Club Ride to Lily’s Tea Room, North Walsham 12/02/2025

Ride report by Mark M
Another overcast, damp and cold day welcomed Andy, Chris, Andrew and Mark at PC. Ian and Graham would meet us for lunch around 11:30.
Setting off for Metton, then down to the Hanworth road for the run across to Thorpe Market. Just as we approached the village Andrew managed to pick up a large thorn and bit of hedge from a hedgecutter working on the field side of the hedge, though still managing to hurl debris into the road. At the junction with the main road, Andrew stopped to pull out the thorn and surprisingly the tyre stayed up, so we continued the short distance down the A149, turning for Gunton Station. Just as we turned Chris had a spoke break in his rear wheel, he doesn’t have much luck with spokes (last time he used his bike in Spain, all the spokes in the wheels came loose as he tried to descend a mountain), I’m sure he will try to convince us it is due to the power he puts out!
To avoid any further issues, he decided to head the nine miles back to PC. As we set off again, Andrew declared that his tyre was going flat, so we stopped to replace the tube. We then continued to Bradfield, Lyngate, around North Walsham, Spa Common to White Horse Common, as we were now running late, we cut three miles off the planned route and went to Meeting Hill and picked up the route again, heading for Sandy Hills and Hadfields Garden Centre.
Andy had to get home for an appointment, so headed off, while Andrew and I went in to find Ian and Graham tucking into scones and coffee. We had arrived between breakfast and lunch service, so ordered paninis for lunch but started with coffee and cake. A robin kept appearing at the window, it clearly knew where the food was.

Hungry Robin at Lily’s Tea Room, Hadfields, North Walsham 12th Feb 2025

After lunch the four of us crossed the main road and the railway crossing to Tollgate Farm, then down to Westwick and up towards Felmingham, where Graham continued north for Cromer and we turned for Hyltons Crossways, past Corvette Kingdom and on to Colby. Crossing the A140 again to Erpingham, Wolterton, Little Barningham, Plumstead and the Hempstead junction. The planned route was through Hempstead, Selbrigg Pond and back to Bodham Hill, but the cold and damp had weakened my resolve, so we sent Ian home via Hempstead while we took the shorter route to Baconsthorpe and Bodham Hill, then to PC.
Chris reported that he made his way home without further incident and stopped at Black Bikes to see Nick, who replaced his spoke there and then, so he is all set for Saturday.

PC to PC was 42.3 miles instead of the planned 46.4 miles. Average speed 13.6 mph
Riders; Andy S, Chris S, Andrew B, Mark M, Ian A, Graham A

P.S. Book NNW Annual Social Evening by Feb 21st: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/2025/01/29/annual-club-social-evening-2025/

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 15th February – Nelsons, Wells
Wednesday 19th February – Artisan Café, Alby
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/

Club Ride to Junction 21, Themelthorpe 08/02/2025

Ride report by Mark M
Fortunately the strong easterly winds of Friday had abated, though it remained cold, damp and overcast. That didn’t deter a total of seven Wheelers who were out to confront the weather and plenty of mud from the ongoing sugar beet season. Six left from PC and headed via Plumstead and Edgefield for Little London where we picked up regular Wednesday rider Andy S, out for his first Saturday club ride.
We continued on to Thurning, Guestwick and Foulsham, arriving at Junction 21 for about 11:30 and having the place to ourselves for the first half hour before some hardy walkers came in. With plenty of tea and coffee and good value food, plus cakes, everyone was in good spirits and there was plenty of chat, with Ian claiming to have heard a skylark enroute!

Lunch demolished at Junction 21, Themelthorpe 08-Feb-2025. L-R: Ian A, Chris S, Doug H, Neil M, Andy S, Mark M. Andrew B camera.

As we prepared to leave and ventured back outside into the cold, we couldn’t help noticing that it had started to rain and those earlier good spirits soon evaporated and were replaced by general muttering. It was clear that a few hard miles were required to warm everyone up and make them incapable of speech, let alone muttering. So it was Nowhere Lane, Blackwater Lane and up the hill to Great Witchingham, pausing at the top for a breather, before Little Witchingham, Brandiston, Cawston, turning at Southgate to avoid the cable corridor road closure, Oulton Street and Itteringham. Here Neil continued for Mannington and back to Corpusty, while we turned right for Wickmere, Matlaske Wood, Bessingham and Gresham. At Gresham, Ian and Andy headed west, Doug turned east, leaving three to continue north back to pc. The last few miles were the best of the day as the clouds parted and the sun finally made an appearance.

