Author: web1691

Ride report by Ian A
On what promised to be a blustery and showery day, only three Wheelers were available due to rider injuries, a wife’s injury and a family Christmas commitment.
Andrew and Ian set off from High Kelling to meet Doug at PC. Ian didn’t quite make it to PC as he took a call from his brother-in-law on the way (something about a pair of blue tights?…) Despite some early drizzle the weather remained dry all day, though there was a persistent SW breeze averaging 20mph. The route from PC took us directly south to Itteringham and towards Oulton, turning east to Oulton Street and skirting Aylsham. A moment’s hesitation at Aylsham where we contemplated stopping early given the forecast, but no, the Three Musketeers were all up for carrying on, especially with the lure of a Full English Breakfast at Watsons!
The route continued via Tuttington, and down the muddy track to the railway crossing just south of North Walsham. The brambles on the left of the track were in an aggressive mood, but we all managed to bat them away and stay upright (only just for Ian). During lunch, Doug removed a thorn from his jersey. In hindsight, we could have just ridden on the right side of the track. Where was the ever vigilant Mark when we needed him! Then it was across the North Walsham bypass, onto Witton and arriving at Watsons around midday. Not too busy and friendly service as ever. We were just too late for the breakfast menu. But no matter, the All Day Breakfast is the first thing on the lunch menu! Two veggie FEBs and one meaty FEB were quickly delivered and devoured and washed down with decent coffee.

And Andrew kindly bought the mince pies (gluten-free carrot cake for Doug) to belatedly celebrate his birthday earlier in the week. We were all in good spirits over lunch, we’d stayed dry, the sun was shining and we’d made good progress with a tailwind for much of it. (Sad to report that we had to relegate Doug to the back of the bunch, due to a short rear mudguard causing anyone behind him to get coated with a muddy spray. Christmas beckons and hopefully a further six inches of plastic strip will be in Doug’s stocking.) As we got up to leave the skies had turned much darker, it was ‘almost drizzling’ and we had the prospect of a headwind for most of the return leg. (Not much chat on the way back!) The route went via Paston, Knapton, Trunch, Antingham, crossing the Cromer Road to Suffield, alongside Gunton Park, then crossing the Norwich Road towards Aldborough. At the Aldborough turning, Doug bid us farewell and a Merry Christmas and took the more direct route back to Cromer via Sustead and Metton. Andrew and Ian continued on to Barningham Winter and up to the radio mast at Bodham Hill and down New Road to Hill Farm. At this junction the route turned right to head back to PC, but High Kelling beckoned so they turned left to head back home. (The average ride speed was 12.9mph on the return leg compared to 14.6mph on the outward leg.)

PC to PC would have been 47 miles at an average speed of 13.8mph
Riders: Andrew B, Doug H, Ian A

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 25th December – No Ride – It’s Christmas
Saturday 28th December – Courtyard Café, Holkham
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
On a chilly but dry and soon to be sunny day Mark and Chris set off from PC to pick up Ian at High Kelling for the ride to a Wheelers’ staple – Norton’s cafe & bar at Little Walsingham. Neil had meant to meet at PC too, but Doggy Daycare duties meant he was delayed leaving home and made his own way to Norton’s.
The route from PC went via West Beckham, kissing Bodham before cutting down to Lower Bodham and the Selbrigg Road/A148 junction at High Kelling where they met Ian. No kissing. The threesome went over the NNR bridge and on to Wiveton, Glandford, Saxlingham and Field Dalling. Between the last 2 villages a low flying skein of 100+ pinkfooted geese flew over, honking away and lit underneath by the low bright sun it was a lovely sight. Ian slowed to admire them and as a result ‘lost the wheel’, which cost him a small reprimand later. Tough school! Ian caught up with watts to spare and at Binham we bumped into Harvey who turned round and joined us for a couple of miles for a natter. I’m pleased to report that Harvey was in fine fettle, is racking up significant mileage and looked good, riding one handed up a hill with us (well OK, a slight incline) and easily holding a conversation. (Form is temporary but class is timeless, they say…) The remaining threesome continued to Copys Green, where again, Ian ‘lost the wheel’ by dint of following the route and not taking a small but sneaky shortcut – instigated by Chris. Again, this earned Ian a small reprimand later on, but he’s pretty sure he retains the moral high ground…
At Great Walsingham Mark elected (as ever) to cycle through the ford crossing the River Stiffkey, while Ian & Chris elected for the foot/cycle bridge. No dramas. Swinging into Little Walsingham we found Norton’s very quiet inside with a few tables reserved and laid with Christmas crackers, but there was a large table where Neil was already seated. The food was generous as ever, but Mark had opted for the ‘complicated’ fish finger sandwich & chips and the waitress told him there’d be a 10 minute delay as they had a large party upstairs. Well, the 10 minutes was clearly to allow someone to pop over to Wells and fish something out of the sea as it was probably 20+ minutes before said sandwich arrived at the table. But it was mighty. Mark managed it with ease though, and even his cake seemed to slip down nicely too.

