Author: web1691

Ride Report by Mark M
Morning rain and an overcast sky, meant that Andrew and Mark had wet roads and chilly conditions as they headed south via Gresham and Ingworth to Cawston. The roads were drier by the time we reached Swannington and as a result it also felt a little warmer, which was welcomed. After the usual stop at Attlebridge to look at the Wensum, it was on to Weston Longville, Primrose Green and Elsing.
It was too cold to sit outside in the rear garden, so we found a table indoors and placed our orders. At that point Chris unexpectedly arrived. He had almost joined us at PC when he realised that he had a slow puncture, so he headed downhill back home to get another bike and set off back to PC.
To make his life a little easier he took a more direct route to Elsing, but then had to take to a field to avoid a cable corridor road closure on the Sparham-Elsing road.
So we had a good lunch and then cake and more coffee as we discussed house renovations and summer snow road closures in the Dolomites.
We had decided over lunch to make the route home shorter than planned and we took the Lyng road to cross the A1067. At this point it started raining and the black sky looked as if it may last, so we stopped to don rain jackets, prior to heading for Themelthorpe and Guestwick. By Guestwick the rain had passed and it was getting warmer, with the odd glimpse of sun.
We followed the planned route to Hindolveston and Melton Constable, where we abandoned it to head to Briston and the regular Edgefield, Baconsthorpe route home. Andrew left us at Bodham Hill and Chris and I went home through Upper Sheringham, meeting three buses on the bends in the village!

PC to home was 56.6 miles at an average speed of 14.5 mph
Riders: Andrew B, Mark M and Chris S, chapeau Chris for the bike change and making the effort to join us.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 15th June – Junction 21, Themelthorpe
Wednesday 19th June – Walled Garden, Little Plumstead
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 cool morning with a westerly wind greeted Doug, Mark and guest rider Phil at PC. We set off to pick up Ian at High Kelling, who had previously seen a field of poppies along Bridge Road near Lowes Farm. We found the field and stopped to admire them and to add more colour to the view we took a photo of the new club kit.

We then went to Wiveton and on to Blakeney quay, where we found Graham J sat on a bench admiring the view. He had been riding with the steady group of Graham A, Neil S and Jim H, and a recent ear infection meant that he was only out for a short ride. We also saw Andrew B returning home from his sailing.
The sky had become very black so we all put on rain jackets for the imminent rain. The forecast was for a band of rain to pass over from 11am to 12noon and for once it was very accurate and the rain was heavy, starting as we left Blakeney for Langham.
We dropped down to Stiffkey and as we climbed the hill back to the Warham road, we met a number of classic cars off to an event somewhere. We splashed through Warham to Wells, where the rain was so heavy it pointless visiting the quay for the view, so we continued into Holkham Park through the East Gate and exited from the West Gate towards Burnham Market, by now the rain had eased off, just leaving rivers in the road.
As we approached the crossroads at Leith House we became caught up in a cycling event heading to Burnham Overy Staithe, also on our route. As we approached the village, there were many people on the side of the road cheering and waving, finally the recognition we deserved!
Alas, it was not for us but for the competitors in the annual Norfolk Superhero event, which takes place in the village and consists of a 1mile swim, 4mile kayak, 45mile cycle and 8mile marsh and beach run.
Norfolk Superhero: https://www.norfolksuperhero.co.uk
After that excitement it was a short ride through the Burnhams (Overy, Market, Thorpe) to North Creake Abbey and the Barn Café, which has recently reopened. We were in no rush and happy to enjoy a tasty panini and coffee, followed by cake and coffee as we warmed up and dried out.

There was no sign of the steady group, they must have found food and refuge from the rain elsewhere.
By now the clouds had gone and the sky was clear and the sun was drying the roads, again as forecast. Not only that but we would be heading east with a tail wind most of the way home. From North Creake it was Waterden, the Barshams, Great and Little Snoring, Thursford Green, through the hole in the hedge to Barney and Fulmodestone. Then the run to Hindolveston, Thurning, Little London, Edgefield, Hempstead, Selbrigg to drop Ian off at the High Kelling junction, Bodham to Red Barn Lane where Doug continued to Cromer and Phil and I continued to PC.

