Author: web1691

Ride report by Chris S
On what promised to be the hottest day of the year to date with temperatures of up to 32 degrees C only three Wheelers, Mark, Andy and Chris turned up at PC. Apologies for absence from other wheelers included excuses such as sailing, too hot or other commitments.

Anyway not withstanding the heat and the good moderate south easterly head on wind the trio headed off to collect Ian at Gresham Church. Ian was already muttering excuses about it being too hot to complete the route.

The four wheelers then continued towards Bessingham and Alborough. It soon became apparent that Mark who was leading was following a different route to the other wheelers. After a brief stop to get Mark back on track the riders headed on through Suffield, North Walsham, Briggate and Honing. At the junction with Stalham Road Ian muttered more excuses about the heat and turned left to take a shorter route home (he later reported that he had ridden 50.2 miles at an average speed of 15.2mph although no one was able to verify this!).

(Editor- Ian saw this recent memorial for American pilot 2nd Lt John W Reed, his damaged B24 crashed close to Walcott Church, after all his crew had bailed out. More details in this Remembrance Day at Walcott article: https://b24.net/Newsletters/Dec-2016.pdf )

Also just before Stalham Road junction Andy’s rear wheel puncture saga continued. His wheel suddenly sprayed out yellow sealant everywhere. It appeared it was the same puncture as previously which had failed to seal properly. However, having self sealed again the trio rode on to Lessingham and then along the Marrams to Sea Palling. It appeared that the world and his dog had turned out to go to the seaside as the traffic was horrendous

The traffic chaos and congestion continued at Waxham where one hapless driver had even managed to reverse into a deep ditch in order to park so his family could have a day at the seaside.

After completing 30 odd miles the group arrived at Poppylands Café for a light lunch of sandwiches, scotch egg, tea and water whilst sitting under cover in the shade. It was too hot for the usual corned beef hash. Malcolm had already arrived having ridden over from St Olaves.

Lunch over, Malcolm headed back south whilst Mark and Chris waited for Andy to pump up his semi deflated rear tyre. The three then enjoyed a tail wind back to Sea Palling (avoiding Happisburgh due to the crowds flocking to the coast) and inland then Witton, Knapton and Trunch. A further stop was made for Andy to pump more air (again!) into his rear tyre.

Due to the traffic (or possibly the heat but don’t tell Ian!) an executive decision was taken to avoid Sidestrand and Northrepps and take a slightly less hilly route back to PC via Gunton Station, Thorpe Market and Hanworth where Andy then continued on a more direct route home.

This left Mark and Chris to continue the ride back to PC via Sustead.

Distance 59.4 miles
Average Speed 15.3mph
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andy S and Ian A, Malcolm S at lunch.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 25th June – Binham Parlour (Breakfast)
Saturday 28th June – Reedham Ferry – To be confirmed
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Ride report by Ian A
With the weather set fair again a massed gathering of seven Wheelers met at PC for the ride out to Reepham. It was good to see Duncan there for his first ‘start’ since 2024. And also Barry, again down on holiday from Leicester.
The shade would provide some welcome relief from the sun on the route which took us up Red Barn Lane then down the hill to Gresham, through Metton and across Hanworth Common and the c-c-cattle g-g-grids. We then turned south through Alby and Erpingham. At the Village Hall, Ian suggested we could stop for an early coffee/cake at their regular Wednesday morning fundraiser. This was met with mixed enthusiasm, and notably vetoed by one person who said ‘no time, too early’ but over lunch found time for a second coffee while some of us were ready to leave! Honestly… Anyway, after the briefest of pauses we continued on past the Village Hall and on to Ingworth, skirted Blickling and went via Cawston, gave Brandiston and Swannington a wide-ish berth and through the pretty Witchinghams, swinging north to Reepham, reaching the Dial House Cafe after 30 miles.
It was good to see Brian and Graham already there and enjoying their lunch in the sun. Some of us joined them and the rest of us took another table. There was some fruitless fettling by Ian to move a sunshade/stand with some practical advice by a charming group of ladies i.e. “Why not sit at the other table that HAS a sunshade?!” Obviously being blokes we chose to ignore that. Though in hindsight…
The savouries at the Dial House are tasty but limited, however the cakes are good so we feasted on ham/cheese rolls, scones, cakes & pastries, with Barry having the World’s largest cheese straw. The coffee is good, and may explain Chris’s second cup. A nasty habit he must have picked up from his recent continental trip as he’s usually a tea man.