PC to PC was 45 miles at an average 14.2 mph
Riders: Ian A, Neil Mc, Chris S, Andrew B, Mark M, Doug H, Andy S

P.S. Book NNW Annual Social Evening by Feb 21st: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/2025/01/29/annual-club-social-evening-2025/

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 12th February – Lily’s Tearoom, North Walsham
Saturday 15th February – 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/

Club Ride to Stables Café, Blickling 05/02/2025

Ride report by Andrew B
Five riders met at PC on a cold, but dry winters morning, for a run to the Stables Café, Blickling With Mark leading, the five set off on the planned route through East Beckham, Lower Gresham, Sustead, Hanworth, Alby, Erpingham, Colby, Felmingham, Tuttington and Aylsham. The route was uneventful and with a bit of winter sun we soon warmed up.
On arrival at Blickling we found Graham who had already bagged a table for us all. We all enjoyed a good lunch with the soup and scone combo being the most popular choice, although other went for more substantial options. Ian displayed his recent bargain jersey purchase to us all (not sure if he has shares in the supplier!)

The Magnificent Five at Blickling Hall, 5-Feb-2025. L-R: Andrew B, Mark M, Graham A, Andy S, Chris S. Ian A camera.

After lunch Graham left to make his own way home, whilst the remainder followed the route through Silvergate, Oulton, Corpusty (were Andy S peeled off for home), Ramsgate Street, Edgefield, Hempstead and Selbrigg Pond were we stopped to check out the swans! Shortly after this Ian left to make his way back to High Kelling (he assured us he had done the rest of the route on the way to PC in the morning!). The remaining three riders then followed the route back PC via. Bodham and West Beckham, with Chris leaving us at West Beckham. Even though it was a relatively short ride I think we all found it enough! Overall, a good days cycling in fine weather for the time of year.

PC to PC 42 miles
Average speed 14.0 mph
Total Elevation 1600 ft

Riders: Andrew B, Andy S, Chris S, Ian A, Graham A, Mark M

P.S. Stables Café reopened on Monday after a refurb, which would explain the loss of the big table and the appearance of the pillows on the ceiling (supposed to be feed sacks, I think): https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/24911335.stables-cafe-blickling-hall-norfolk-reopens/

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 8th February – Junction 21, Themelthorpe
Wednesday 12th February – Lily’s Tearoom, North Walsham
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/

Club Ride to The Rising Sun, Coltishall 01/02/2025

Ride report by Ian A
On yet another chilly and overcast morning, Andrew, Chris, Mark and Neil met at PC for the ride south to Coltishall, picking up Ian at the top of Red Barn Lane. The route before lunch was largely downhill but into the southerly headwind and took us initially via Gresham, Sustead and Hanworth. We then crossed the Norwich Road and continued on to Thorpe Market, Gunton and Bradfield before skirting the suburbs of North Walsham. This involved a fair climb up Bluebell Road/Marshgate to the Infant School and then a descent down to Whitehorse Common. (Ian remarked that maybe North Walsham had once been an ancient Hill Fort? Nonsense really.) Anyway, onwards via Meeting Hill and Worstead and its impressive church. Heading south out of Worstead, we skirted Tunstead and turned southwest to arrive at the Rising Sun just before midday.

Waterfront at the Rising Sun, Coltishall 1st Feb-2025

We received a warm welcome, were shown to a large table and hot drinks and a beer were ordered straight away. Moments later Malcolm arrived. His pristine bike was flecked with mud spots but he seemed to be okay with it. Just. It was good to see Malcolm who had been missing in action for quite some time. So we had a lengthy catch up (a lot of it involving the life and times of seals and their pups), giving time for more tea & coffee. Chris didn’t seem to get tooo twitchy. Several of us enjoyed a very good soup (extra bread was requested and supplied FoC!) and the loaded fries were also a success. The service was excellent and friendly throughout.

