Author: web1691

Ride report by Mark M
Another sunny and cloudless day, though the strong north easterly wind kept the temperature down, no fear of overheating here. Neil Mc had managed to get a late pass and escape doggy minding duties, so was able to join Doug and Mark at PC. We picked Ian up at Selbrigg, to make a group of four and continued with the wind pushing us, to Holt, down to Hunworth and across to Stody and Gunthorpe.
As we approached Thursford, Neil reminded us that it was the first Saturday of the month and Coffee and Cakes would be available at Thursford Church. Extra cake was too good to miss, so we joined a good number of locals and volunteers at the well organised event. Doug had cash and generously made a donation to cover us all (it’s for roof repairs) only to be told there were no gluten free cakes this month, so he had to watch on as we enjoyed ours, thanks Doug. That lack of extra cake must have been the reason he would fade on the return leg home!

Refreshed and a bit chilly from sitting in the church, we set off with renewed vigour to Great Snoring and on to Fakenham, where we took some quieter roads to the site of Gogg’s Mill on the Wensum and stopped to look at the river and the ever present ducks. Then it was past Hempton Garden Centre and up Beacon Hill towards Tittleshall, reaching a dizzying 89 metres (take note Chris) before turning for Oxwick, Whissonsett and the Old Dairy, Stanfield.
The rear courtyard garden was sunny and wind free so we had a leisurely lunch of well filled and very tasty sandwiches and panini and coffee.

Then we went back to order some of their excellent cakes and more coffee and Doug had a gluten free chocolate orange brownie, so he was very happy.
In Chris’ absence, it was Ian who took over the role of getting us all moving again, so we reluctantly left the sun trap and ventured out into a strong headwind.
Through Brisley to Broom Green and the compulsory photo stop at Bintree Mill, before the steep climb from the mill and on to Bintree.

Outside Foulsham we lost Ian, who had stopped to take photos of large lambs in an oilseed rape field (sadly space limitations meant that photo had to be cut).
It was noticeable today how much colour there was across the landscape, with rape in yellow flower, deep green fields of wheat and barley and white blossom in the hedgerows, spring has arrived.
Continuing into the wind through Guestwick and into Corpusty, where Neil was happy to give up the lead and turn for home, leaving three to continue the battle northwards. At North Barningham, Doug peeled off for Gresham and the final few hard miles to Cromer, Ian keen for an extra couple of miles waited for the West Beckham junction before getting a tailwind back to High Kelling.

PC to PC was 54.3 miles at an average 15.0 mph
Riders: Doug H, Neil Mc, Ian A, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 9th April – Chrysalis Café, Sparham Hill
Saturday 12th April – North Creake Abbey
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Report By Chris S

On a lovely sunny Spanish morning with a high of 22 degrees C and not a cloud in sight only one wheeler, Chris, set off for a circular ride.

The route headed inland via the initial 9 km 275m climb to Benissa. On the climb Chris actually managed to pass a number of other cyclists for once (admittedly one group was a group of girls although they were probably at least 30 years younger and very much fitter looking!). The ride then continued to Senija and Lliber, where after being caught by traffic lights Chris then found himself leading a group of cyclists for the next five miles passing through Xalo (very busy due to market day) and onto Parcent. Luckily (for Chris at least as the pace was beginning to tell plus there was quite a strong headwind) the group turned off towards Benidorm.

Chris’s ride continued downhill (a few more cyclists passed!) through Orba and Benidoleig where a long flat straight stretch with a tail wind took the rider on through Ondara and to Denia. Traffic then slowed progress considerably until the seafront was reached where Chris stopped to take a photo of his dream yacht.

It was then a long steep climb (250 metres in 3km) towards Javea (three more cyclists passed on the climb) followed by a fast ride with lots of hairpin bends down into the town.

The final stretch comprised a further climb to the town of Benitchell and another fast downhill section into Moraira. This just left a very steep 80m climb to reach home.

Rider: Chris S
Total Mileage: 50.48
Average speed : 14.59mph
Total Ascent 1233 metres Total descent 1251 metres

Chris S is back in the Costa Blanca, Spain. Last time he cycled down the mountain, all the spokes in his rear wheel came loose. Now he’s back with a repaired wheel and honed by a winter of spin classes…

San Jamie to Puerto de Bernia @620m
Ride report by Chris S
Wednesday’s ride became manana’s ride due to a delay in the repair to the rear wheel. Therefore on Thursday one ‘billy no mates’ wheeler, Chris set out to climb the mighty Puerto de Bernia. The weather was cool and windy – rather like being at home.