We waved Brian and Graham off and once Chris (and Andrew to be fair) had drunk their refills we mounted up for the return leg. After a demonstration of ‘clipping in’ to one of the aforementioned ladies we set off into a gentle headwind for most of the return journey. We went along the Kerdiston Road to Guestwick, then on to Briston. The lanes had been particularly sandy and gravelly after last weekend’s storm so we diverted from the planned route though Briston/Horseshoe Lane and stuck to the Holt Road. At the Stody junction Duncan took the direct route back to Holt via Hunworth. The Boy Done Good. The rest of the Peloton continued on to Hunworth via Stody. And then came the Hunworth Road climb to Edgefield. Chris and Andrew set the early pace with Ian on their wheel. Where was Mark? Plotting an attack? For once, it turned out not. Chris started to flag allowing Andrew and Ian to get ahead and with a powerful surge, Ian went past Andrew and showing good pace was a clear winner at the summit. Mark saw the action from the back of the bunch (well he had led us out most of the day) and it seems that Barry (85+ years old if he’s a day) beat not only Mark but Chris to the top too. So this confirmed that after three weeks off the bike and a TT the night before, it can catch up with you. But even so. 85?…. After a brief chat and allowing a particularly large tractor/trailer combo to come past us, Andy turned off to head back to Corpusty and the remaining five continued down Rectory Road and then to Hempstead. Mark suggested we stop at Selbrigg Pond which always holds some interest. But again, Chris was having none of it and he, Andrew and Barry continued on to PC via Lower Bodham and West Beckham. Mark and Ian enjoyed a very pleasant few minutes enjoying the scene at Selbrigg Pond. Nice swan and lots of dragonflies and damselflies. The waters were clear and enabled us to see er, ‘fish’. Probably Roach and Rudd but we were randomly just spouting names we knew. Stickleback? But there was a ‘significant’ pike lurking near the bottom of the pond. Probably a good 15″ nose to tail and certainly bigger than Barry’s cheese straw. After about as much exciting nature as we could take, we headed up to the Selbrigg Road junction where Ian turned left for High Kelling and Mark made his (lonely) way back to PC. An excellent ride if a bit sketchy on the sand/gravel in places and some disjointedness in the ranks. We don’t know if Barry beat Chris back to PC.

PC to PC was 51.8 miles at an average speed of 15.4 mph
Riders: Andrew B, Andy S, Barry, Chris S, Duncan S, Ian A, Mark M (Graham A, Brian P lunch only)

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 21st June – Poppylands, Horsey
Wednesday 25th June – Binham Parlour (Breakfast)
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 a night of thunderstorms and lightening Chris and Mark met at PC on a dry, already hot and humid morning, the sky was overcast but would gradually clear to full sun by the afternoon, while a light south westerly provided a welcome breeze. The torrential overnight rain had washed loads of sand and debris onto the roads and a few flooded sections would have to be negotiated.

Today’s ride was the 10th anniversary ride in memory of Bruce McEwen, who enjoyed both Saturday and Wednesday club runs of all distances.
At Gresham we picked up Ian, Doug and Neil and headed for Aldborough, Suffield, past a closed Corvette Kingdom and on to Felmingham Church.
Already at the church car park and having a chat with Heather and her two boys Will and Ed, were Malcolm (up from St Olaves), Graham A, Brian P and Harvey T, an excellent total of nine Wheelers.
We then proceeded to the church gate for the annual photo, more chatting and generally getting in the way of the traffic before wishing Heather and the boys our best and heading off for lunch.

