With a forecast short window of calm between two named storms, it was decided to abandon the long ride to Poppylands and have a short ride to Watsons of Bacton instead and start at 9am hoping to get home before the rain arrived. So four Wheelers met at PC in bright sunshine, though it was cold and the south westerly wind was brisk. Setting off for Gresham, Hanworth, Suffield and North Walsham to White Horse Common, we then crossed the Dilham Canal and climbed up past Witton Heath and onto the higher ground around Witton’s isolated Church. From here we could see Happisburgh Church and Lighthouse to our east and sea ahead of us. At Pollard Street we headed the short distance down the main road to Watsons and were sat at our table by 10:18am, which must be our earliest stop yet. With the full choice of the breakfast menu available, we all had some variation of the full English and a huge pot of tea, plus one coffee.
Lunch conversation included Andy asking about Doug’s experience waxing as he is going to try it himself and if white spirit and meths is good for pre waxing. As we know a waxed chain is a clean chain and makes a big difference when fixing rear punctures and also prevents chainring tattoos. All the talk of clean chains had Chris making his excuses and leaving for his faster run home so he could apply more old sump oil onto his chain.
Eventually the teapot was drained and the rest of us headed off, the sun had vanished and it felt colder and windier than before. We passed the gas works, Paston Barn and on to Mundesley, where the climb out seemed particularly hard today, then on to Gimingham, past the badgers of Wellspring Lane, Hungry Hill, Northrepps and past Sally Bean’s, sending Doug off downhill to Cromer. The remaining duo, crossed the A149, had to pedal downhill against the wind to Metton, past some emergency water repair works at Sustead, to Sustead Church, where Andy turned for Corpusty and Mark for Gresham and PC, getting home and bike cleaned before the rain started.
PC to PC was 37.7 miles at an average 14.5 mph (15.6 Out, 13.6 Back) Riders: Chris S, Andy S, Doug H, Mark M
Ed’s note, met Geoff P in Tesco’s, he says hi to all. He is now on the wait list for a new hip, hope it happens soon as he is in a lot of pain and very limited to how far he can walk.
On a damp Autumn morning three members (Mark, Chris and Andy) met at P.C. The weather had definitely turned to Autumn with the temperature down and the threat of rain.
The roads were wet and muddy as we set off and the leaves had started to drop. Just after Gresham we had the first hiccup of the day with Andy S getting a rear puncture. So there was a quick pit stop to get it mended . We think a bit of flint was the offending article. With the help of Mark’s big pump we were soon back on the road again. We headed off to Aldborough, Erpingham, across the Cromer Road to Colby, Banningham, Tuttington and Swanton Abbott. It was here the rain started and seemed to be set in for the day. We went over the North Walsham Road and along the Tunstead bypass.
Much to the annoyance of Chris, due to the wind and rain, we missed a small loop around Tunstead and went straight to Wroxham Barns which felt very welcoming and it was lovely to get out of the wind and rain. There was a good selection of food between us and with plenty of coffee and tea we soon felt full and satisfied. The chatter was very varied from Chris having car problems, to a potential new member (Stan Smith) who had a lot to say for himself on Strava about Andy’s trip through France.
Chris to his normal form was soon off after finishing his soup to do a quick ride home. Hopefully he didn’t go home via Dereham today! The remaining members set off towards Coltishall, Little Hautbois, Buxton and Brampton. At this point Ian followed the route home but Mark and Andy did a little detour from Upper Brampton down a field track, over the first bridge over the Mermaid Stream then onto the River Bure where a bridge took us over and up to Burgh next Aylsham.
Very impressive Burgh footbridge over the River Bure and Andy S. 21st Oct 2026. Photo Mark MRiver Bure, downstream from Burgh bridge. 21st Oct 2026 Photo Mark M
Here we joined the route again heading off to Aylsham and Oulton. Between Oulton and Corpusty the roads were quite bad with mud and grit.
As we entered Corpusty we found Ian mending a front puncture by the village shop. So obviously Mark and Andy had to stop to offer advice and for Mark to help again with his big pump.
