Author: web1691

Ride report by Andy S

With the forecast of cold wind and rain everybody decided to stay on holiday for a little while longer. Mark and Andy met at P.C. we thought Andrew B may be joining us but not to be. So the duo set off through Gresham and Plumstead into a keen cold westerly wind. When we reached Edgefield the heavens opened to give us a bit of a drenching all the way down to Briston. Turning right towards Stody the rain stopped and the sun came out. Still into the wind we went through Sharrington, across the Holt Rd to Field Dalling, Saxlingham and onto Natural Surroundings at Bayfield Hall.

At Natural Surroundings we were greeted to a warm wood burner. The food was up to its usual standards with soup and cheese and toast finished off with cake. Through lunch we were bird spotting (the feathered variety!) with plenty of discussion about my rubbish internet connection at home in Corpusty.

After lunch we were off again into the cold but for most of the afternoon the wind would be behind us. Down to Glandford heading towards Langham, turning right and down to Blakeney. We called in at Andrew B’s house to find he had a better offer sailing somewhere on the broads.

Next onto Blakeney Quay for a quick stop then onwards to Wiveton, Weybourne then to High Kelling, another stop at Selbrigg lake to do a bit of fish watching. ( Chris would have loved the afternoon section with all our stop starts ! )

At the other side of Hempstead Andy S carried onto Corpusty, Mark M made his way back through Baconsthorpe, East Beckham and back to P.C.
All in all we were very lucky with the weather, apparently it had hailed in Blakeney and Sheringham, so a good day out.

PC to PC was 44.5 miles at an average 14.1 mph (15.0 Out, 13.3 Back)
Riders: Mark M, Andy B

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 16th May – Mardlers’ Rest, Gressenhall
Wednesday 20th May – Binham Parlour
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

Andy, Neil, Doug, and Mark all met at PC on a beautifully sunny morning. With a lovely tailwind, we were off towards West Beckham, on to High Kelling, Wiveton, through Langham, Binham, Wighton, past New Holkham, North Creake, Stanhoe, and Docking, collecting Clive and Andrew along the way, with Andrew sporting some very fine SPD sandals due to a toe issue. We also said goodbye to Neil, who had to get home early due to dog duty. Then finally on to Fring for a new lunch stop at The Old Store Bakery.

Following a very confusing discussion with a person who we thought was a patron about how to order food, and then discovering he was actually the head waiter, we ordered lunch. The lunch, cake, and drinks took a little while, but it was very busy, and the food was very sophisticated. As ever, the time was spent discussing all the current affairs, and some not so current, and after finishing lunch we were off again. The sun was still with us, but now with the wind in our faces.

Off we went on a slightly different route to the planned one due to some welcome road resurfacing. The route took us to Great Bircham, Syderstone, past South Creake, to Egmere, Little Walsingham, and on to Gunthorpe, with Andrew and Clive heading home from Hindringham. The remaining peloton continued on to Stody, Hunworth, and then the Hunworth hill race began, with Mark absolutely destroying Andy and Doug.

With that done, Andy headed home and the peloton was off via Baconsthorpe, with Doug heading back to Cromer and Mark heading back to PC.

A lovely day, and great to have the sun with us the whole way.

PC to PC was 66.1 miles at an average 14.3 mph (16.5 Out, 12.5 Back)
Riders: Neil M, Andy S, Mark M, Doug H, Clive A, Andrew B.

P.S. Giro Highlights on TV – a 60 min programme can be found on the DMAX Freeview Channel at 7pm (Mon is a rest day)

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 13th May – Natural Surroundings, Bayfield
Saturday 16th May – Mardlers’ Gressenhall
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

By Chris S

San Jamie to Calpe To Moraira
Thursday 7 May
Managed a short ride late afternoon – San Jamie to Calpe along the coast road then returning to Moraira with a circuit around the town. Returning back to San Jamie decided to do a slight detour and check on the day’s building progress on the new house. This was a big mistake. Two minutes after stopping it started to rain. Five minutes later the rain was torrential, and the roads had turned into raging torrents. Sheltering under the porch there was a short break in rain, thunder and lightning allowing Chris to make the 100 metre climb home cycling against what felt like a waterfall cascading down the road. The ride concluded with very wet feet! The torrential rain continued well into the evening without any let up.

Total Distance 17.10 miles
Average Speed 16.39 mph
Total Ascent 397 metres

San Jamie to Denia
Sunday 10 May
With much better weather, blue skies and a temperature exceeding 24 degrees C a circular ride was the order of the day.

Setting out at 9:30 am the ride took in the 275 metre climb to Benissa. The route passed through Senija, Xalo and Alcalali. Turning right at Alcaldali the road continued to climb until a fast run down to Pedreguer. Managed to keep up with two Citroen 2CV’s for about three miles on this section until they turned off.

After a few satnav errors the ride continued into La Xara and down to the coast at Denia. The ride through the town was slow due to a police car crawling along at 10 mph with no passing opportunities.