After the rest of us put the world to rights whilst Mark ate, we departed. The route back took us initially via Houghton St. Giles, crossing the Stiffkey again – deeper and muddier this time so we all opted to walk our bikes over the bridge. No submerged and/or lost pilgrims were spotted. We made good progress to Great Snoring and Hindringham (helped by a general tailwind on the way back) but when we turned up Bale Road it was badly flooded again. Mark elected not to ‘give it a go’ and ‘show true leadership’ as he did last winter where he came to rest half way through the flood, up to his knees in water. So we sensibly turned round and went along the Thursford Road, turning for Gunthorpe and on to Sharrington where we picked up the original route and went via Brinton, Stody, Hunworth and up the Hunworth Road to Edgefield (crossing the River Glaven this time) with Mark beasting us all up the climb. (Chris must have dropped his chain or something as he was a good few seconds behind when we all reached the top.) From Edgefield we crossed the B1149 Norwich Road and on to Plumstead where Neil diverted back to Corpusty to make his day worthwhile and not get back toooo early… Shortly after Neil had peeled off, Ian diverted back to High Kelling via Baconsthorpe and Selbrigg Pond, leaving Chris and Mark to continue back to PC via Bessingham and Gresham, and then home to Sheringham.

PC to PC was 48.5 miles at an average speed of 14 mph.
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Ian A, Neil M

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 18th December – Stables Café, Blickling
Saturday 21st December – 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 Mark M
After the recent winds and rain, we were fortunate to have an overcast but dry day with a light, chilly north easterly. Even the roads were mainly dry and my bike didn’t require a wash at the end of the ride.
Chris, Andrew S and Mark set off from PC via Bodham to the Selbrigg Road to meet Ian and Andrew B, then through Hempstead, Edgefield, down the hill to Hunworth and then through the ford to Thornage.
Then we made our way to Sharrington, across the A148 to our most westerly point at Field Dalling, turning into the wind for Saxlingham, Wiveton Downs and into Wiveton itself.

For a change we continued to the Coast Road, into Cley, turning right at Picnic Fayre, then onto Church Lane, past the allotments and the Church to Newgate, arriving back on the familiar Holt Road hill. Then it was the long grind up the hill to the top on Bridgefoot Lane, where nearing the top, Ian surprised Chris with a late acceleration and shot past him, proving his knee is much improved.
It was an easy pedal across Salthouse Heath and down to Kelling and the Old Reading Room, where we found Graham guarding the large table and already enjoying his lunch after a more direct route from Cromer.
With four people having soup, the table was soon inundated with pieces of crockery and a multitude of cutlery. Andrew B demonstrated the correct etiquette for soup spoon placement and described the correct rules for the passing of the Port and it became clear why he had been appointed Commodore of the Blakeney Sailing Club.

So, after a good lunch and plenty of tea and coffee, it was time to venture back out into the cold and make our way uphill to Holt, warming up along the way. At Holt Graham turned off for Cromer, while we made our way through town to turn off for Hunworth. Andrew B then had a phone call which required him to return home, leaving four to continue to Hunworth, Stody, Briston and up to Edgefield, where Andrew S turned for home.
The remaining trio continued on the hilly road to Plumstead Green, then headed back into Hempstead, where Ian headed for Selbrigg and home, leaving Chris and Mark to continue to Baconsthorpe and home.

PC to PC was 44.3 miles at an average of 14.0 mph
Riders: Andrew S, Chris S, Mark M, Ian A, Andrew B, Graham A

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 14th December – Nortons, Walsingham
Wednesday 18th December – 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/

Ride report by Chris S
Despite a yellow weather warning due to Storm Darragh forecasting gale force winds and heavy rain certain hardier members of the Wheelers Club were not deterred from their Saturday ride.