A good lunch at the Rising Sun, Coltishall 1st Feb-2025. L-R: Mark M, Malcolm S, Chris S, Andrew B, Neil M, Ian A

The sun came out briefly during lunch, but then retreated and it actually seemed colder on the return leg – but we benefited from a tailwind and made good progress, despite the route being predominantly uphill after lunch. Malcolm left with us but soon turned off to make his way back home to St Olaves. The route back went via Gt/Lt Hautbois, Lamas, Buxton, Brampton, skirting Aylsham, then north to Ingworth, Calthorpe and Wickmere where we bid farewell to Neil as he turned off to head back to Corpusty, hoping to be slightly too late to walk the dog… The remaining four continued on to Matlaske and on to the (increasingly obligatory) ‘sprint’ up to the mast at the top of Bodham Hill. This got interesting. Andrew has definitely found a few more watts having followed advice and raised the saddle on Mark’s (sorry his) new bike. We had a brief discussion about where the finishing line was (ie the top of the hill just round the corner.) Andrew was going great guns and was on for the win, but clearly didn’t know where the finish line was so Ian went past him, claimed the win and defended his title from last Wednesday. Sorry Andrew, ‘you snooze, you lose’. Chris and Mark were happy to keep their powder dry for next time maybe?… After the normal senseless jibing at the foot of New Road, Ian turned left for High Kelling, whilst the remainder of the peloton headed back to PC. An excellent ride.

(Interesting to note the tailwind more than offset the climbing on the way back as I averaged 14.1mph before lunch but nearly 15mph after lunch.)
P.S No record of North Walsham Hill Fort, but a record of those that fought:
https://www.northwalshamheritage.org.uk/peasants-revolt-1381/

PC to PC was 47 miles at an average speed of 14.4 mph.
Riders: Andrew B, Chris S, Ian A, Mark M, Neil M, Malcolm S (for lunch)

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 5th February – Stables Café, Blickling
Saturday 18th February – 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/

Club Ride to the Dial House, Reepham 29/01/2025

Ride report by Chris S
As usual the peloton, comprising Chris, Andrew, Mark and Andy met up at PC. The weather forecast was for dry sunny spells with a moderate westerly breeze and a high of 8 degrees C. Luckily it didn’t disappoint.

This was the first outing for Mark’s new “Fairlight” bike which had been sitting in his kitchen for almost a year and had almost become an “objet d’art” (or possibly obsolete!). Not withstanding this the bike looked stunning in its metallic plum colour. However, the surprising thing was after hearing so much about the bike from Mark, it wasn’t actually Mark riding it! It was Andrew B. It transpired that Mark had obviously tired of this magnificent machine sitting in his kitchen with nowhere to go so had sold the bike onto Andrew and instead bought a Mason frame to build up. Hopefully this should be available for sale early next year! It’s a 56 frame. Early expressions of interest welcomed!

Anyway, back to the ride report. The four wheelers passed through Gresham, Bessingham, Calthorpe and Blickling. At Heydon a slight detour had to be made due to roadworks. Shortly after this Ian, looking slightly flushed, caught the group up. Apparently, the peloton having left PC dead on time had passed Gresham church just before 10:08am at which time Ian arrived. Due to a lack of communication the peloton didn’t stop to wait. Therefore, as soon as Ian realised, he had to pedal hard to catch up.

The five Wheelers then continued through Cawston, Brandiston and Whitwell to the Dial House at Reepham where Graham was waiting sitting outside in the sunshine having made his own way there.

Andrew B’s new Fairlight gravel steed, outside the Dial House, Reepham, 29-Jan-2025

After rolls, cake and coffee (highly unusual for Chris who normally only drinks tea!) the riders headed back to PC leaving Graham to make his own way again back to Cromer.

Good coffee and cakes by Bread Sauce, Dial House Reepham. L-R Ian A, Andy S, Mark M, Chris S, Graham A, Andrew B camera. 29th Jan 2025

The uneventful return ride went via Guestwick, Hindolveston, Briston and Edgefield where Andy S turned off homewards to Corpusty. After Baconsthorpe Andrew was determined to show off the performance of his new (to him) bike sprinting up to the top of the hill on New Road. Unfortunately for him Ian made an unprecedented last minute dash from behind just pipping him at the brow of the hill. At the junction with Rectory Road Ian then turned towards High Kelling. Shortly after Chris turned left to head home via Upper Sheringham leaving Mark and Andrew to return to PC.