PC to PC was 68 miles at an average speed of 15.2mph
Doug gets today’s mileage award, his extra miles from Cromer and back would have been a total of around 80 miles.
Riders: Doug H, Ian A, Mark M and guest Phil from Milton Keynes

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 12th June – Lemon & Rosemary Yard, Elsing
Saturday 15th June – 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/

Report by Ride Leader Ian A
On (yet another!) cool and breezy morning, Ian, Mark and Duncan met at PC for the run down to a new stop for the ‘Club Rides’ group: The Java Bean Cafe on the site of what was RAF Coltishall until it closed in 2006 and is now Scottow Enterprise Park. (We were a couple of minutes late leaving due to some fettling required to Duncan’s rear derailleur. But it ran perfectly afterwards thanks to Mark.)
The route took us via Gresham and Sustead, down to Hanworth, then directly west to Thorpe Market and Gunton where we picked up Graham. The group of 4 then went via Trunch, then southwards, skirting North Walsham via White Horse Common, continuing on to Worstead and down to Ashmanaugh where we turned east, and went via some quiet lanes to avoid the commotion of Coltishall, northwest to Little Hautbois and on to Badersfield and the cafe stop. We’d made good time with a generally downhill route, helped further by the prevailing westerly wind and stayed dry until the final ten minutes but it didn’t amount to much.
The cafe was busy, primarily with workers from the business park but the good value food and excellent coffee (they grind/sell their own) arrived quickly. On clearing our plates, Ian spotted a tray of freshly baked chocolate cake that was destined for the counter but hadn’t made it yet. All four of us decided to have a piece and it was excellent. Washed down with more coffee.

A group of local hairy bikers arrived as we were leaving so it clearly attracts a good crowd. On departing, we had a brief stop at the heritage centre at the site entrance (only open Thu & Sun) before starting back via Skeyton, Burgh next Aylsham, Tuttington and Banningham where we waved goodbye to Graham who headed back to Cromer. The three of us continued on to Ingworth, across Itteringham common, then Little Barningham, Plumstead and Baconsthorpe, where Duncan turned off to head back to Holt via the Hempstead road. Ian and Mark continued on to the Hill Farm/Rectory Road junction where Ian turned left for High Kelling and Mark turned right for PC and Sheringham, enjoying a westerly tailwind one last time. No rain on the way back either. The roads were mainly dry, but inevitably muddy in some places and one flood.

PC to PC was 56 miles at an average speed of 15.1mph
Riders: Ian A, Duncan S, Graham A, Mark M

Footnote: RAF Coltishall was a fighter airfield in the Second World War and afterwards, a station for night fighters, then ground attack aircraft until closure. After long standing speculation, the future of the station was sealed once the Ministry of Defence announced that the Eurofighter Typhoon, a rolling replacement aircraft, displacing the ageing SEPECAT Jaguar would not be located there. The last of the Jaguar squadrons left on 1 April 2006, and the station finally closed, one month early and £10 million under budget, on 30 November 2006.

Saturday 8th June – North Creake Abbey
Wednesday 12th June – Lemon & Rosemary Yard, Elsing
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
For the first day of summer it was overcast, chilly and with a strong northerly wind, but at least it was dry, which was a big improvement from last Saturday.
This annual ride in memory of keen club rider Bruce McEwen, pauses at Felmingham Church to meet up with Bruce’s wife Heather for a chat and a photo.
Mark set off from PC and picked up Doug at Gresham, then Neil M at Aldborough School, then went past Brian’s and through the flooded road on the way to Suffield and onto Felmingham Church.
As we arrived Malcolm was going off with Heather to fix a mechanical, which he had sustained taking his bike out of Sue’s car in the church car park! Also waiting for us were Graham A, Neil S and Jim H, so now we had a group of seven. After our chat and photo with Heather we set off as a group for Waxham.

Before we had reached the end of the road there had been two more minor mechanicals, though after that it was an easy wind assisted ride to Worstead, Honing and a diversion via Crostwick to avoid the Honing bridge replacement works, Ingham, Calthorpe Street, Sea Palling to Waxham Barn.
The café was busy mainly because no-one wanted to sit outside in the cold, yet we managed to get two tables and enjoyed the usual good lunch and giant cakes.
There seemed to be reluctance to get up and leave, though eventually we had to brave the wind, all of us except Malcolm who was heading south to Yarmouth where he saw the recently arrived Spanish Galleon replica.

The steady group followed their own more direct route back, while the remaining three followed Harvey’s route and headed further south to Hickling before turning north for Ingham, Lessingham and the lanes to Ridlington and Bacton Wood. From there it was the familiar roads to Knapton, Trunch where Doug turned for Cromer, Thorpe Market where we met up with Neil S again, Hanworth and the Aldborough road where Neil M turned off and finally PC.