Mark and Chris met up at PC. The weather albeit cold was not as bad as initially forecast with a little bit of light rain and a moderate breeze. The forecast had changed so that the worst of the weather was due to kick in in the afternoon. However the roads were very wet and slippery due to mud and wet leaves.

The two wheelers collected Doug at Gresham Church before continuing the route. Within an hour the rain had stopped altogether. The three rode onwards through Bessingham, Itteringham and Cawston. In order to avoid the incoming bad weather a decision was taken to shorten the route going via Reepham and onto Themelthorpe – a deviation which saved some 5 miles.

On arrival at Junction 21 Doug who had been following up the rear appeared very splattered in mud believing it had something to do with Chris’s mudguard who he had been following. As Chris wasn’t splattered with mud he really couldn’t understand what Doug’s problem was!

Anyway, after a light lunch (or breakfast which pleased Mark as we had arrived shortly after 11am) it was decided to also cut the homeward route by some 4 miles. So with Mark leading the 3 man peloton bypassed Guestwick to Briston, Hempstead and Baconsthorpe. Luckily a strong tail wind was enjoyed making the ride easy. However just after Baconsthorpe the heavens open soaking everyone.

Chris turned off before East Beckham to head home via Upper Sheringham leaving Mark to continue back to PC and Doug back to Cromer.

Riders: Chris S, Mark M and Doug H

Total Distance: PC to PC 35.3 miles instead of planned 45 miles
Average Speed: 14.9 mph

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 11th December – Old Reading Room, Kelling
Saturday 14th December – Nortons, 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 Mark M
Mark, Chris and Andrew S met at PC on a dry, cold, sunny morning, with light winds. Setting off through Gresham, through Felbrigg Park to Cromer Zoo and then up to the top of Northrepps Hill to meet Graham.

Graham had seen Ian A go past a few minutes earlier, on his way to Heydon, following the route but at an easier pace. Chris, who had been telling us how much the previous evening’s Spin Class had taken out him, suddenly decided that he would set off and chase down Ian. His early efforts were in vain as we caught up with him near Southrepps as the road was blocked by three beet lorries and a JCB loader and we had to take to the field to get around them, then in the village a council drain cleaning lorry blocked the road.
Finally free of the obstacles, we continued to Antingham, Hyltons Crossways, Tuttington and into Alysham via Dunkirk. Heading out of Aylsham on the Heydon Road to Oulton Street, we saw Chris and Ian heading towards us. There was work taking place at the cable corridor road crossing and they refused to let anyone through, so it was back to Able Heath and the low road to Oulton Street. Then we turned at Cawston Southgate for the final push to Heydon, all arriving before Chris as he had gone ahead and followed the route while took the shorter direct route.
By now the earlier sunny morning had long gone and turned grey, damp and misty, so we were pleased to get inside and warm up by the wood stove.
I’m pleased to report that proper sized pots of tea were served, with a jug of hot water to top them up, the coffees looked good as well. The food was also of generous size and very tasty.
Setting off again after lunch, it felt very cold and damp, Graham turned for Corpusty and a direct route back to Cromer, while we headed for Thurning, Sandy Lane and Little London. Andrew turned for home, Ian was behind us going at his own pace, so Chris and I headed up to Edgefield, out to Plumstead Green and then to Hempstead, Selbrigg Pond, Bodham and back to PC.

PC to PC was 49.6 miles at an average 14.3 mph
Riders: Chris S, Andrew S, Mark M, Graham A, Ian A

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 7th December – Junction 21, Themelthorpe
Wednesday 11th December – Old Reading Room, Kelling
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
Five Wheelers met at PC on a dull, damp and frankly pretty dreary morning for the ride to Pensthorpe Park. Chris, Clive, Ian, Mark & Neil set off in very light (and unexpected) drizzle and picked up Graham and Doug at the top of Red Barn Lane. Doug was bemoaning the steep climb out of Gresham to get there. But it was all OK as he stopped mentioning it by Saxthorpe… The peloton of 7 set off south through the Barninghams, then past Mannington Hall. As we made the turn we said goodbye to Graham who was out on a shorter 25 mile loop back to Cromer to get back for lunch. What’s cooking I wonder?…
We stopped in Corpusty so Clive could buy a bottle of water having left his at home, Well at his age no surprise. What was I saying? Oh yes, the ride: So the 6 riders and 6 bottles continued on to Wood Dalling, Guestwick and on to Little Ryburgh for the inevitable climb before the final drag up the main road to Pensthorpe Park and the Courtyard Cafe. The cafe wasn’t busy, we were served quickly and found a large table for us all.
Ian had clearly won the competition for muddiest kit by lunchtime. He felt that a slightly too short mudguard on the man in front was to blame (no names but he does have a very large garage), not aided by Ian’s determination not to lose the wheel in front. (More on Ian’s front wheel later.) We enjoyed a good lunch of soup, sandwiches and a smattering of cakes before Chris was keen to get mounted up and maximise ‘garage time’ later.