The route started with an initial short down hill run to sea level followed by a 9km 275m up to the town of Benissa. Having worked hard to gain height the route then went downhill again through the town of Senija where a quick stop was made for a photo opportunity against a mural of a very big bike and onto Xalo. Here the serious climbing started all the way to Puerto de Bernia. Despite maximum effort the lone rider was still passed by two groups of younger fitter riders (oh and also two people cheating on electric bikes). However he still managed to catch them up at the top.

The top of the pass was damp, cold and cloudy so after a few minutes Chris set off downhill. just behind one of the other groups of riders. After about 2km Chris came across two rather unpleasant looking large feral dogs running downhill. Clearly they had been chasing the first group of riders. Not wishing to get bitten/eaten he slowed down hoping the dogs would disappear into the undergrowth. Unfortunately this did not happen as just around the next bend they were in wait 10 yards in front with one on each side of the road. There was only one option – pedal like hell and pass through the middle of them. Luckily this strategy worked and Chris survived to live another day.

Apart from some scarily fast downhill mountain stretches of road (even under heavy braking!) the rest of the ride was uneventful passing through Benissa, back down to the coast and home.

Rider: Chris S
Distance: 39.13 miles
Average Speed:13.83 mph
Total Ascent:1254m Total Descent : 1259m

Ride report by Ian A

Xairetisis apo tin Kipro! Y saludos desde Espana! Messages just received from two regular Wheelers currently recovering from the rigours of a Norfolk Winter on a golf holiday in Cyprus and a Gin Tasting (sorry Hill Training) holiday in Spain.

Meanwhile Spring is continuing to give us glorious sunshine, hedgerows ablaze with daffodils and primroses… and a keen easterly breeze to keep us honest. So with Andrew and Chris on holiday, just the three Wheelers met at PC this morning for the ride out to Wroxham Barns and the famous (if now a bit tatty) pink cow at the entrance. With one very new, and one pretty new bike and three very new saddles Mark, Andy and Ian set off. More saddle reports over the coming weeks – though Mark’s posterior seems settled and comfy.
The route took us largely into the easterly wind but initially south through Gresham and Aldborough where we turned into the headwind and onto Suffield, then swinging through Felmingham and Swanton Abbot before crossing the Norwich road, under the main railway line and onto Worstead. (For once, the doors were open at Corvette Kingdom near Felmingham, so it’s good to know they are still operating.) We then looped down and around to Ashmanaugh arriving at the Courtyard Cafe at Wroxham Barns just before midday.

Pretty empty when we got there but it did get busier. We all opted for bacon/sausage baps or combinations thereof. Andy, noting that we were just a small group today, offered to buy the cakes as his bank account is overflowing with oodles of cash after recently selling a house. (I know, it’s rude of me. Thanks Andy, honest!!) It is also worth mentioning we didn’t stop for our normal ‘nature break’ on the ride out. No point really as Chris wasn’t with us to annoy him. On the return leg, Ian took further advantage of Chris’s absence to stop twice for ‘jacket adjustments’. Once to fix the zip that had come undone, and later on to remove the (removable surprisingly) sleeves as he was too warm.
After our baps and cakes generously provided by Andy, we set off in good spirits due to the anticipated tailwind for the return to PC. (Why is it that tailwinds never quite feel as good as headwinds feel bad?) We skirted Coltishall and climbed up the usual hill to The Hautbois and on to Badersfield. Mark tried to tempt us with another stop at the Java Bean Cafe (which is good coffee) but we were on a mission and Andy had to get back to rehome a sick pony. So back to Swanton Abbot, Skeyton, Tuttington and past The Crown at Banningham, then up Scarrow Beck Lane where Mark lit (probably just one) of his afterburners and arrived clear of the other two at the top of the hill. Mind you, no one had said we were racing. At Wickmere we deviated from the planned route to allow Andy to leave us a bit closer to home and head back to Corpusty via Mannington Hall. Mark and Ian continued on via Barningham road and the climb up to Bodham Hill where they made a gentleman’s agreement not to race, though both were probably thinking “I could of ‘ad ‘im easy!” At Hill Farm Ian turned left for the wind-assisted run to High Kelling and Mark turned right to return to PC.
A good ride in uninterrupted sunshine but with the easterly breeze reminding us we were in Norfolk, not Spain or Cyprus.

In other news, Ian recently presented Mark with the OSPR 2024 Award. (A box of nitrile gloves for Outstanding Service to Puncture Repairs last year.) And possibly a bribe to ensure he’s equally helpful this year? Should the need arise!