Ian A thought we were in front of him & he could keep his puncture secret! Corpusty 21st Oct 2026. Photo Mark M.
Once up and running Andy peeled off to go home leaving Mark and Ian to head off towards Matlaske and up to Bodham Hill where Ian turned off left to home while Mark continued on through West Beckham and onto P.C.
PC to PC was 47.8 miles at an average 14.6 mph (15.5 Out, 13.9 Back) Riders: Andy S, Chris S, Mark M, Ian A
A proper Autumnal day was forecast with a keen northerly wind and a high risk of showers. Nevertheless, four Wheelers met at PC (Mark, Doug, Andrew and Chris), picked up Ian at the top of Red Barn Lane and hurtled south with the tailwind to Corpusty where we picked up Andy who had chosen for once not to ride to PC for the start of the ride (deservedly so after his recent huge French adventure). Riding in the ‘shoulder seasons’ it’s often tricky to get your outfit right, but bibtights, legwarmers and knickers plus winter jerseys/gilets and rain jackets all round covered all options and all were used in various combinations With a full complement of six riders the route took us via Foulsham, Bintree, Billingford and a brief ride down the Elmham Road before turning south and stopping at the 1903 bridge at Worthing where, as it was spitting quite heavily, Mark donned his rain jacket to a few cries of “we could have been there by now”. Anyway, then it was southwards parallel to the old railway line to Hoe. Reaching the Holt Road Mark suggested we could head directly to our lunch stop rather than following the route and cut a mile or so off but the peloton was having none of it! After all, the sun was shining again!
Arriving at the Mardlers’ Rest for the much loved “Lunch of Champions” i.e. their famous ‘Quiche Chips and Beans’ we ordered 5 quiches between us, 4 x chips, 3 x beans, 1 x salad(!!) and one jacket potato. All were mighty and washed down with teas, coffees, coke and cake. Conversations over lunch spanned seasickness and ice-cream, bike porn in Mallorca, Chris’s new car (again – but he did pick it up yesterday!), and a recent Canadian Society Wedding that Doug attended and where he apparently attempted to set a world record for Champagne consumption (rude not to).
Lunch of Champions, Mardlers’ Rest Gressenhall, club ride 17-Oct-2026. L-R: Doug H, Andy S, Mark “do you think Andy would notice if I nicked a chip” M, Chris S, Ian A, Andrew B.
Before you could say “Chris are you still here?” he left us to it so he could get back to Sheringham pronto (but more on that later…) A heavy downpour just after Chris left us delayed our departure (no rush) but it soon passed. Eventually, with rain jackets on, threatening skies and the promised headwind on the return leg, when Mark suggested we cut it slightly shorter on the way back there were no dissenters this time! So Mark’s Magical Mystery Tour saw us return via Hoe, skirting north of Swanton Morley and on to Bawdeswell, Themelthorpe, Guestwick, Nethergate and round the back of Briston. It was here at Horseshoe Lane that Chris suddenly appeared from behind us! Unfortunately his Garmin had lost its bearings and he’d ended up in Dereham and had to guess his best route back from there – which he’d managed though somewhat defeating his objective of getting back early. So we were six again.
At the top of the climb up to Edgefield from Briston, Ian goaded Mark into taking the points at the top… We left Andy to head back to Corpusty and the remaining five of us headed back via the well worn lanes via Baconsthorpe and up to the mast at Bodham Hill. Andrew made a long range bid for the win and was unchallenged. The race for second place was closer with Chris striking out with a few hundred yards to go. Ian stuck to his wheel sensing it would be hard going in the headwind and that would prove to be the case as Ian managed to get round Chris who didn’t (or couldn’t?) respond at that point. The extra miles to/from Dereham probably taking their toll. At the bottom of New Road, Ian turned left for High Kelling leaving Andrew, Chris and Mark to head back to PC via West Beckham with Doug returning to Cromer via Gresham and Metton. After a largely dry outward leg, we got caught in a few heavy showers on the way back. But it was, as ever, good to get out. I did my first bike wash since about May I reckon.