It was then the 230 metre climb over the mountain and a fast ride down into Javier. More climbing then up to Benitchell (130 metres) and another fast section down to Moraira. This was followed by the final 100 metre climb up to San Jamie.

Due to the fine weather lots of cycling groups were out with lots of opportunities to overtake other cyclists and be overtaken!

Total Distance 46.38 miles
Average Speed 14.26 mph
Total Ascent 1092 metres

Ride report by Mark M

With regular Wheelers away every ride this month, we thought it a good time to check out some different venues or change the routes up a bit.
So, today Andy and Mark set off in the cold and damp for some fishing lakes at Billingford that had a café.

With a strong north wind behind us, we made rapid progress through Baconsthorpe, Plumstead, Hunworth, Briston, Foulsham, Bintree to Billingford.
Just a short distance down the main road we turned into the lake complex and along a short track to the car park and café area. On a warm and sunny day it would be ideal as there is plenty of outside seating, a big tepee with tables and a cabin with tables which we took shelter in.
The café is a semi-permanent catering van with a good choice of food and cakes, all at very reasonable prices. We both had the breakfast bap (sausage, bacon, egg) and a good sized tea for £10 each. We didn’t have room for cake afterwards either. If the menu doesn’t tempt you, then you can pop into the angling shop next door and stock up on maggots instead.
The complex has 11 lakes, we sometimes take the Holl/Slad Lane route from Billingford which offers a great view point down to the Wensum and lakes below.

After lunch we continued to Worthing and followed the Wensum back, crossing the bridges at Mill Street and found that both of us in the distant past had canoed there with the Dereham Canoe club. Then it was Bylaugh and up to Sparham, Blackwater and Furze Lane to takes us to Booton.
By now the roads were wet from rain, though it had stopped raining and the wind had eased off a lot, which was great as our route was now mainly north.
We continued to Cawston then Itteringham and stopped at the Mannington junction for Andy to turn for home, there was some steady drizzle by now and it was still cold. Mark continued to PC and home.

In other news – Ian A, cruising Norway’s Arctic Circle Coastline, was reminded of Happisburgh Lighthouse when he spotted this. I think Happisburgh is a little flatter.

PC to PC was 47.1 miles at an average 14.8 mph (15.9 Out, 13.9 back)
Riders: Andy S, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 9th May – Old Store, Fring
Wednesday 13th May – 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/

Ride report by Mark M

Mark and Chris met at a sunny PC, there was a lightish westerly breeze and scattered clouds kept the temperature in check.
For a change we went via North Barningham, Baconsthorpe, Hempstead, Pond Hills Road, Edgefield Street to Town Close where we met Neil M.
The trio, then set off for Thurning, Wood Dalling and through Reepham for Booton and Brandiston.
Taking the road north of Swannington airfield we reached the Haveringland Road and enjoyed a wind assisted couple of high speed miles of wide, well surfaced road that was slightly downhill and took us to Felthorpe.
Knowing that it would be a small group, the route took us along the often busy Shorthorn Road, today it was quiet and again big ring fast. Crossing the B1149 Holt Road was easy, though the A140 was busy and took a while to get across. Then it was Stratton Strawless, down to the B1354 which took us into a busy Horstead, with queues at the roundabout and the bridge into Coltishall, arriving in good time at the Red Lion pub/café.

The café used to be a popular and regular stop for Wheelers, until it closed about three years ago and turned into a takeaway curry house. We were told today that the café reopened about a year ago, we have been past a few times but never noticed it open as a café. Anyway, despite being quiet today, there was a good choice on the menu and some cakes too. We all had different ciabattas, which were very good and the mugs of tea and coffee a good size. So we were all happy to be able to add to the venue list again.

As the leg to the café was 31 miles, the route home was a simple and direct 20 miles. Through St. James to Great Hautbois, Badersfield, Skeyton, Tuttington, Banningham, Colby and Erpingham.
Unusually as we approached St Mary’s Church, Erpingham, the bells were ringing, which was great to hear. According to Neil, it wasn’t a signal of impending doom but a visiting group of bellringers, practicing their craft.
Today’s factoid, Erpingham Church tower was built by Sir Thomas Erpingham, the leader of the English archers at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.

At Calthorpe, Neil headed for home while Chris and Mark continued to Aldborough, where there was a good gathering of motorcycles at the garage, then Bessingham, Gresham and back to PC. Chris won the race up Gibbet Lane by a good margin.

In other news, Graham A is due to finish his week-long cycle tour of Holland this weekend, hopefully we will get a brief report later.
Doug H is currently at the end of day two of his Rebellion Way bikepacking tour. Mark joined him on Friday for the first 50 mile leg to Norwich, then sensibly took the train back home. Doug has confirmed this evening that he is camping around Castle Acre and didn’t catch the train home in Thetford. He also said that the sand and loose gravel tracks around Thetford Forest, were hard work with a laden bike.
Don’t worry Doug, the forecast rain tonight and tomorrow will damp the dust down.