PC to PC was 51 miles at an average speed of 15.2 mph
Riders: Andy S, Ian A & Mark M.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 5th April – Old Dairy, Stanfield
Wednesday 9th April – Chrysalis Café, Sparham Hill
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

On what promised to be another fine sunny day according to the BBC’s weather forecast four wheelers met at PC for Saturday’s coast to coast ride. In addition, club member Neil Smith stopped for a quick hello and chat having almost completed his early morning ride. With Mark on his immaculate new bike, Chris on his not so clean bike, Andrew and Andy on summer bikes the four wheelers set off.

At Gresham Church Ian, Neil, Doug and Graham joined the ride with Doug enthusiastically looking forward to a less hilly ride than on the previous Saturday.

With a tail wind the ride continued incident free through Hanworth to North Walsham where just after Graham turned back to Cromer. A couple of stops were made enroute to view the partial eclipse of the sun as Andrew had brought along his special cardboard viewing goggles. On the second stop just after 11am we had a superb view of the eclipse. The ride then continued to Honing where another stop was made to admire Honing’s ‘Mile of Daffodils’ and have a photo taken by our resident ‘David Bailey’ (thanks Ian).

It was then onto Waxham via Ingham and Sea Palling. A final sprint to the café saw Neil pip Chris to the finishing line.

At Waxham Barns the group were able to sit outside enjoying the sunshine and as always the excellent and well proportioned food. Malcolm S had cycled over from St Olaves to join the group for lunch.

After the usual good humoured (?) banter, the Wheelers set off back to PC leaving Malcolm to head off south. The return route passed via the ramshackle dune houses at Sea Palling before turning inland into a head wind to Lessingham and onto Knapton, Trunch, Thorpe Market and Hanworth. Just before Hanworth Doug tuned off to Cromer whilst Neil and Andy continued straight on to Corpusty.

Mark, Chris, Andrew and Ian continued back to PC with Ian dropping off at Gresham Church to make his way back to High Kelling.

All in all another enjoyable Club ride on the last Saturday of March before the clocks spring forward with the beginning of Spring.

Distance 54 miles
Average Speed 15.5 mph

Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andrew B, Neil M, Ian A, Andy S, Graham A, Doug H with Malcolm S joining for lunch.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 2nd April – Wroxham Barns
Saturday 5th April – Litcham Deli
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 on a sunny spring morning for a run to Nelsons Cafe, Wells, including occasional visitor Ian who was staying in Holt. The planned route took us through East Beckham, Baconsthorpe, Edgefield, Briston, Stody, Brinton, Sharrington, Field Dalling and Binham, were Ian left us to make his own way back to Holt. The remainder then continued on through Westgate and Warham.
On arrival at Wells we found Nelsons relatively quiet (although it quickly filled) and ordered light lunches of sandwiches and soup. Alas, although arriving at 11:30am we were still too late for breakfast! The food and drinks were good with a number finding room for the excellent cake choices. Chris stuck to his diet and refused to partake in this – there could be no stopping him soon!

After lunch we stopped at Wells quay, then continued through Holkham park (a slog as we were now dead into the wind), Wighton, Binham, Langham, Wiveton and High Kelling, were Ian A left us for home. The remaining four continued back to PC, with Andy leaving us for home at the top of Red Barn lane. The days combativity prize was difficult to decide, with Chris leading a big sprint in the morning from Binham and Ian and Mark make several breaks on the hilly sections in the afternoon. Overall, a great days ride in spring weather conditions.
Graham A has started his hospital treatment, so will be out of action for a few weeks, we wish him all the best.

PC to PC 47.19 miles
Average speed 15.2 mph
Total Elevation 2088 ft

Riders: Mark, Andrew B, Andy S, Ian A, Chris and guest Ian from Holt

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 29th March – Star Inn, Lessingham
Wednesday 2nd April – Wroxham Barns
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 very pleasant and summer like morning Doug, Mark and Chris met at Pretty Corner. Ian being elsewhere on a gravel ride round Thetford Forest, and with Andrew recovering from dental work and advice regarding anaesthesia, we admired Mark’s new wheels and started to contemplate the ride ahead. Then just as we were about to leave, Andrew appeared reporting as ‘fit to ride’ but just a little ‘groggy’ from the dentistry.

