Author: web1691

Ride report by Chris S

With temperatures climbing to a high of 24 degrees C, light winds and a strong possibility of rain in the afternoon Mark, Chris and Andy set off from PC.

At Gresham the three were joined by Ian, Doug, Neil and Clive. After Gresham the route passed through Bessingham and Hanworth Common where a herd of Jersey cows had obviously taken note of the weather forecast and were lying down in anticipation of rain. After Hanworth the peloton continued onto Suffield and past the impressive Gunton Park where unusually there was not a deer in sight.

The Wheelers continued to North Walsham, East Ruston, Ingham and onto Sea Palling where Chris decided to make a breakaway with a two-and-a-half-mile sprint along the main coastal road to the lunch stop café. Unfortunately, he misjudged this as Doug had been in training and after a while passed him. Chris then found Ian snapping at his heels. Just before the café Mark suddenly took the lead passing both Chris and Doug! Neil and the rest of the peloton were also close behind.

Although Poppylands café was unusually quiet for the time of year the group enjoyed a light lunch and the usual banter. Graham had arrived just before the group having used the train and partly cycled from Cromer. Shortly after Malcolm arrived having cycled from St Olaves. All in all it was probably the best turn out of the year so far. The only thing that marred the lunch was a plague of small flies.

After lunch Doug left early due to commitments in the afternoon whilst the remainder of the group retraced their steps with Neil initially leading to Sea Palling and then turning inland to Lessingham, Knapton, Trunch and passing The Sutton Arms at Thorpe Market which appeared to be doing a good trade.

As the riders passed through Hanworth common again the cows had decided that it wasn’t going to rain after all and were wandering across the road. Shortly after Neil and Andy left the route to return to Corpusty. At Baconsthorpe Clive headed off toward Holt and Blakeney. This left Chris, Mark and Ian to continue onto New Road/Rectory Road with another impromptu sprint won by Ian (just!). Ian then headed back to High Kelling leaving Mark and Chris to complete the whole route. Luckily the forecasted rain did not materialise.

PC to PC was 61.4 miles at an average 16.0 mph (16.7 Out, 15.3 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Neil M, Andy S, Doug H, Ian A, Clive A. Graham A and Malcolm S

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 24th June – Purdy’s, Aylsham – Poss 9am Start
Saturday 27th June – Junction 21, Themelthorpe
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. on a damp overcast morning . The forecast was for showers all morning, clearing out for the afternoon. Mark M , Chris S, Richard W and Andy S set off heading west, the route taking us through West Beckham, to turn left past Selbrigg Lake and up towards Hempstead and onto Holt, Hunworth, Stody, Gunthorpe, across the Holt Rd to Thursford Green, Great Snoring and Fakenham. Mark proceeded to take us on a mystery tour of the back streets of Fakenham coming out in Hempton.

As a special request from Chris we stopped at the river bridge (Gogg’s Mill) to admire the river Wensum. After dragging Chris away we were back on the road heading to Whissonsett, Stanfield and ending up at East Bilney Lakes for lunch. The morning route was mainly into a head wind that had felt surprisingly strong. Well done Mark for taking the front spot all morning.

At lunch we were seated under the veranda with a view over the fishing lakes. Lunch consisted of three fry ups and a pancake with bacon which were all excellent and soon polished off. The chat was about Richard doing a famous sportive in the Dolomites and getting his bike ready for the ups and downs of the mountains which will naturally require spending lots of money on equipment.

Time was getting on and Chris was getting itchy feet so he left us to get a bit of time trial training in on the way home. This basically meant going a lot faster than the rest of the group. On paying it turned out that the lady (Lisa) who runs the cafe is John Wilson’s daughter. He was the famous local fisherman who made TV programmes in the 80 and 90’s and had the shop John’s Tackle Den in Norwich.

The homeward journey was with a tail wind so good progress was made with a quick stop at Bintree Mill to look at the Wensum again and for a picture stop. Then onto Foulsham, Guestwick and Corpusty where we bumped into Neil M and his wife walking their dogs. A quick chat was had and then Andy S split off for home leaving Mark and Richard to head to Plumstead and Baconsthorpe where Richard turned off towards Holt and home. Mark carried on to Bodham Hill and PC.

Apart from the keen wind the day stayed dry and not too hot. A good day out.