The return leg went via Kettlestone, Fulmodeston and Hindolveston where Ian stopped to fix a front puncture, having vainly hoped a bit more air in it a couple of miles back might get him home. (Vittoria Revolution and his first puncture on that bike which is now on its third Norfolk Winter, so not bad going.)

Not for the first time, Chris’s garage was calling so he left us to it at this point. The tyre was a little obstinate to say the least to remove and refit but Mark donned his latex gloves and with the hands of a surgeon got it back on in a jiffy – no tools required. Thanks Mark! Re-inflated we continued on via Nethergate and Thurning and towards Corpusty where Neil turned for home leaving the remaining 4 riders to cross the Briston Road and then up to Edgefield, where Mark gave Clive directions to get back to Blakeney (hopefully he made it…) Doug, Ian & Mark continued on to Plumstead, Baconsthorpe and the Hill Farm junction where Ian turned left for High Kelling. Doug & Mark turned right, for Red Barn Lane, Mark heading back to PC while Doug took the more direct route back to Cromer via Gresham (downhill this time!) and Metton.

PC to PC was 48 miles at an average speed of 14.5mph
Riders: Chris S, Clive A, Doug H, Ian A, Mark M, Neil M, Graham A

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 4th December – Heydon Tearoom
Saturday 7th December – 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 Mark M
Having had the two previous rides cancelled due to weather and Wednesday 27th almost certain to be cancelled, it was decided to make the most of the great forecast for Tuesday 26th to get a ride in before cabin fever struck.
Chris, Graham and Mark met at PC on a chilly, dry and sunny morning, which was just as well as we watched Chris try to get his new gloves back onto sweaty hands. Naturally our thoughts turned to Malcolm who had suffered similar problems, though he kept taking his gloves off again at every opportunity for some reason. We never saw those gloves on another ride.
When we finally got going we headed on mainly dry roads through Gresham, Bessingham, Wickmere, Plumstead, Edgefield, Stody, Gunthorpe to the A148. Crossing that put the light wind behind us and it was then easy riding through Bale to Field Dalling, Saxlingham and down the Dragway for a change and then to Bayfield Hall and the café.
Surprisingly given the great weather, the café was quiet and we took a table near the hot wood burning stove. We had just received our lunches, cheese on toast and panini and a big pot of tea, when Andrew S arrived, hot from a fast direct ride from Corpusty, naturally the remaining chair was right beside the stove. As we enjoyed our lunches and watched the many birds on the feeders outside, more people arrived for refreshments and to look around the shop.

After lunch, Graham, took a direct route back home, while we headed into Glandford and up the hill to Wiveton Downs. About a mile from the café, Andrew had a front puncture (tubed Vittoria Rubino) and joined the Puncture Challenge/spreadsheet of shame. In a tradition as old as cycling itself, after checking that he had a tube and pump, we left him to ponder on his tyre choice. He later reported that he was soon going again and took a different route home that included a tea stop with friends in Sharrington.
Chris and I continued to Wiveton, High Kelling and then a loop past Selbrigg pond to Hempstead and up Bodham Hill to home.

PC to PC was 40.9 miles, average speed 14.5 mph.
Riders: Chris S, Graham A, Andrew S, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 23rd November – Pensthorpe
Wednesday 4th December – 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/

Ride report by Chris S
Two wheelers, Chris and Mark set off from PC. The weather was dry but the temperature was beginning to fall after the relatively mild spell and although the headline temperature was 10 degrees C it was forecast to feel like 8 degrees with rain predicted from 2pm and a slight to moderate WSW wind.

At the end of Red Barn Lane Andrew joined the ride and the trio continued onwards into the wind to North Barningham, collecting Neil in Corpusty, and then onto Brandiston, Swannington and the Chrysalis café at Sparham Hill. Having arrived at 11.37am the group found that Ian was already there, despite stopping at Great Witchingham for photos.