With four very keen wheelers basking in the warmth, we began the journey south via, Barningham, Little Barningham, on to Corpusty. At which point we meet Neil by the Dukes Head, and then on to meet Andy eight minutes further on at the outskirts of Corpusty. With a full house we set off to Thurning, through Hindolveston, Fulmodeston, Little Snoring, Great Snoring and onto Waterden where one of the many races to the top of the hill took place. From all accounts it was close with Neil being crowned the overall ‘king of the mountain’ for the day. I could only guess as I was very much last on each one, but maybe next time.

At this point the weather began to shift with the start of a very light drizzle. we arrived for lunch at Norton’s Cafe in Walsingham, which was surprisingly quite. However the food as always was well priced, well portioned and of excellent quality. Graham was there to meet us, and had already indulged in a cake. At this point Neil also joined the feasting with the biggest scone we had ever seen followed by a massive baked potato, and this turned out to be the only thing to beat him all day. Still it didn’t slow him down at all.

With lunch completed we set off up another hill to Thursford on to Gunthorpe and Sharrington. At Letheringsett we said farewell to Graham who took the direct route back to Cromer. Whereas the rest headed up and up to Glandford skirting round Wiveton and up and up to High Kelling. At this point the rain arrived with vengeance. Quite the hilly day and now with added wetness. Shortly after Mark, Andy and Chris headed back to Pretty Corner. With Andrew and Ian continuing a bit further and peeling off back towards Corpusty and Doug making a very bedraggled way back to Cromer. A very nice day with lots of hills and a little rain.

PC to PC was 56.2 miles at an average 14.2mph
Riders: Doug H, Chris S, Mark M, Andrew B, Neil Mc, Andy S, Graham A

In other news, Ian A successfully completed Saturday’s Glorious Gravel’s, Suffolk Gravel X event and sent this report:
Well my alarm went off at 05:15 and up I got!
Set off from High Lodge, Thetford around 0830.
53.6 miles tricky sandy sections and some VERY bumpy sections on hard packed field edges – think cobbles… Seriously. But only for 4-500 yards I guess. And I didn’t fall off. But a bloke near me did in the sandy/loose stuff. And a girl stopped in front of me so I had to put my foot down but I stayed upright… So the ‘gravel stuff ‘ was tough but there was more on roads than I’d expected but I’ve got mixed views on that as it was tough enough! Would I do that one again? I’ll think about that one. Nice scenery etc but you spend all your time looking at the ground avoiding rocks and roots etc!
Averaged 13.6mph.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 26th March – Nelsons, Wells
Saturday 29th March – Star Inn, Lessingham
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Ride report by Mark M
Having woken up to a frost, yet with a forecast for light winds, sun all day and temps around 14c, choosing what to wear was difficult, though most Wheelers arrived at the same conclusion, shorts and a long sleeved jersey or jacket. After an initial chilly start, the day soon warmed up and made for ideal cycling conditions as Andy, Chris, Andrew and Mark headed from PC to Hanworth to pick up Graham A. Graham must have been looking at the previous day’s forecast as he was well wrapped up!
We made good progress as we continued to Suffield, Felmingham and Swanton Abbot, Chris who had been remarking on how hard the previous evening’s spin class had been, kept shooting off in the distance, obviously it wasn’t hard enough to slow him down.
At Worstead we took the lesser used route via the station and the Albert Bartlett plant, then across Sloley Common and the railway line again to reach Upper Street and the remote Tunstead Church. As we approached Coltishall, road works at St James forced a diversion down to the river and through the village before picking up the route again for the final few miles up to Lamas and Skeyton.

Arriving in the garden to park up, we found Ian already enjoying a coffee in the sun and the sunny sheltered patio area was the obvious place to have lunch.
Ian had taken a shorter route as he is riding the Glorious Gravel Thetford event on Saturday and was in his tapering phase prior to the big event, let’s hope he wakes up in time to get there! We have been promised a post event report …
The Goat has some good value light lunches that are also filling and a few of us also enjoyed a pint in the sun, but before we could have a quiet nap, Chris was chivying us up for the homeward leg.
Setting off for Tuttington, across a very busy A140, through the hole in the hedge to Dunkirk, where Graham headed off on a more direct route to Cromer, while we took the Itteringham Common road to Itteringham then past Mannington Hall to the Matlaske Road.
Andy took the opportunity to head back to Corpusty, while we went to Little Barningham and the rolling hills to Edgefield, as we approached the junction Chris finally came off Andrew’s wheel and made a successful sprint for glory! After that effort it was an easier ride to Hempstead and Selbrigg Pond, where Ian, out on his summer bike for the first time this year, seemed confused by having two chainrings again and managed to drop his chain, just yards from turning for home.
That left three to head back to PC, when Chris didn’t turn for Upper Sheringham, we knew he was feeling good and wanted to take on the final challenge of East Beckham hill back to PC, apparently it was a very close contest between Chris and Andrew, with Chris just getting ahead in the final yards.