PC to PC was 49.9 miles at an average speed of 14.7 mph (15.9 Out, 13.6 Back) Riders: Andrew B, Andy S, Chris S, Doug H, Ian A, Mark M
On a cool, sunny morning, only Mark and Chris were available for the inaugural ride to the B24 café. With the south westerly wind initially lighter than forecast, the duo set off via Gresham and Bessingham, getting as far as the crossroads at Thurgarton Church, were Mark realised that the road noise coming from his front tyre was a result of the air escaping. While stopped in a sunny spot to change the tube, Graham A appeared on his bike, enroute for a coffee at Itteringham Stores. We chatted about his recent Spanish trip, which he enjoyed and was able to put his recent Spanish language lessons to good use. We continued on through Aldborough and Erpingham and decided to try the often flooded Lodge Lane instead of going to Ingworth and back for Banningham, it was completely dry, so maybe the flooding issue has been resolved or it may just be the drought. On to Skeyton, Lamas and into Coltishall, where we had to navigate through some major traffic congestion caused by two buses meeting, then onto to Horstead, past the old mill, along Granny Bard’s Lane to the A1151 Wroxham Road. Crossing over to Salhouse and as we were approaching the rail crossing at New Rackheath, the barriers came down, shortly after a goods train whizzed past (Graham would have liked that). A couple of miles later we took a little access path into Rackheath Industrial Estate, to the B24 café, named after the American B24 Liberator bombers that flew from the old airfield here.
The café had a big hedge, screening the estate and providing a sun trap for the outside table, which we used, inside there was plenty of seating also. Our lunches were very quickly delivered with big mugs of tea and were very good value. After lunch we set off through the estate and onto the Wroxham Road for a short distance, then retraced the route for a couple of miles before turning for Crostwick and crossing the B1150 North Walsham Road for Frettenham. Chris had decided to forego his usual fast ride back and kept me company/checked how many times I stopped and got to enjoy the bonus mystery route (more later).
From Frettenham, it was Hainford, Stratton Strawless, Buxton and down to Brampton. Here we took the mystery route, the direct route between Brampton and Burgh, which includes some offroad, gates, walking over two bridges, reading the information board about the Aylsham Navigation, admiring the river Bure and the Mermaid and two churches. It’s also a shortcut, saving at least a mile, though maybe not much time, compared to the usual road route. I wouldn’t be surprised if Chris suggests we take this shortcut more often now he knows it exists! From Burgh, we went to Aylsham and took the Ingworth road to Carr Lane/Itteringham Common road. I can report that the culvert repair near the Fisherman’s car park has been completed and the road is fully open. There was no sign of Graham as we went through Itteringham and then pushed hard with the help of a now stronger tail wind up to the Matlaske junction and on to the pylon and Bodham Hill. Chris won the race to the top and to prove it wasn’t a fluke, he took off again in West Beckham back to PC and then told me how long he had been waiting, it was a matter of seconds of course (many seconds).
We don’t have a café photo today, but Ian currently on holiday in Mallorca sent us the following snap. After his recent four days in a Broads Cruiser, he decided to try his hand at proper sailing, what could go wrong …
Ian A, Mallorca Sailing, imagined by AI
PC to PC was 51.7 miles at an average 15.2 mph (15.2 Out, 15.2 Back) Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Graham A on the road.
Autumnal weather had at last arrived. A maximum temperature of 13 degrees C was forecast but feeling more like 9 degrees C. There was also a strong westerly wind though only a slight chance of rain.
Still not to be phased by the weather (after all Wednesday had been quite a wet ride) five intrepid wheelers set off from PC. The peloton included Mark, Chris, Andy, Andrew and Ray – not a bad turnout considering!
The group pushed into the strong wind to Edgefield, Melton Constable before turning south to Hindolveston and Great Ryburgh. After Great Ryburgh the route started taking a south easterly direction losing the headwind. As has now become a Wheeler’s tradition the group stopped at Bintree Mill for the customary group photo on the bridge, arriving at Algy’s café just before midday.