PC to PC was 58.8 miles at an average 14.9 mph (14.9 Out, 15.0 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Richard W, Andy S

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 20th June – Poppylands, Horsey
Wednesday 24th June – Purdy’s, Aylsham
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

A trio of Wheelers met at PC on a dry, but not terribly warm June morning. It was forecast to be dry all day which would make a pleasant surprise after the last couple of wet weeks.

Ian joined at Gresham church and the route continued through Bessingham to Aldborough where Neil joined at the Primary school. The peloton was then complete and rolled onward to cross the A140 at the cut-through onto White Post road and then skirting around Gunton Park (where the usual deer were spotted) to Suffield.

Instead of taking the usual route through Antingham we took the shortcut via Antingham Hill and the pedestrian railway crossing to meet Pond Road which led on to North Walsham where we took the usual snakey back-street cut through to avoid the town centre. A brief section then on the Yarmouth road before turning off onto Sandy Hills past the recycling centre and walking down the footpath to cross the bypass straight on to the quiet road through Withergate to Worstead.

Out the other side of Worstead we spotted a coffee van at Squirrel Wood Equestrian centre and after a brief debate we decided to make an early stop. This was the Baby Bean Coffee Pod (normally based in Horstead) and we were quickly caffeinated and on our way again.

Wroxham was next and it was certainly busy with shoppers, tourists and cars, so we were glad to get off the busy road and cut through the boatyard to join The Avenue to take the back road to Woodbastwick past Woodforde’s brewery and on to Ranworth where, as usual, we stopped to look at the broad. Even for early season it was busy with lots of boats and people and a large flock of geese mugging passers-by for bread. We didn’t catch their eye, so managed to escape un-molested.

From Ranworth it was only a short distance further to South Walsham and our lunch stop at the Fairhaven Water gardens. As we turned in to the car park we spotted Malcolm who had ridden out from St Olaves to meet us. We were rather late, so he had already eaten, but he joined us for a catch up and a chat.

We bagged a table outside and ordered food which came quickly and was tasty and filling. There was a minor cake disappointment as Ian’s carrot and pistachio turned out to be not as nice as it looked, but the scones were good.

Chris left early to have a faster ride home and Malcolm left to take the Reedham ferry. The remaining four set off back through Panxworth, Woodbastwick and westward toward Spixworth to turn North again to Horstead and Coltishall.

From Coltishall the route back was via Badersfield, Skeyton, Tuttington, Banningham, Ingworth and across the Scarrowbeck to join Wall road past the Saracen’s Head to Wolterton Hall where Neil left to head for Mannington Hall, Corpusty and home.

The remaining trio continued through Goose Green, Matlaske and Barningham Winter, with Richard turning for Baconsthorpe, Holt and home and Ian taking the Rectory road turn toward High Kelling. From the Rectory road split, Mark carried on to PC and home.

PC to PC was 61.8 miles at an average 14.8 mph (15.2 Out, 14.4 Back)
Riders: Richard W, Chris S, Mark M, Ian A, Neil M and Malcolm S (at lunch).

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 17th June – East Bilney Lakes
Saturday 20th June – Poppylands, Horsey
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 Duncan S

Four riders met at Pretty Corner on a fresh but dry morning with rain threatened later. After some discussion about when and how much it would rain, the peloton set off south, through Little Barningham (anxiously looking west and the advancing big thick black cloud) to Saxthorpe then Corpusty. We met Andy on Town Close Lane, just as it started to rain. Rain jackets were donned and we pressed on up Heath Road. As we crested the hill out of the trees, it became clear how heavy the rain was, together with a headwind. After a few minutes, an open barn by the roadside beckoned, so we took shelter. It turned out that Andy had previously used this barn to store his tractors. After about 10 minutes and a few cracks of thunder, the rain began to ease and we set off again. It was cold and wet, Andrew remarking that it must be nice around here in summer!

However, soon the sun came out and the peloton began to dry out. The route zig-zagged westward via Thurning, Nethergate and Hindolveston. Given the time lost sheltering from the rain, Mark suggested that we shorten the route by a couple of miles, going via Fulmodeston, Barney and Thursford to Walsingham. Arriving at Norton’s Cafe, we found Ian already there, having manfully ridden the full route through the rain and having bagged a nice big table for us inside.