It was new build bike day for me and despite Ian’s obvious photo implication, it is not made from recycled beer kegs.

PC to PC was 53.6 miles at an average 15.0 mph, surprisingly the return leg, post lunch and uphill was exactly the same speed as the out leg.
Riders: Andy S, Chris S, Andrew B, Mark M, Graham A, Ian A

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 22nd March – Norton’s, Walsingham
Wednesday 26th March – Nelsons, Wells
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Ride report by Mark M
A sunny dry day greeted five Wheelers at PC, though the cold north easterly wind pulled the temperature down and had forced everyone back into their winter kit. Our longer outward leg took us west and then south, so we would have the wind helping us all the way to Reepham.
Ian joined us at PC, which was a surprise as he would normally join us at High Kelling as we passed through, he was obviously feeling keen!
After Bodham and High Kelling we headed for Salthouse Heath, then turned for Bayfield Brecks and dropped down to Letheringsett, crossing the ford at Little Thornage and started heading uphill to Thornage, Burgh Stubbs and Melton Constable, where Jim was waiting for us.
Now a group of six, we had an easy wind assisted downhill run to Hindolveston and Foulsham, then turned for Themelthorpe, Whitwell and up to Reepham and the Station Café.
On arrival we met Graham, sitting outside in the sun and it was decided we would all sit outside, however before all the lunch orders had been placed, the sun disappeared and the same cyclists rushed to find tables indoors. It also meant that lunch was served on crockery instead of a takeaway box, which pleased Chris as he had ordered the soup.
It seemed as if the café had recently changed hands, with different staff, a change of decoration and a slower service, though the food was as good as before.
After lunch Graham joined us as we headed home via Salle, Heydon and towards Corpusty, we turned off at Cropton Hall, while Graham continued on a more direct route back to Cromer. Our route took us through Red Pits and along Blackwater Lane for Briston, where Jim turned for home and the original group of five turned into the wind for the climb up to Edgefield.
So after dragging them uphill and sheltering them from the wind, I was mugged as soon as the end came into view, with Neil, Ian and Chris battling for honours at the top, apparently Neil was first, Ian a very close second (according to Ian) and Chris getting third spot on the virtual podium, Doug kept me company and made sure I didn’t get lost.
Neil followed the old adage of quit when ahead and turned for home, while we continued east to Little Barningham and Wickmere, turning for Matlaske and up Blossom Hill, pausing at the top to pay our respects to the cyclist who died there recently, a spot marked with a selection of flowers.
Next was Gresham, where Ian and Doug headed off in opposite directions, leaving two to complete the loop back to PC.

PC to PC was 49 miles at an average speed of 14.6 mph
Riders: Chris S, Doug H, Neil Mc, Ian A, Mark M, Jim H, Graham A

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 19th March – Goat Inn, Skeyton
Saturday 22nd March – 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/

We all thought Summer had arrived after Saturday’s sunny ride out. Ohhh no it’s not !!
Three Wheelers ( Mark M, Chris S , and Andy S ) met at P.C. and all the lily white legs were all put away and back into winter wear. We set off to grey skies and a cold, keen north westerly wind.

Our route took us through Bodham, Hempstead, Edgefield, Hunworth, Sharrington, over the main road heading out to Field Dalling. All of which seemed to be in a head wind.
At Field Dalling we turned north east to Saxlingham, Cley and onto the Old Reading Rooms at Kelling for a spot of lunch. Soup, pasties, jacket potatoes seemed to be the order of the day and lots of cake.
Graham A took a trip on the Coast Hopper to join us for lunch. Ian A then turned up, after coming directly from home , said he didn’t deserve much lunch as he hadn’t ridden far enough then proceeded to have two portions of cake.

The afternoon took us to Holt, Hunworth, Stody, Briston and up the hill(slope) to Edgefield. Ian and Chris , after making lots of excuses that they were not making a bid for the King of the Mountains, proceeded to speed off in race mode. Ian took the win with Andy acting as broom wagon at the back.

Andy S peeled off down into Corpusty and the remaining three riders made their way to P.C.
A good ride. Hopefully summer will arrive soon and get some well deserved sun on our backs.

PC to PC was 44.4 miles at an average 14.4 mph
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andy S, Ian A and Graham A for lunch.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 15th March – Station Café, Reepham
Wednesday 19th March – Goat Inn, Skeyton
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/