Bintree Mill, 10th Oct 2026. L-R, Andrew B, Andy S, Chris S, Ray T, Photo Mark M.
Although the café was busy due to the massive trade Algy’s farm shop was doing in pumpkins (the most expensive size of which was a whopping £18!) a table for five was quickly found. Over lunch Andy regaled tales of his recent mammoth ride from St Malo To Nice including his ascent on Ventoux (well done Andy!). Other topics included Trump’s deal with Russia over diesel supplies (does this man have any morals?) and electric cars.
Algy’s Pumpkin Patch, 10th Oct 2026. Photo Andrew B
Having concluded a somewhat leisurely lunch the wheelers mounted their bikes to begin the 25-mile haul back to PC. Luckily the south westerly wind was now in their favour.
It was then up to Foulsham, Wood Norton, Swanton Novers, Gunthorpe, Sharrington and Hunworth. The peloton then tackled the infamous Hunworth Hill which has an incline of 8 degrees near the summit (this was the second time this week for one rider!). Although Chris made the initial break away, Andrew reached the top first with Chris on his tail and Andy third. At this point Andy left the group to return to Corpusty.
Meanwhile the remaining four wheelers continued to Hempstead where Ray said his goodbyes leaving Mark, Chris and Andrew to continue to West Beckham passing Selbrigg Pond on the way although there was no stopping this time to look for the elusive monster pike much to Mark’s disappointment!
At West Beckham Chris made another break away – this time successful arriving at PC first followed by Mark and Andrew.
PC to PC was 51.7 miles at an average 14.9 mph (15.2 Out, 14.8 Back) Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andrew B, Ray T, Andy S
Graham A’s send us a report on his recent Spanish Holiday MY FIRST VISIT TO SPAIN
I left Norfolk by train on the 14th September with two heavy panniers and rucksack. With me was my Genesis Croix de Fer steel bike with newly fitted chain, cassette and chainwheel, plus a new 32mm rear tyre. One train was cancelled but I had more than enough time before i joined the Brittany Ferries ship at Portsmouth. I had two nights in a cabin and reached Santander early on the 16th September.
There was showery rain when I and a few other cyclists rode along the quay and into the traffic. My first stop was the tourist shop for info and a better map of the city. There was now warm sunshine and I had time to cycle round the bay appreciating the fine sandy beaches. My hotel room would not be ready until the afternoon The hotel was on high ground and it overlooked the city and bay. It involved a climb from the beaches and onto a long and busy spinal road. I was pleased to have a rest before exploring on foot.
The highlight of my stay was an excursion by coach to The Picos de Europa and to Potes. I booked this online soon after my arrival. The Picos are part of a mountain range of up to 7000 feet. There is a cable car ride from a resort to a station high up. It is rather like Switzerland. Potes is a stunning resort town in a valley. There were amazing views from the coach en route.
On another thrilling day I took my bike on a train to Cabezon del Sal from where I rode to Comillas, a seaside resort, and from there to Santillana del Mar, an inland tourist town. Then to reach the railway again at Puente San Miguel. My ride was on C class roads which were wide and had 600mm shoulders on which I rode. There were long hills and descents which needed long periods in my lowest gear of 34:34. and it was very warm and sunny.
On another day I road along the northern coast to the Isla de la Vergen del Mar. On two other days I crossed the bay by boat with my bike on one day to do a ride on the other side. But most of the time I used buses and trains to get around and of course do some long walks. Buses are much less than a euro per journey. No wonder they are full. The city is clean, safe and well organised.
Later Brian Platts joined me in the hotel to share my room for a couple of nights. He had come up from the Alicante region using his bike and trains. He found it slow going and hot work. He did some camping for added adventure. We both went back to Portsmouth on 30th September on the same Brittany Ferries ship and sharing a cabin. At Portsmouth we shared a B & B room before using the train with our bikes back to Norfolk. This was a difficult journey because of engineering work and a cancellation. It involved going to Woking and SW London before joining the Thameslink route to Cambridge.