Various combinations of soups, sandwiches, toasties and baguettes were eagerly devoured and a good chin wag, complete with a bit of joshing, was had before we thought we had better brave the weather for the home leg. The pessimists (most of us) donned rain jackets, and we set off in glorious sunshine, only to shed the jackets again after the climb out of Walsingham at the junction with the B1105. Ian, who had elected to proceed at a slower pace, passed us. Thereafter, we headed for Wighton, Warham, Binham, Cockthorpe, Langham to Wiveton. On the way, we caught up with Ian again at a natural break stop, from which he set off ahead of us. We caught up with Ian again a bit later, only to be passed by him once more as we stopped at Wiveton when Andrew and Richard peeled off to Blakeney. All this transpired under mostly warm sunshine and no rain.

Continuing on up Bridgefoot Lane, Duncan set off to catch Ian, passing him halfway up the climb. Andy and Mark caught Ian a bit later. As the peloton stopped at the Bridge Road/Kelling Road junction, where Duncan peeled off for Holt, Ian passed us yet again! Andy and Mark then continued up Bridge road, with Andy turning for Selbrigg and on to Corpusty. Mark was able to get home and gives his bike a quick clean before the rain started again, Andy was not so lucky, getting caught about two miles from home for his second soaking of the day.

PC to PC was 49.0 miles at an average 15.0 mph (15.2 Out, 14.4 Back)
Riders: Mark M, Andrew B, Richard W, Andy S and Duncan S with Ian A at lunch (and several sightings on the way home!)

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 13th June – Fairhaven, South Walsham
Wednesday 17th June – 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 Mark M

With a strong south westerly wind and rain forecast from midday, the planned route through Holkham to Burnham Deepdale and back to Holkham was shortened by about 15 miles by stopping at Holkham for lunch.
Four Wheelers set off from PC for Hempstead, Holt, Letheringsett, Sharrington, Binham, Warham and Wells. We made a brief stop at the quay to admire the view and as it was fairly sheltered from the wind, it was busy with people. Chris, it was our only stop on the way out!
From there it was a short ride into Holkham Park and to the café, where we found Ian having already finished his lunch. The café was surprisingly quiet, maybe the post half term lull.
We were able to reach Holkham in the dry though the rain started as soon as we went outside after lunch.
It wasn’t too bad in the shelter of the courtyard but as we headed for the South Gates directly into the wind, it was obvious that it was proper rain, so the two Wheelers who hadn’t bothered with rain jackets had to stop to layer up before they were soaked.

Fortunately at the South Gates we turned East and the wind (and rain) was now mainly a cross wind and a lot easier as we headed for Wighton then back to Binham again. Ian was going at his own pace, so we didn’t see him again.
From Binham to Langham, Duncan and new member Richard disappeared up the road (did we mention the probationary period Richard?). At Wiveton Downs as we turned for Glandford, Richard continued to Wiveton and Cley.
It was also here that Ian must have had a navigation problem, as he took the easier Wiveton, Bridgefoot Lane route back to High Kelling instead of the challenging Hurdle Lane to Bayfield Brecks and the endless climb up Cley Road to Holt. You don’t know what you missed Ian!
In Holt we dropped Duncan off and admired his now fully built house, it looks much bigger without the scaffolding and builders portacabins.
That left Mark and Andy to continue to High Kelling and the final split at the Selbrigg junction. Andy who had successfully completed the Norwich 100mile sportive on Sunday was now feeling the after effects and he was going to have a headwind all the way home to Corpusty, hope you made it ok Andy.

PC to PC was 47 miles at an average 14.4 mph (15.3 Out, 13.8 Back)
Riders: Andy S, Duncan S, Richard W, Mark M, Ian A

In other news, Reepham Station Café has shut down and Pedal Revolution of Norwich has entered administration, though is currently still trading.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 6th June – Watsons, Bacton
Wednesday 10th June – 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 Ian A

With other regular Saturday Wheelers either away motorbiking, doing the ‘Norwich 100’ or relaxing on Corfu, only Mark and Ian met at PC on yet another warm and sunny day. A more relaxed day out was in the offing with an early coffee stop at Stiffkey before ‘pushing on’ to Whitwell. The route pretty much retraced Ian’s steps (or pedal revolutions) back to High Kelling via West Beckham and Bodham, before heading across the A148 and the normal route across the railway bridge and down to Wiveton. We stopped part way down Bridgefoot Lane to admire and photograph the (distant but still impressive) poppy display by Blakeney Church – more to come later.
By Wiveton Church we picked up Andrew and Richard and the 4 of us then went up the hill to Langham, where en route we were afforded even better views of the poppies at Blakeney so we stopped for photos. Clearly it’s a bumper year!