Total Distance: 46.3 miles at an average speed of 14.0 mph
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andrew B, Andy S, Ian A and Graham A (for lunch only)

P.S.
Kalas Club Kit open until 9th Feb 2025 – £30 discount available for members first order – https://nnwheelers.co.uk/membership/club-clothing/

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 1st February – Rising Sun, Coltishall
Wednesday 5th February – Stables Café, Blickling
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/

Club Ride to Chrysalis Café, Sparhamhill 25/01/2025

First ride report by Doug H – Thanks Doug!
Four Wheelers, Mark, Chris, Neil and Doug meet at Pretty Corner on a cold but sunny morning, with only one complaint, that the orange thing in the sky just needed to be a bit higher so we could see where we were going. Just before we set off, we discovered the long-awaited new bike day for Mark had now become a new bike day for Andrew. We all reflected that this was a great way to keep that new bike feeling going for just a bit longer. We all are now looking forward to seeing Andrew’s new bike and continuing the joy of discussing what Mark’s next new bike will be!
We then headed out south via West Beckham, then at the junction of Rectory Road and New Road we picked up Ian, the fifth Wheeler for the day, with the sixth wheeler Graham (we thought) on his way directly to the lunch stop at The Bug Park in Sparhamhill. We then rode on via Baconsthorpe, Hunworth, Thornage, Sharrington, Gunthorpe. Suddenly, we hung a right on the bequest of Ian to see the rather nice St Andrews Church at Thursford. It was delightful, but only improved with the discovery that there is a once month homemade cake, tea and coffee offer. This may become a future first stop on a Saturday ride.
Now we had a choice, we either took puncture alley or the road of mud. Ian made the quick decision to go via puncture alley and off we went. Through Barney, Fulmodeston, Stibbard, Wood Norton, and Foulsham. Suddenly Ian declared a puncture, oops! We did reflect that with the sun out, this was not a hardship and with Mark ready, surgical gloves and frame pump in hand, we enjoyed the minor heatwave as Ian wrestled with the task of fixing the puncture. All we will say is that Mark was ready to go on the second attempt to sweep in majestically.
With Graham believed to be waiting, we accelerated to lunch, hoping the delay wouldn’t mean we would miss him. On our arrival we discovered no Graham, but a message to Mark informing us that he had also had a puncture and would not be joining us. We then enter a rather technical discussion on the merits of whether Graham’s puncture would count on the puncture leaderboard.

Hearty breakfasts at the Bug Café, Sparhamhill 25-Jan-2025. L-R: Neil M, Ian A, Mark M, Doug H, Chris S.

We then ordered and ate heartedly and marvelled at how some of the group were able to eat what could only be described as US portions. We then began the shorter ride back via Whitwell, Reepham, Crabgate, Saxthorpe, with Neil heading home in Corpusty. It has to be said that the shorter route back did not help Doug, who could only be described as a pedestrian. (At this point I would like to thank the rest of the group for waiting patiently.) We continued on and at the junction to Gresham, Doug bade farewell to the three Wheelers, who continued on, saying goodbye to Ian at the junction of Plum Lane and Mill Road as he headed home to High Kelling. The final two, Mark and Chris then continued back to Sheringham. A great day to ride in the sunshine and thank you all for the company.

PC to PC was 48.6 miles at an average of 14.0 mph
Riders: Chris S, Ian A, Mark M, Neil M, Doug H

Thursford Church: https://www.thursford.org.uk/st-andrews-church-thursford

Kalas Club Kit open until 9th Feb 2025 – £30 discount available for members first order – https://nnwheelers.co.uk/membership/club-clothing/

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 29th January – Dial House, Reepham
Saturday 1st February – Rising Sun, 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/

Club Ride to Three Horseshoes, Warham 22/01/2025

Ride report by Andrew B
Four riders met at PC on a cold and wet winters morning for a run to the Horseshoes at Warham. With Mark leading, the four set off on the planned route with a stop at High Kelling to pick up Ian. The route took us through West Beckham, High Kelling, Newgate, Glanford, Saxlingham, Field Dalling, Langham, Binham and onto Warham. Chris left midway to complete the route on his own due to domestic commitments.

Arriving at The Three Horseshoes, Warham after a cold & wet ride there, 22-Jan-2025. L-R, Mark M, Andy S, Andrew B. Ian A camera.