Brian and Harvey headed off on their own route, it was good to see them again. Graham joined us through Swanton Abbott to Worstead, then headed back for Cromer. Leaving six to make their way to a very busy Rising Sun.
As the only remaining outside tables were in full sun, we opted to eat inside at a large table for six. Despite being busy, we were looked after by the numerous staff and our food arrived quickly, the grilled chicken granary baps with salad were the choice for four and jacket spuds for two, all generous helpings and tasty.
On leaving, Malcolm headed south via Wroxham, Ludham, Martham and Great Yarmouth, while the rest headed for Badersfield, Swanton Abbot and Tuttington. On route to Banningham, Chris took off and Neil chased after him, we caught up with them again at the A140 crossroads. Then we took the road to Itteringham Common, which had a few flooded sections, after which Neil turned off for Corpusty. Itteringham was preparing for Sunday’s Open Garden event with people out and about sprucing the place up. Then it was on to Little Barningham, Plumstead, Baconsthorpe, the run up to the pylon which Chris won (by not waiting for any potential challengers), Ian headed for High Kelling and Doug for Cromer, with Chris and Mark going back to PC.

PC to PC was 52.8 miles at an average 15.3 mph
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Ian A, Doug H, Neil Mc, Malcolm S, Graham A, Brian P, Harvey T

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 18th June – Dial House, Reepham
Saturday 21st June – Poppylands, Horsey
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Ride report by Mark M
Andy, Mark and Andrew met at PC on a warm and sunny morning, cooled by a brisk south easterly wind. Mark then realised that for the first time ever, he had left his drinks bottles at home, not a good omen for the day. Andy kindly donated one of his bottles and we set off to pick up Ian at High Kelling. Ian was back out on his summer bike, very pleased with the service and price to get his bottom bracket fixed at Woods Cycles, Mundesley.
With the wind helping us along we made good progress through Wiveton, Langham, Binham to Great Walsingham. At the ford, Mark as usual headed straight through the shallow water, only this time his front wheel slid out and he ended up getting an early bath. As he got back to his feet he realised that the sun on the shallow water had allowed the algae to grow on the concrete surface and it was very slippery. Naturally the bike had gone derailleur side down, taking paint off the derailleur and shifter, but no major damage caused and we were soon back on our way, air drying as we went.
Continuing on to Egmeer, North Creake and to Burnham Thorpe, stopping to read the plaque at Nelson’s birthplace and then the long climb up to the south gate at Holkham. Once we had fought our way through the pedestrian gate, we stopped at the lifelike 7th Earl’s bronze statue, to admire the view of the hall, before making our way to the café.

We knew Graham A was going to be at the café, but were pleased to see Duncan S join us for the first time since his op six months ago. Graham had found a table in the shade, so we all managed to get around it to enjoy lunch and plenty of catching up, before getting a group photo at the courtyard entrance.

After lunch we headed down to a busy Wells Quay to admire the view and found a load of new crab and lobster pots.

We left Graham in Wells to continue his visit, while we headed for Warham, Binham, Field Dalling and Saxlingham. At the crossroads, we turned for Sharrington, while Duncan continued on to Holt.
On to Stody and Briston then the section up to Edgefield with the compulsory sprint to the old White Horse, where Ian came a close second. Andy turned for home and then we took the shorter Baconsthorpe route instead of the planned Plumstead route, this gave Ian the opportunity to spring a surprise sprint to the pylon, leaving the rest behind.

PC to PC was 54.6 miles at an average 14.9 mph
Riders: Andy S, Mark M, Andrew B, Ian A, Duncan S, Graham A

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 14th June – Rising Sun, Coltishall – Bruce McEwen Memorial Ride – Felmingham Church 10:50
Wednesday 18th June – 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/

Ride report by Andrew B
Three riders met at PC on a dry but slightly chilly early summer morning for a run to the Star Inn. Andy S was proudly displaying his new Mason bike, which had at last arrived and looked splendid. The planned route took us through East Beckham, Gresham (where we picked up Ian and Clive), Sustead, Hanworth, Thorpe Market, Lower Street, Trunch, Paston, Bacton, Witton Bridge, Ridlington, Walcott Green and Happisburgh. This passed without incident until Andy S had a puncture (on the new bike!), but as this was a tubeless tyre it was quickly repaired (after covering the frame in sealant).

