles at an average 14.5 mph (15.2 Out, 13.6 Back)
Riders: Andy S, Mark M, Ian A

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 12th September – Norton’s, Walsingham
Wednesday 16th September – 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 bright but windy Saturday morning, Mark, Andy and guest Ray met at PC. With lots of holidays being taken, the party of three headed off south to pick up the final two wheelers for the day, Doug and Ian, from Gresham Church.
With the peloton complete and the conclusion of the discussion of whether it was really cold enough for arm warmers and gilets, they headed south with a very strong crosswind. This enabled Mark to set a hot pace, which continued all day, with minor comments and a few mutterings from the back.

We rushed through Bessingham, sprinting past Aldborough, to Alby, Suffield, Felmingham, through Swanton Abbott for the first time in the day, Worstead, on to Ashmanhaugh, via Belaugh Green, and on to the lunch stop at Red Lion Café in Coltishall.
This was extremely uneventful, and only had one minor ‘almost’ moment, where Doug did his best not to fall in a ditch.

Graham had made his way by train and bike to meet us all at the stop and was ready to talk us through his next great adventure: taking the ferry to Spain for two weeks of cycling. Quite the adventure, and one we would all love to do

Lunch was very pleasant, with the only highlight being that we almost considered helping a lady to fix her car, but quite rightly we sat and watched her jump-start it with what looked like a tiny battery. Amazing. None of us would have been of any help, but it is the thought that counts, so they say.

The conversation ranged from the global position of the missing Wheelers to, the highlights of the highlights of the ongoing cycling events on TV to the adventures ahead. As with Graham, Andy is off to ride from Saint-Malo to Nice in a couple of weeks, and again, we wish him well and that we would all like to go as well.


With lunch completed, we were off again, at a similar pace to our arrival. Mark was right on it today. With the crosswind now slightly becoming a headwind, we were off past RAF Coltishall, through Swanton Abbott for the second time, Tuttington, on to Banningham and Ingworth.
Near Itteringham, Andy headed home, with Ray shortly after heading back to Holt.
With the final three heading up Bodham Hill, Ian took the plaudits for a fine sprint to the line before turning for High Kelling.
Mark headed back to PC, while Doug, turning into a full tailwind, flew back to Cromer.

PC to PC was 52.8 miles at an average 15.6 mph (16.2 Out, 15.1 Back)
Riders: Andy S, Mark M, Ian A, Doug H, guest Ray T, Graham A

P.S. Vuelta d Espana daily highlights on Channel 5/5 Action at 7-8pm

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 9th September – Natural Surroundings, Bayfield
Saturday 12th September – Norton’s, Walsingham
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 Andy S

Four members met at P.C. this Wednesday morning: Mark, Chris, Andy and new member Les. The morning gave a dull but dry start with a threat of rain coming in with the south westerly wind at around 1.00pm. With the temperature around 18/19 degrees it was starting to have the feel of early autumn.

We headed off through the lanes to Baconsthorpe and Edgefield. On the lane down to Little Barningham Chris’s rear gear cable snapped leaving him with the chain stuck in the smallest gear. So Chris had to do the remainder of the ride stuck in a very high gear (good TT training Chris!!). Hats off to Chris, he did it.

The route went past Mannington Hall, Calthorpe, Ingworth and along Carr Lane, at the back of Blickling estate, where a lot of sand and gravel from the recent rains made the going tricky. Then up to the main Aylsham road and onto Oulton which took us to the Norwich road. After crossing this the last two miles to Cawston was into a stiff headwind giving us a good appetite for our lunch at All Things Nice.

Lunch was cups of tea all round with a selection of healthy fry ups in baps. The conversation was as varied as usual with pending trips to Italy and France, car museums at Caister and Les moving into his new house at Sheringham.

With lunch finished Chris was off as usual to finish his TT training on his fixed gear bike. The remaining three set off out of Cawston, over Brandiston Common , where we got a great view of Booton Church and its ornate towers. Onto Booton and Reepham which seemed to be invaded by roadworks and detours.

Just out of Reepham it started to rain so raincoats on. By the time we got to Guestwick the rain had stopped and the clouds had cleared (rain coats off). We went onto Briston before heading up the long drag to Edgefield. Once again Mark made a good pace up the hill, when he put his chain onto the big chain ring I knew he meant business and off he went. One day I will get there first!

Andy S left at this point to roll down to Corpusty leaving Mark and Les to make their way back through Plumstead, up the Barningham Rd to Mill Lane over to East Beckham and back to P.C.

PC to PC was 47.8 miles at an average 15.1 mph (15.5 Out, 14.7 Back)
Riders: Andy S, Chris S, Mark M, Les B

P.S. Vuelta d Espana daily highlights on Channel 5 at 7-8pm, then Tour of Britain ( Sept 2nd to 6th) highlights on ITV4 at 8-9pm
Chris recommends a visit to: https://www.caistercastle.co.uk/motor-museum

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 5th September – Red Lion Café, Coltishall
Wednesday 9th September – Natural Surroundings, Bayfield
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/