On arrival at the pub we were greeted by a welcome fire which was much appreciated given the cold and damp weather. We all enjoyed an excellent lunch with some having room for the famous pies!
Thankfully the rain had stopped when we left the pub and we made our way back through Wighton, Thursford, Gunthorpe, Sharrington, Brinton, Stody, Hunworth, Baconsthorpe and back to PC.
Ian was the clear winner of the climb from Hunworth with Andy in close pursuit. There was brief stop to observe Cattle Egrets (who knew!) observed by Ian. Andy S left at Edgefield and Ian at Baconsthorpe to make their own way home, leaving Mark and Andrew B to complete the ride to PC. Although a cold and wet day I think we all enjoyed it but mainly in retrospect!

PC to PC 45 miles
Average speed 13.1 mph
Total Elevation 2040 ft
Andrew B, Andy S, Chris, Ian and Mark leading.

P.S.
Kalas Club Kit open until 9th Feb 2025 – £30 discount available for members first order – https://nnwheelers.co.uk/membership/club-clothing/

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 25th January – Chrysalis Café, Sparham Hill
Wednesday 29th January – Dial House, Reepham
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/

Club Ride to Banningham Crown 18/01/2025

Ride report by Ian A
A very cold morning but no frost greeted our merry band this morning. And the roads were generally dry (apart from the usual farm mud in places). In full deep winter gear, 4 Wheelers met at PC and arrived in a chirpy mood to collect Ian at the Selbrigg Road junction at High Kelling. The conversation was hard to discern as Doug had brought a bag of spanners with him (“Don’t worry it’s just excess chain wax and it’ll crumble off”) and Andrew (with a last minute bike change and a dubious rear tyre which fortunately stayed inflated) had collected some noisy mud in his front mudguard. The route took us past Selbrigg Pond (a pair of pochards (ducks) were seen there last month apparently) then through Hempstead and crossing the Norwich road and up Rectory Road to collect Neil at the old White Horse junction at the top of Edgefield. Neil also had some noisy ‘mudguard mud’ and various mud sticks were employed during the ride to quieten things down – not to mention save a few watts.

The intrepid 6 then continued on good roads to Briston, skirting Heydon, back across the Norwich Road and onto Blickling, Ingworth and Banningham, arriving with perfect timing at The Crown just before midday when the food service begins. A wise route reversal by Mark had ensured this! (Chris carried on without lunch as he needed to get home early.)

Arriving for lunch at Banningham, 18-Jan-2025. L-R: Doug H, Chris S, Mark M, Neil M, Andrew B. Ian A camera.

The rest of us received a warm welcome inside the Crown and there was a nice fire going. Fortunately the table next to the fire was reserved as that might have been a bit too comfortable! But a nice table in an alcove kept us out of harm’s way and the tea/coffees plus beer & cider (no names) arrived promptly, soon followed by hearty brunches/lunches and large ciabatta sandwiches. All very tasty. After lunch we saddled up and headed on to Felmingham and Antingham where we crossed the mainline railway, turned sharp right and continued on to Bradfield, Trunch, Southrepps and Northrepps where soon after we bid farewell to Doug who headed back to Cromer (and in fairness to him, he’d left behind his bag of spanners much earlier on the ride).

Beet harvest in full swing at Gresham, 18-Jan-2025. L-R: Mark M, Neil M, Andrew B. Ian A camera

The remaining 4 continued on to Metton and Gresham Church where Mark and Andrew continued on the route back to PC, while Neil and Ian turned left up the hill towards High Kelling. Neil soon took the left turn towards the Barninghams to head back to Corpusty, leaving Ian to continue back to High Kelling.

PC to PC was 47.3 miles at an average of 14.4mph
Riders: Andrew B, Chris S, Doug H, Ian A, Mark M, Neil M

Reminder that Membership Fees are due if not yet paid: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/membership/

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 22nd January – Warham Horseshoes
Saturday 25th January – 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/

Club Ride to All Things Nice, Cawston 15/01/2025

First ride report by Andy S – Thanks Andy!

After all the cold weather and the Christmas break we finally met at PC for the first ride of 2025. The weather was very misty and damp but warm for the time of year.

Five members set off from PC ( Mark, Andrew, Ian, Chris and Andy) through to Gresham and onto Hanworth where we met Graham. Onwards to Aldborough, Aylsham, Oulton Street and then to Cawston. Just before Cawston we found the road closed due to the electric cable laying ( the first of two road closures). Retracing our route we found an alternative way into Cawston.