At Happisburgh we stopped to admire the disappearing cliffs and take the obligatory photos in front of the lighthouse.

We then completed the last few miles to the Star Inn where we were made very welcome and shown a good table. There was much amusement when ordering food, at Ian’s prostrations that he couldn’t have the ham, egg and chips as he was a honed athlete, to which the chef replied ‘in your dreams’. Mark and Andy S decided to go with this choice anyway (it was huge!) and we all enjoyed the food which was excellent.

The route back took us through, Brumstead, East Ruston, Crostwight, North Walsham, Antingham, Suffield, Alby, Thurgarton, Bessingham and Gresham. Andy S split off towards the end of the route for home and Ian and Clive at Gresham. Overall a good day out with a nice route, some sun and no rain.

Editor’s note – we were very surprised and pleased to John S from Honing in the pub for a family lunch. He’s looking well and is still getting out on his bike for 20+ mile rides. Good to catch up with you again John.

PC to PC 50 miles
Average speed 14.6 mph
Total Elevation 1650 ft

Riders: Mark, Andrew B, Andy S, Ian and Clive + John S at the Star.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 7th June – Rising Sun, Coltishall – Bruce McEwen Memorial Ride – Felmingham Church 10:50
Wednesday 11th June – Holkham 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 Ian A
So finally, to paraphrase Poula Fisch from The Fast Show: “Scorchio!”. Yes, summer arrived with a bang (fortunately not the sound of one of Ian’s tyres blowing again) and a warm day with light winds greeted Mark & Neil when they met at PC for the ride out to The Old Store at Snettisham which is a new destination for the Wheelers’ Club Rides.
Motorcycling holidays, Sailing and last minute mechanicals before a French Cycling Tour had depleted the peloton that arrived at High Kelling to pick up Ian.

Neil informed us that he’d be leaving us at Burnham Thorpe – they had a family banquet on Sunday to organise and only had this afternoon to prepare the food. Neil wisely hadn’t fallen for his wife Jane’s attempt to call his bluff: “It’s okay, you go out cycling all day and I’ll sort the food.” Fair play to both of them!
The route took us over Kelling Heath (we reckon the poppies need another week to be fully out) and the well worn roads to Wiveton, Langham and Binham, where we turned past the Priory and branched off to Wighton and The Old Schoolhouse Gallery and Alfred Cohen Museum. Like an old record, Ian remarked again that it’s well worth a visit – which it is! Continuing east we skirted the south side of Holkham Park then as we sailed through Burnham Thorpe we realised that Neil had stopped for his turn off. Oops, so we back-pedalled to wave him off politely…
The Dynamic Duo continued on to Burnham Market where shortly afterwards, not realising quite how long the climb was, Ian set a ‘furious pace’ up Docking Road. The steady climb (which passes Cobble Hill Vineyard) goes on for about 3.5miles so he paid for it later… From Docking it was a gentle descent to Fring then up recently resurfaced and not yet compacted Fring Road (think Strada Bianchi without the dust).
Shortly afterwards we were in downtown Snettisham and found The Old Store cafe. It was busy so we had to settle for stools by the window. The staff were friendly, numerous and efficient and after a short wait, good poached eggs on toast and the Fit Bowl – eggs, smoked salmon, avocado, hummus (I could go on) – arrived. Ian’s iced latte was also pronounced delicious and very welcome. Their Cinnamon Buns had got rave reviews online but sadly had sold out! Ian settled for cinnamon polenta cake (also very good) and another iced latte rounded things off. Excellent stop, if a bit lacking in proper seating (I just don’t like stools!)

After a gentle headwind most of the way out, we were looking forward to a tailwind home. After lunch the route went directly east through Great Bircham, across the Fakenham Road to Syderstone, skirting south of South Creake and on to North Barsham, past the shrines and over the bridge by the ford at Houghton St. Giles. We stopped to admire the (ever curious) heffers then continued on to Great Snoring.