All in all it was a valuable and interesting experience which allowed me to practice my Spanish. Spanish drivers are considerate to cyclists and I did not find riding in city traffic much of an issue. I rode about 100 miles during the period of my holiday.
Despite a forecast of rain for most of the day, the early morning was dry enough to convince us to set off and hope for the best. Chris and Mark met at PC and Ian and Andrew were waiting at High Kelling. We had planned a two stop ride, with our first stop to visit Richard W in Blakeney and then to head to Wells for the Wells and Walsingham railway café, which Ian recently visited. To work up an appetite for Richard’s biscuits, we went the long way to Blakeney, going down to Kelling, where we found a tractor/trailer and car stuck trying to pass on the narrow lane. Ian took charge of the situation (must have been his recent wearing of the Captain’s Cap) and coaxed the flustered driver past the trailer with millimetres to spare. Then it started to rain enough for rain jackets to be donned as we climbed up and along Salthouse Heath. Then down to Cley Newgate, across the ford to Glandford, up to Wiveton Downs and into Blakeney. Richard was waiting for us and we stored our bikes in a gatehouse, Chris left us at this point and continued his ride, no breaks from the rain for him. Richard’s house sits on the hill behind the harbour and from the upstairs seating area we had a fantastic view across the harbour and out to sea, while we enjoyed our coffee and biscuits. Richard is looking very well, though is still having some physiotherapy on his shoulder after his July Wheelers ride crash. One of his next projects is getting his indoor training area set up. Biscuits finished and rain stopped, it was time to thank Richard and continue our journey.
We went to Wiveton, then Langham and the rain started again, then became heavier, so when we reached Binham we decided to stop at the Parlour instead of continuing to Wells. Food and drink ordered, Ian told us more about his Broad’s adventures which he thoroughly enjoyed. While we were having lunch in the dry and warm, Chris had already completed the full route and was back home! Eventually the horizontal rain eased off enough to set off on a direct route home, sadly missing out on Hunworth Hill. Our new route took us to Field Dalling, Saxlingham (where Andrew turned for Blakeney), Letheringsett and up the A148 into Holt and on to High Kelling. Ian wanting to ride at least 30 miles to justify his two stops, continued on to Lower Bodham before returning home and Mark continued to PC
PC to PC was 34.6 miles at an average 14.1 mph Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Ian A, Andrew B & Richard W for coffee.
Andy S sends his St Malo to Nice final ride update. 12 days in to my French trip and completed 787 miles & 49,800 ft of climbing. Taking us through the Ardeche gorge and into the Rhone region to Malaucene , where on day 11 we tackled the famous Mont Ventoux. With a 13 mile ascent with an average gradient of 8.4% . The wind on top averaged 55 mph gusting a lot higher, made staying up right a bit of a challenge. With a few more layers on for the descent we stopped at the Tom Simpson memorial , who died at the age of 29 on the Tour de France in 1967 . The descent took me to Sault , where lavender dominated the area . The route took us down through Provence region with stunning scenery, finishing on the sea front in Nice on Saturday 3rd October, after 14 days of riding the stunning French countryside. Total mileage for trip was 900 miles Total ascents 60,000 ft / 18,288m
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.
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.
North Walsham & Dilham Canal, Faded Facts 30th Sept 2026 Photo Ian ABriggate Lock, North Walsham & Dilham Canal 30th Sept 2026 Photo Ian A
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
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.
A stunning Sept day at Bintree Mill. L-R, Ray T, Neil M, Clive A, photo Mark M. 26th Sept 2026
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
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.
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),
Wells quayside, club ride 23-Sept-2026. Photo Ian A.
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.
Norfolk Dappled deer at Holkham Hall, club ride 23-Sept-2026. Photo Ian A.Herd of fallow deer at Holkham Park, club ride 23-Sept-2026. Photo Ian A.
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.