PC to PC was 50 miles at an average 15.4 mph (15.9 Out, 14.7 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Neil M

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 6th May – Billingford Lakes
Saturday 9th May – Old Store, Fring
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

Due to resurfacing works at PC the starting point for the ride was relocated to West Beckham crossroads by the village sign.

Although sunny and a forecast temperature of 13 degrees C it felt much colder due to a strong 17mph easterly wind.

Three wheelers, Chris, Mark and Andrew met at West Beckham picking up the planned route at Gresham. Just before Gresham the peloton was joined by Andy.

Battling the strong easterly wind the four continued through Hanworth before crossing the A140 Cromer Road and then onto North Walsham. At Meeting Hill the usual road blockage was caused by the local bin lorry plus an oil tanker delivering heating oil. Having passed through Honing the road to Dilham was then found to be closed due to resurfacing work. This meant a detour through the small village of Briggate. Due to the wind and the effect of the detour on time it was decided to cut out the Neatishead loop and continue direct to Hoveton via Worstead and Ashmanhaugh. All thanks to Mark’s local knowledge of the roads.

On arrival at the Flora Café (formerly the Hoveton Garden Café but now under new ownership) it was found to be very busy but the group managed to find a table inside rather than outside in the sunny sheltered courtyard. Malcolm arrived shortly after. A leisurely lunch (one hour and ten minutes!!!!!) of bacon and egg breakfast rolls was enjoyed by all. Conversation ranged from the quality of Hunt wheels to how Malcolm could participate in more rides by either catching a train to Wroxham or by moving house from St Olaves back to north Norfolk!

After leaving Malcom to return to St Olaves the return journey was slightly easier due to a tail wind on some sections of the route. The return journey passed through Worstead (again), then onto Skeyton and Banningham. After crossing the A140 the four wheelers passed through Ingworth. Not long after, Andy left the group to return to Corpusty leaving the remaining three wheelers to head back to West Beckham via Plumstead and Baconsthorpe. PS Chris allowed Andrew to win the impromptu race up New Road!

All in all quite a tough ride due to the wind but luckily incident free.

Average Speed 15.3 mph (15.1 Out, 15.5 Back)
Total distance: 50 miles

Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andrew B, Andy S and Malcolm S at lunch

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 2nd May – Red Lion Café, Coltishall
Wednesday 6th May – Billingford 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 Neil M

Two riders met at PC on the nicest Saturday of the year so far. The sky was blue, the sun was warm and there was little wind, so a pleasant day’s riding was in prospect. Ian and Doug joined at Gresham church and then the peloton was completed by Neil and Andy joining at Aldborough primary school.

The outbound route took us over the A140 and round the edge of Gunton Park to Suffield, Felmingham, Swanton Abbott, Scottow, Sloley and on to Worstead. A brief tack North to pick up the Happisburgh road skirting round Witton and passing through Ridlington led us to our lunch stop, the Lighthouse pub at Walcott. The final part of the route was interesting as we almost always use it in the opposite direction, so it felt both strange and familiar at the same time.

Graham had ridden out independently from Cromer and had already bagged us a table in the sheltered garden of the pub. We had to wait a few minutes for food service to begin at noon, but we got our drinks orders in straight away. Filled sandwiches (with an unexpected chip bonus) and jacket potatoes were the favourite choices and proved both tasty and filling.

Our usual wide-ranging conversations included Doug’s bikepacking solo ride of the Rebellion Way next weekend and various upcoming holidays that will make May’s rides rather sparsely attended. Chris was still in training mode for the upcoming TT season, so departed early for a faster solo ride home.

We bid farewell to Graham who was making his own way back to Cromer and set out on the return journey. The wind was mostly from the North and had got a little stronger, so it wasn’t quite as warm on the way back.

Our return route started by heading South through Ostend and past Happisburgh with the usual view of the lighthouse, to head East past East Ruston vicarage gardens, through Crostwight and north again to Bacton, Edingthorpe, Paston and skirting round Mundesley and turning inland again to Trunch. From Trunch we took the usual route through Southrepps and Northrepps and up the hill to Hall road. Doug left at this point to head downhill to Cromer and home.

The remaining group continued to cross the Norwich and Cromer roads and then picked up the fast downhill run in to Metton and then to Sustead where Neil and Andy turned to Aldborough, Wickmere, Little Barningham and on down the Matlaske road to Saxthorpe and home.

Mark and Ian continued on to Gresham where Ian split off to High Kelling and home. Mark continued on alone to PC to complete the ride. A pleasant day out on the bike with good weather and no incidents or punctures.

PC to PC was 60.3 miles at an average 15.1 mph (15.8 Out, 14.6 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Ian A, Doug H, Andy S, Neil M, Graham A at lunch

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 29th April – Hoveton Hall
Saturday 2nd May – Red Lion Café, Coltishall
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Ride report by Andrew B

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ride report by Doug H

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ride report by Ian A

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

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

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

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

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