Out of Thursford I (we?) was certainly feeling even that gentle climb in my legs. From Gunthorpe we continued on the nasty, messy road to Brinton (puddles and mud I ask you!) then through Stody and Hunworth for the Hunworth Road Climb up to Edgefield. The route then took us down Rectory Road and back to Baconsthorpe where at the School Lane junction we commented (as ever) on the ‘Sombreros’ in the garden opposite – maybe a sign that the Mexican Del Toro was a shoe in for the Giro on the final combative day for GC?!… From Baconsthorpe we took New Road up to the mast where (despite assuring each other earlier that it was too hot to race) Mark gradually wound it up and not for the first time that day, left Ian in second place, but he’s claiming Docking Road!! At the bottom of New Road Ian turned left for High Kelling and Mark went right to head back to PC and Sheringham. A great day out in the sunshine.
Footnote: Well the Mexican lost it due to Simon Yates’ MAGNIFICENT effort up the Colle delle Finestre at the Giro. Chapeau indeed!!

PC to PC was 73 miles at an average speed of 15.3mph and 2874ft/876m of climbing.
Riders: Ian A, Mark M, Neil M

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 4th June – Star Inn, Lessingham
Saturday 7th June – Rising Sun, Coltishall – Bruce McEwen Memorial Ride – Felmingham Church 10:50
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Ride report by Andy S
What is happening with the weather? After months of dry weather we are back to wet weather .

Three members met at P.C (Mark M, Andrew B and Ian A). Andy S attempted to join at PC, but after leaving Corpusty managed to get a rear puncture (Vittoria Rubino Pro) at West Beckham, so missed the peloton leaving PC.

The peloton left towards Gresham where Ian went through a puddle which turned out to be a pothole. With two punctures (Continental 4 Seasons) and a potential buckled wheel, Ian decided to ring the Broom Wagon(Sue) to come and pick him up for an early shower.

The depleted peloton carried on towards Felbrigg Hall, Cromer Zoo and Northrepps where they met Graham A . Picking their way through the wet, sandy, gravel strewn roads they made their way through Southrepps, Antingham, Aylsham, Oulton and onto Heydon for lunch.

At a busy Heydon Tea Room a table was found within the back garden. Ian had got back home and jumped on his Holdsworth gravel bike and made his way straight to Heydon. He bagged a table and the peloton came along shortly after with Andy S following on 15 minutes later due to his puncture.

After sandwiches , coffee and tea all round , now with a full group of riders we left a busy Heydon to head towards Thurning. Graham left the group toward Saxthorpe and on towards Cromer. The rest of the group went through Thurning, Town Close ( Corpusty) where Andy S turned off for home.

The rest of the group went off through Edgefield, Plumstead, Bodham and back to PC.

In the end no rain was had all ride but the roads were a bit sketchy early on but became drier as the day went on . A good day out!

PC to PC was 49 miles at an average 14.1 mph
Riders: Andrew B, Ian A, Mark M, Graham A, Andy S

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 31st May – The Old Store, Snettisham
Wednesday 4th June – 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
Waking up to the first rain in weeks, it took a leap of faith to believe the weather forecast’s claims of a dry, overcast day with temps in the high teens, though the westerly wind was warmer than the recent northerlies.
With numbers reduced due to holidays, a stag weekend (pension books at the ready lads) and waiting for a tide, it was at Gresham Church where Doug and Ian were waiting that we increased the peloton to three. With the warm wind and damp conditions, humidity was very high and it was easy to feel overdressed.
Onwards through Matlaske, past Mannington Hall to Corpusty to collect Neil. Both Ian and Neil removed rain jackets before setting off due to the sticky conditions, we would have a few spots of light rain along the way but nothing troublesome.
Through Thurning to Nethergate, where after six dry and puncture free weeks, the puncture fairy returned and picked on Ian. Helping him by talking amongst ourselves, with the odd word of encouragement, he changed tubes (only one required this time!), pulled out a sliver of flint from the front tyre (Conti 4 Seasons) and we continued.