After Langham we passed the Langham Dome and continued on to Cockthorpe before the descent to Stiffkey Stores.
It was very busy when we arrived and we considered not waiting (well Ian did anyway) but the queue moved quickly and we found seats in the shade for our excellent coffees – and cakes for most of us. We set off south up the Wighton Road hill before descending to the Warham Road, turning left for Binham, Field Dalling, then crossing the A148 again to pretty Briningham, Melton Constable and a fast section (it’s all relative) to Hindolveston and Foulsham, before the final few miles to Whitwell Station.
The Sidings Cafe has been a regular stop in the past but has not been visited for at least 4 years. After a bit of debate and table swapping with a very kind (but probably ultimately exasperated!) couple who we politely asked to move as we wanted their shade and there was other shade for them but not enough for the 5 of us (Graham A had met us there too – so all his fault really ha ha) we settled on a table in the garden at the back and went back to tell the couple out front they could have their original table back! Anyway, we all ordered paninis with salad and those posh vegetable crisp thingy’s and they hit the spot. As did Mark and Ian’s pints of Wherry which at £4 a pint was excellent value. Mark did a bit of average flower identification in the garden with his ‘App’. Probably only does Chinese flowers…

After lunch we rode to Reepham with Graham before bidding him farewell and heading north towards Salle, skirted Wood Dalling and Thurning and on to Briston. Out of Briston, Andrew showed us all a clean pair of heels (and sandals) on the climb up to Edgefield which he won by a fair distance with Ian in second place probably a furlong behind – or several chains at least. As a pretext for getting our breath back there was much discussion about the merits of furlongs/cubits/ leagues and their juxtaposition with miles, and even kilometres might have got a mention. I kid you not. So about two and a half hours later we set off down Rectory Road to the Pottery (I bought an egg separator there once, broke it when I got home so went back for another one and it sits in the cupboard still unused). Anyway, from there Ian somehow managed to put a bit of distance between himself and the other 3 (no idea how or even why) only for Mark to come shooting past him before the Hempstead/Selbrigg crossroads. We then stopped (again!) at Selbrigg Pond to admire the plastic bag/duck (we’ll never know) and look at a few fish plus damselflies and dragonflies. At the next junction Ian, Andrew and Richard turned left for High Kelling and Blakeney, leaving Mark to ride solo back to PC and Sheringham.
An excellent ride, taking advantage of ‘Twitchy Chris’ not being there with 2 cafe stops, 2 photo stops, 2 ‘comfort stops’ and the Selbrigg Pond nature stop!

In other news: Ian used Black Bikes during the week to fit new bearings and diagnose/fix a creaky squeak from his drivetrain and was very happy with the service provided by Zach, the new owner since about a year ago.

PC to PC was 55.5 miles at an average of 14.9 mph (15.5 Out, 13.9 Back)
Riders: Andrew B, Graham A, Ian A, Mark M, Richard W.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 3rd June – Nest Café, Burnham Deepdale
Saturday 6th June – Watsons, Bacton
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

Six riders met at PC for a ride to Horning. Although it was sunny there was a strong easterly wind which made it a little chilly (in marked contrast to the recent heat wave).

The planned route took us through Barningham, Lower Street, Wickmere, Calthorpe, Ingworth, Banningham, Westwick and Ashmanhaugh. Steady progress was made despite the strong head wind with no incidents to report. A beautiful field of Poppies was observed near Ingworth and was also spotted by Ian, who provided the photo below.

On arrival at the Cafe, we met up with Ian and Malcolm who had both made their own way there. We managed to find two tables close to each other and ordered food and drinks which came quickly and was good quality. Most opted for sandwiches and wraps, due to the warn weather. Duncan then very kindly treated us all to cakes as it was his birthday the next day (see photo below, again taken by Ian).