Lunch break was at “All Things Nice “ Cawston, where we sampled their excellent fry ups.

Tasty breakfasts at All Things Nice, Cawston 15-Jan-2025. L-R: Mark M, Andrew S, Graham A, Andrew B, Chris S, Ian A camera

We had a presentation given by Mark to Chris S for the most punctures on Club Rides for 2024, with 6 punctures in the year. He was awarded a very smart puncture repair kit.

Chris S (left) accepts the Velox Trophy from Mark M for having the most punctures (6) on Club Rides in 2024. Cawston 15th Jan 2025

After lunch Graham and Chris left the group for a more direct route home ( Chris for domestic duties). The remaining four of us headed off through Booton (past Steven Fry’s former house ), Reepham, Kerdiston and Wood Dalling. The roads were wet and dirty and every farmer on Norfolk has been trimming road side hedges so amazing no punctures to report.
I dropped off at Corpusty and left the remaining three to make their way back to PC.
(Editor’s note-Andrew B punctured after hitting a hole at the end of Town Close Lane and we fixed his front Gatorskin on Edgefield Road)

All bikes will be needing a good wash and maintenance after this ride. Clean bikes will be inspected at the next ride.

PC to PC was 45.3 miles at an average of 13.7 mph
Riders: Andy S, Chris S, Andrew B, Ian A, Mark M, Graham A

P.S.
Kalas Club Kit open until 9th Feb 2025 – £30 discount available for members first order – https://nnwheelers.co.uk/membership/club-clothing/
Black Bikes of Sheringham has reopened: https://www.blackbikesadventurehub.co.uk/

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 18th January – Banningham Crown
Wednesday 22nd January – Warham Horseshoes
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/

Club Ride to Courtyard Café, Holkham 28/12/2024

Ride report by Mark M
On a very chilly, damp and foggy morning, Doug, Clive and Mark met at PC before meeting Ian at Bodham Hill, then picking up Neil at Edgefield. So we had a group of five out for the post-Christmas mince pie burning ride, all feeling overfed and a bit lethargic.
Continuing at a steady pace towards Briston, Stody, Sharrington and across a very quiet A148 towards Field Dalling and to Binham, then heading west to Wighton. From Wighton it was the long drag up to the Fakenham Road at Egmeer, passing on the way a wheat field full of hundreds of hungry geese (Pinkfoot according to Ian).
After a breather at the crossroads we continued on to Holkham south gate, where Ian wrestled with the self-closing pedestrian gate, finally managing to hold it open long enough for us all to slip through before it slammed closed, waiting for the next victim.
The obelisk was lost in the fog, finally appearing out of the gloom as we nearly reached it. Crossing the cattle grid, a herd of Fallow Deer were close to the road, many sporting huge antlers for their size, then there were more geese in the lake, safe from the dogs and children milling about.
Arriving in the café just before noon, earlier talk of just having a sandwich or snack was soon forgotten when warming soup or steaming chilli was on offer and it certainly helped to warm us up.
We needed it, as it seemed to have become colder when we set off again, so we skipped the loop down to Wells quay as it was too cold and foggy, instead we set a good pace back to Binham to generate a bit of heat and warm up cold hands and feet. From Binham we went to Langham, with Clive turning for Blakeney, while the rest continued to Wiveton and the Bridgefoot Lane challenge. On the first section, they didn’t want to show their hand, then we had to stop briefly at Holt Road for traffic, with Ian then trying to get away, so it was a three way battle to the top of the hill, Neil made a late lunge but it was too late, Ian had beaten them all… We stopped to get our breath back and wait for Doug, who finally appeared and told us he had been heading towards Holt, good old Garmin!
The final and possibly best moment of the day (though Ian may disagree) was our perfect timing at the NNR bridge just as the steam train engine arrived from Weybourne, enveloping us in a cloud of steam, smoke and nostalgia.
At the main road, Ian turned for home and a celebratory mince pie or two, while the rest continued on to Red Barn Lane for the final split.

Article about the geese migration: https://www.northnorfolkliving.co.uk/articles/little-living/more-than-a-wild-goose-chase/

PC to PC was 47 miles at an average of 14.2mph
Riders: Clive A, Doug H, Mark M, Ian A, Neil M

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 1st January – No Ride
Saturday 4th January – Rising Sun, 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/