Dropping down to Guist we crossed the A1067 for Broom Green then headed back uphill to Gateley, crossing the Dereham road for Horningtoft and Whissonsett. As Neil didn’t have time for the full ride and the return leg also went through Whissonsett, he followed the route for home, while we continued to Tittleshall and into Litcham.
Leaving our bikes in the churchyard next door, we received a friendly welcome in the café and found ourselves a large trestle table. While ordering, Doug once again managed to put his Spatz shod foot in it, I don’t know what he said but the two ladies running the place thought it was hilarious. Doug’s defence was that he is still jetlagged (we heard that a lot, mainly at the top of climbs).

After an excellent lunch and delicious chocolate brownie (Ian abstained), it was time to head off into the last headwind leg, across Litcham common (no ponies today) and to Great Dunham. Turning for Great Fransham we finally picked up a tailwind and on good roads we made fast progress, past Beeston Ploughshare pub where we had lunch last August, past Bittering gravel works and up to the Stanfield crossroads on the B1145.
Doug could be heard mumbling something about jetlag and matches, I don’t know if they were burnt or lost but they seemed to be missing.
So at an easier pace we continued back to Whissonsett, Colkirk, the ups and downs to Great Ryburgh, stopping for a breather at the top of the hill before crossing the A1067. Then it was Stibbard, back through Wood Norton, turning for Hindolveston, Craymere Beck, Briston and the compulsory sprint to Edgefield White Horse, where Ian acted as lead out man (I think that was his intention).
Ian turned off for home via Hempstead, at the top of Red Barn Lane, Doug continued for Cromer and I headed back to PC.
A good days ride reaching areas we don’t get to very often and in warm, mainly dry conditions.

PC to PC was 71 miles at an average 15.2 mph (14.6 out & 15.6 back)
Riders: Ian A, Doug H, Mark M, Neil Mc

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 28th May – Heydon
Saturday 31st May – The Old Store, Snettisham
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 yet another chilly morning with a northerly breeze keeping the lid on the temperature, five riders met at PC for the ride to Badersfield and the Javabean Cafe at Scottow Business Park (formerly the site of RAF Coltishall). Chris told us his legs were feeling the effects of last night’s Wheelers 25km Time Trial. This was a good thing as it deterred him from making his usual ‘sprint off the front’ during the ride which normally manages to scatter the peloton along the road!
A tailwind in the morning meant we made good progress and Gresham, Sustead and Hanworth were little more than a blur. Then it was across the busy-ish A140 at Thorpe Market and on to Trunch where we spotted signs for the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend beer festival. Well what thirsty cyclists wouldn’t be interested… Dreaming of cold beers (actually probably a nice warm coffee given the weather) we pedalled on to Knapton before swinging south and skirting North Walsham to arrive shortly afterwards at Worstead and onwards to Ashmanhaugh. Here we swung west to Coltishall before then heading north for the push to Badersfield (now into a headwind and a taste of what was to come on the return leg). Turning into Scottow Business Park (as quiet as ever) we arrived at the cafe with the RAF Jaguar jet parked up alongside.
The coffee is good here, and most of us opted for the very good value Big Baps with a choice of bacon, sausage, egg or hash browns. Or in Mark and Chris’s case, all four fillings… Andrew went off piste with a brie and bacon toastie (that’s ‘Blakeney Posh’ for you) but which left him room for cake. The cafe looked to be roasting coffee beans while we were there as there was some whirring coming from the machinery and lots of sacks of beans around, but after Ian enquired it turned out it was just the roaster ‘heating up’ (which takes a while apparently). The grinding is a bit noisier but the ‘stone removal thingy’ is the noisiest. (Note: There are no stones in coffee beans, just unwanted detritus that collects as part of the picking/sacking process we guess.) Anyway, you don’t want stones in your grinding machine. After lunch, there was a quick inspection of the Jaguar while Mark re-secured his saddle bag and made running repairs, as one of his straps had worn through. I believe he also adjusted his stowed cable lock as it had been interfering with his bottom on the way out. (Not sure if that’s a ‘mechanical’ or a ‘mecharsical’?)
After lunch the route went via Skeyton, Tuttington and Banningham where we crossed the now even busier A140 to Ingworth where we continued between the River Bure and Blickling Park.