Fully refreshed, the main group then set off back to PC, with again Ian and Malcolm making their own way home. The route took us past the relocated Trimingham ‘golfball’ radar at Neatishead, a detour to Irstead (to admire the view of the river Ant), Neatishead, Ashmanhaugh, Tunstead, Market Street, Scottow, Swanton Abbott, Skeyton, Tuttington, Aylsham, Erpingham, Calthorpe, Matlaske, Baconsthorpe, and West Beckham. Along the route, Andy S left us at the entrance to Wolterton Hall: and Duncan and Richard near Baconsthorpe, to make their own way back home. Again, no incidents or punctures to report (despite a long stretch of new surfaced road). There was also a diversion to the route to Erpingham along Lodge Lane which is liable to flooding, but wasn’t!

A great ride in fine sunny weather.

Ian provided the following report from his ride: I had a “friendly” bumble bee in my helmet on the outward leg i.e., it didn’t sting me, just along for the ride. Also a large limb of a tree blocking most of the road at Church Road towards Lower Bodham this morning. Still there on the way back so I called 101 and surprisingly(?) it hadn’t been reported, so Highways Agency should be onto it. If still there overnight someone will drive into it!

PC to PC 56.6 miles at an average 15.1 mph (15.3 Out, 15.0 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Duncan S, Andy S, Mark M, Ian A, Richard W, Malcolm S and Andrew B.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday30th May – Stiffkey Stores & Whitwell Station
Wednesday 27th May – TBA
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

Wow ! What a day , with wall to wall sunshine from start to finish and temperatures in the mid twenties.

Five members met at P.C. (Mark, Andrew, Doug, Chris and Andy). We set off heading south with a gentle wind from the north aiding our journey. At Red Barn junction we met Ian and guest rider Richard. After introductions and the usual banter we headed down to the School House junction, Matlaske, Itteringham, Oulton, Cawston, Swannington and the compulsory stop at the river bridge at Attlebridge (that upset Chris). Onwards to Weston Longville and through to North Tuddenham where we had to take a short detour to get to the A47 overpass. From there we went to Clipping Green and Mattishall to the Cafe Verde for our lunch stop.

At lunch we sat outside making the most of the sunny day. Lunch consisted of more cold drinks than usual and mainly all sandwiches apart from Ian who went for a full English (looked good). Once we had all finished Chris was up and gone to get back at his own pace (faster than the rest of us) for duties at home.

The remaining six set off homeward retracing our tracks to North Tuddenham where on the outskirts we stopped for puds at Dann’s Ice-creams . Many thanks to Ian and Doug for treating us to ice creams which went down very well.

The journey carried onto Elsing, across the Fakenham Road, through to Sparham over Whitwell Common to “Nowhere Lane” and round the outskirts of Reepham . We came up towards Kerdiston going under then over the Marriott’s way. Doug ‘s bike thought it should be off roading and proceeded to get a puncture. With Silca sealant spraying everywhere he decided he needed to stop and plug his tyre (Continental tubeless tyres, when will Doug learn).

Once we had peddled through Doug’s sealant we proceeded up to Wood Dalling , Thurning and Corpusty. Andy dropped off for home with the remaining 5 carrying onto Edgefield, where Richard headed for Blakeney, Ian later turned off for Hempstead and the rest continued to Baconsthorpe and Red Barn Lane and P.C. to complete the route on this sun soaked day!

PC to PC was 59.1 miles at an average 15.4 mph (16.4 Out, 14.5 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andrew B, Andy S, Ian A and guest Richard.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 27th May – Staithe & Willow, Horning
Saturday 30th May – Whitwell Station
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

With below average temperatures for May and a high probability or rain around midday Mark, Chris and Andy met up at PC. In addition, John W who had recently moved from London to South Repps joined the group for the first time. John was a former member of Willesden Cycling Club and had recently completed in several audaxes so was no newcomer to cycling.

The four riders set off into the cool predominately westerly wind to High Kelling where Ian was patiently waiting for the peloton to arrive.

The 19 mile outward route to Binham took the wheelers onto Cley with a fast downhill run into the village. At the first crossroads after Cley the group stopped to wait for Andrew to join them who had ridden from Blakeney rather than PC due to car problems. However, Andrew failed to materialise so the ride continued only to find Andrew waiting at the crossroads after the ford in Glandford. From there it was a climb up Dragway to Saxlingham, Field Dalling and Sale before reaching Binham.

With no comfort stops (this must be a record!) the group arrived in good time for the excellent breakfast menu at Binham Parlour. The full English breakfast and crushed avocado with eggs washed down with tea and coffee was the order of the day.