On entering the café Mark announced that it was his 63rd birthday on the previous day and offered to buy everyone cakes (thank you Mark). By the way an interesting coincidence was that Doug H and Andrew S also shared the same birthday date so a happy belated happy birthday to all three – luckily, they were not out riding, or it could have been a triple cake fest!

Having had a pleasant lunch with cakes the wheelers including Ian then started the return journey which went via Lyng (uphill alongside the motocross track), Weston Longville and the old bridge at Attlebridge where a quick stop was had for photos and for Mark to reminisce about childhood memories.

Then it was uphill onto to Swannington, Cawston, Blickling, Ingworth, Calthorpe and Wickmere. Here a decision was taken to divert from the published route to make the return more convenient for some of the group. Thus the route passed through Matlaske, (where Neil turned off towards Corpusty and a 20 minute spell of quite heavy rain was experienced), and then up towards Lower Bodham. At the junction of New Road and Rectory Road Andrew and Ian turned towards High Kelling. Chris and Mark turned right then shortly after parted company with Chris heading home by way of Upper Sheringham and Mark returning to PC via Gresham.

PC to PC was 51.3 miles at an average 15.3 mph
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andrew B, Neil M and Ian A

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 20th November – Heydon Tearoom
Saturday 23rd November – 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 Andrew B

Four riders met at PC on a cold but fine autumn morning for a breakfast run to Binham Parlour. With Mark leading, the three set off on the planned route, stopping at High Kelling to pick up Andrew B as planned. The route took us through Newgate, Wiveton, Glanford, Saxlingham, Field Dalling, Bale and Lower Green.
We arrived in good time for breakfast and were shown to a table that Mark had pre-booked.

All five riders ordered the Full English with different toast/egg options, although one rider ducked out of the Black Pudding! This was washed down by copious amounts of tea and coffee.
Ian A though unable to join us for breakfast, sent us his photo of Binham Priory.

Have enjoyed an excellent and rather large meal it was agreed to cut the route back to PC down a bit! We proceeded through, Wighton, Great/Little Walsingham, The Barshams, Great Snoring, Gunthorpe, Sharrington, Thornage, Hunworth, Edgefield, Hempstead and Selbrigg Pond. Duncan was the clear winner of the climb up from Hunworth, with the author trailing in last! Andrew S cut off for home at Edgefield, Duncan at Hempstead and Andrew B at Selbrigg Pond, leaving Chris and Mark to cycle back to PC.
Overall, a good day’s cycling with fine weather for the time of year.

PC to PC 49.3 miles
Average speed 14.9 mph
Total Elevation 1737 ft

Riders: Andrew B, Andrew S, Chris S, Duncan S, Mark M.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 16th November – Chrysalis Café, Sparham Hill
Wednesday 20th November – Heydon
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
Another windless, dull and grey morning greeted just Mark and Chris at PC. Neil Mc had woken up with a streaming cold, so stayed home to recover.
Setting off for Gresham and Metton we picked Doug up at the B1436 Felbrigg junction and then made our way to Crossdale Street and up Northrepps Hill to meet Graham at the top. From here it was down Hungry Hill and the lanes through Clapham Dams, Gimingham, Mundesley and across the golf course, which was the busiest I’ve seen it, we all passed through unscathed by errant balls.
Next was Trunch, where the Crown Inn has reopened, though lunch is currently only weekends, then Knapton, Bacton Wood, Crostwight, Ridlington, Bacton and Watsons after 28 miles.
As usual it was fairly busy, though our regular big table was available, so we took that and enjoyed the warmth of the café as we studied the menu. Chris decide to have a small lunch as he is out for a meal this evening, chose a sandwich, when it arrived it was enormous. Undaunted he ate every crumb, leaving only the salad garnish as he obviously didn’t want to fill himself up! I can report that the all day breakfast is as good as ever. I’m sure we will be back again over winter, shame it is closed on Wednesdays.
Back on the road again it remained grey and chilly as we set off for Paston, Knapton, back to Trunch then Lower Southrepps, where Graham turned for home, the rest continuing on to Thorpe Market and Hanworth where Doug headed for Metton and home. That just left Mark and Chris to take the westerly loop out to Bessingham, Barningham Winter, the compulsory sprint up Bodham Hill (oh yes), West Beckham, where Chris turned for Upper Sheringham and home, while I finished at PC.

PC to PC was 47.7 miles at an average 14.8 mph
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Doug H, Graham A

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 13th November – Binham Parlour
Saturday 16th November – 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/