At Itteringham Common we stopped to wave Andy off but he was having none of it! He was enjoying our company so much that he stayed with us through Itteringham and up to Little Barningham where he took the Matlaske Road to head back home to Corpusty. The remaining four riders continued on to Plumstead, Baconsthorpe and the Bodham Hill climb (notorious for causing an unnecessary sprint to the top!) Bizarrely, Andrew stopped and said he had to take a call shortly before the climb and that we should carry on, thus he missed out on the chance to take the day’s “Polka Dot Jersey”. Or not wanting to get involved? Who knows. In the event, there was no sprint so honours even. At the foot of New Road, Ian turned left for High Kelling leaving Mark and Chris to head back to PC.
A good day’s ride in chilly but dry conditions and no crashes. The oilseed rape flowers are mostly over, but it was nice to see the poppies coming out and several fields of linseed in full bloom. Andy has a ‘stag weekend’ in the Peak District and Chris is off on a three week Motorcycling Tour to Europe so we wish them well – not sure which activity is the most dangerous.

PC to PC was 55.5 miles
Average speed 15.4 mph
Riders: Andrew B, Andy S, Chris S, Ian A, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 24th May – Litcham Deli
Wednesday 28th May – 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 Neil Mc
Three wheelers met at Pretty Corner on a cool morning with a chilly north wind. Neil and Graham were collected shortly at Gresham church and then in a moment of freestyle route planning the left turn was missed and an impromptu diversion to Bessingham was taken. The Aldborough road was quickly reached to get back on the route though, so no problem. Jim was waiting for us on the turn for Calthorpe so the peloton was then complete. The route carried on through Erpingham and down to Ingworth where we managed to negotiate a road closure. Cue grumbling about the massive amount of roadworks and closures currently in North Norfolk.

From Ingworth we cut through onto the Blickling road and turned off just before Blickling Hall and headed through Silvergate to Abel Heath and onward via Oulton Street to Cawston. Graham left here to head toward North Walsham and home as he had only planned a short ride. The remaining 5 carried on through Brandiston and Swannington to the usual stop on the bridge at Attlebridge to look at the river Wensum.

We left the river to the ducks and carried on across the Norwich Road and up the hill to Weston Longville and across the plateau to Elsing. Chris managed to plough into one of the many potholes on the way, but fortunately no accident ensued. Hopefully that is the end of our unlucky streak of crashes over the last few weeks.

From Elsing it wasn’t too far to our lunch stop at Darby’s, Swanton Morley. This was a surprisingly busy pub and got busier still, so we arrived just in time to get a table inside. No sandwiches were on offer, but there was a “light bites” menu. The name was certainly appropriate for the quiche portions that three Wheelers had, although “one bite” menu would have been more accurate. The ham, egg & chips and scampi & chips that Neil and Andy chose were much more satisfactory.

The landlord needed to open up the outside bar where we had inconveniently parked our bikes, so we quickly paid up and headed back out on the road toward Bawdeswell, but turning off to take the back route past the Wensum and Swanton Morley lakes into Billingford then on to Foxley to cross the Fakenham Road.

From Foxley we took the usual route through Themelthorpe, Guestwick and Craymere Beck to Briston where Jim left for Melton Constable and home. The remaining 4 carried on up the hill to Edgefield where Neil and Andy turned downhill for Edgefield Street and back to Corpusty. The final 2 continued on through Baconsthorpe and West Beckham to Pretty Corner and home in Sheringham.

A nice day’s cycling with decent weather that warmed up throughout the day, but the cold wind stopped it being properly warm.

Wheelers: Mark M, Chris S, Andy S, Jim H, Neil Mc, Graham A.
Distance: 56.4 miles
Average Speed: 15.4mph

Editor’s Note: Had a chat with Geoff P in town, he’s not been cycling over the winter but getting out and about now and enjoying the good weather. He sends his regards to fellow Wheelers. Hope to meet up with you on the road or in a cafe soon Geoff.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 21st May – Javabean Café, Coltishall Airfield
Saturday 24th May – 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/