The return ride continued west to Warham before turning south to Copys Green, and then east to Gunthorpe, Sharrington and Stody. The first impromptu sprint occurred just before Edgefield with Ian taking the crown, Andrew in second place with Chris close on his tail having chased him down from the back of the field – not to mention the good effort by Andy who claimed fourth place. Andy left the ride at this point to return home before heading to the Swan Inn at Ingham for a night of fine dining.

The remaining five riders continued onto Plumstead and New Road with Chris taking the title for the second sprint of the day with Andrew second and Ian third. At the end of New Road Ian and Andrew turned off towards High Kelling leaving Chris, Mark and John to complete the ride back to PC.

PC to PC was 45.6 miles at an average 15.1 mph (15.8 Out, 14.7 Back)
Riders: Mark M, Chris S, Andrew B, Andy S, Ian A and guest John W

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 23rd May – Café Verde, Mattishall
Wednesday 27th May – Staithe and Willow, Horning
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 cool May Saturday morning. The week had been showery, windy and cold, but Saturday was forecast as dry and slightly warmer. This turned out to be accurate and the brief spells of sunshine were actually quite pleasant once the initial chill had faded.

The outbound route was straight down the Matlaske road to Saxthorpe then along the Little London road to Town Close where Andy joined the group at the bottom of Heath Road. From there the route continued to Wood Dalling, Guestwick, Foulsham and across the Fakenham road to Bintree.

From Bintree we took the back lane to Billingford and then a brief section on the Kings Lynn road before turning off to Worthing (with the obligatory bridge stop) to follow the old railway line to Hoe and Beetley. Rather than orbit the cafe through Gressenhall village we made directly for the Mardler’s Rest, our scheduled lunch stop. We were expecting to meet Graham A at the cafe, but there was no sign of him at first. He arrived as we had mostly finished, so there was only time for a brief chat.

The cafe was fairly quiet, so we speedily ordered food (including the obligatory and excellent Quiche, chips and beans for some of us) and settled down for lunch. The main topic of conversation was dodgy builders that various Wheelers had employed and how the ensuing disasters had been put right. Talking of disasters, Doug managed to fling the contents of his serving tray all over himself as we got up to leave. Fortunately the food had been eaten and there were no breakages!

On leaving the cafe the route briefly detoured south through Sparrow Green before striking north through Whissonsett, Colkirk and then turning east across the Fakenham road to Great Ryburgh. Mark’s usual wave at the bridge traffic lights was effective at changing them to green and the climb up to the Norwich road was taken at a steady pace.

From the Norwich road the route continued on through Stibbard, Wood Norton and past the old Foulsham airfield where an attack of the killer flints stopped progress by hitting Mark with a puncture. It proved tricky to get the little arrowhead out of the tyre, a brand new GP5000, but once it was prised out the rest of the repair was as slick as usual and we were soon ready to depart. At this point we were surprised to see Ian cycling towards us, so we remained for a chat. He had just got back the preceding day from a holiday in Norway and was a bit too tired for a full club ride, but was keen to get out for some air.

Leaving Ian to continue his ride we carried on to Craymere Beck, Briston and up the hill to Edgefield where Neil and Andy left on the downhill run to Edgefield Street, Corpusty and home. The remaining trio carried on to Hempstead, Baconsthorpe and Red Barn Lane where Doug headed to Gresham, Cromer and home. Mark and Andrew continued to PC to complete the ride.

PC to PC was 59.3 miles at an average 15.3 mph (15.4 Out, 15.1 Back)
Riders: Mark M, Andrew B, Doug H, Andy S, Neil M and Graham A at lunch.

Graham A sends a report on his recent cycle trip to Holland via the Harwich ferry.
My trip to the Netherlands was enjoyable, more so than last time as I had less learning to do. I had four full days over there using public transport: tram, metro and bus on two windy days to go to Rotterdam. On one of those days I went on a long water bus trip to Kinderdijk to see all its windmills, a tourist hotspot. I cycled two days, the first day with heavy baggage in the Westland area, the second time on the fourth day on mostly the dunes route, to Schevenigen, a Brighton like resort for Den Haag (The Hague). The weather was perfect, apart from the wind, and I was able to eat al fresco at cafes/ restaurants. No supermarket food this time for me.
There is still much to do and see over there and I suspect I may return. My b&b was the same as last time down to the same room and bed. Expensive but excellent with breakfast included.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 20th May – Binham Parlour
Saturday 23rd May – 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/