PC to PC was 64.4 miles at an average speed of 14.9 mph
Riders: Mark M, Doug H, Neil M, Malcolm S, Graham A, Neil S, Jim H
Spanish Galleon: https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/24351700.17th-century-replica-galleon-ship-arrives-great-yarmouth/

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 5th June – Java Bean, Badersfield
Saturday 8th June – 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/

Ride Report by Mark M
Being a longer ride of 81 miles we had decided on an earlier start time of 9am. So Ian, Andrew, Duncan and Mark met at PC on a dry, warm morning with a westerly breeze and the possibility of showers.
Setting off via Gresham, Aldborough, Little Barningham to Corpusty, where we found Neil Mc waiting for us. Having avoided last Saturday’s rain fest he thought he would try his luck today. So the group of five continued to Foulsham and Bintree Mill for a photo stop in the sunshine before heading through Gately, Horningtoft to Whissonsett. We caught a brief light shower here but it was gone before we needed to stop for rain jackets and it remained dry through Tittleshall and on to Litcham at 32 miles. As we arrived Andrew announced he had a slow rear puncture (Conti Gatorskin).

Graham A was already eating his lunch and had bagged a large table, having taken a more direct route from Cromer and the Deli was busy with other cyclists and customers all arriving at the same time, which made for a hectic 20 mins for the lady running the place. Andrew took the opportunity to change his tube and even managed to recruit some of the other cyclists to help.
After lunch Andrew and Graham set off together, with each taking a more direct route back home, leaving four to tackle the last leg into the wind to Great Dunham, Castle Acre and West Acre.
At West Acre we took the Tumbley Hill Road, past the very nice West Acre Gardens and café and on to Great and Little Massingham, East Rudham, Shereford and another photo stop at Sculthorpe Mill, which had high water levels.

Then it was up to Cranmer and on to West Barsham. As we descended the hill, Ian called for a visit to Barsham Brewery as they now have a shop and we ended up having a beer in their sunny yard, a birthday treat from Duncan, thanks Duncan.

After that unscheduled stop we continued on to our planned stop at 63 miles, Norton’s in Little Walsingham for tea and cakes, again sitting outside in the sun.
After a splash through the ford at Great Walsingham it was the regular route home of Wighton, Binham, Langham, Wiveton and up the hill (I was dropped) to Salthouse Heath and on to High Kelling, where Duncan and Ian headed home.
Neil and I continued to the end of Red Barn Lane, where we were surrounded by very black clouds, Neil opted to continue to Gresham and follow the route back to Corpusty, while I headed to PC. Within a minute the heavens opened, I quickly put on my rain jacket and it poured back to PC, finally easing as I descended Holway Road back into Sheringham, shortly after getting home the sun was back out! Neil would have had a very soggy ride home with rain soaked roads keeping him wet after the rain stopped.

PC to PC was 82.2 miles at an average speed of 14.9 mph
Riders: Ian A, Andrew B, Duncan S, Mark M, Neil M, Graham A

Saturday 1st June – Bruce MacEwen Memorial Ride
Wednesday 5th June – Java Bean, Badersfield
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 heavy rain at 8.00am it had eased off to light rain by 10.00 am. However, only two wheelers, Chris S and Mark M met at PC. A third Wheeler, Ian A, joined the two wheelers at the end of Red Barn Lane. Neil M wisely decided to opt out of the ride as did the riders of the Steady Group.

The three Wheelers headed through Saxthorpe, Heydon and Reepham where a short detour was taken to avoid the recently re-laid gravel surface on the Reepham Road. Just after crossing the A1067 the group encountered a road closure due to the enabling works for the Hornsea wind farm cabling. Heros fencing stretched not only right across the road but also well into the verges. However careful manoeuvring of one panel allowed a very narrow gap which with a bit of lifting of the bikes enabled the three to squeeze through and continue with the ride without having to take a detour.

The route then continued through Elsing and onto North Tuddenham where despite a balmy 13 degrees centigrade and light rain a pitstop was made at Dann’s Dairy to partake of their excellent ice cream. (Chris kindly paid for all the ice creams, thanks Chris – Ed.)

On leaving Dann’s Dairy the rain then became heavier as the group rode through Yaxham, Mattishall and Shipdham cutting out a mile off the route before arriving at the King’s Head. A hot meal was then enjoyed before climbing back onto the bikes in much heavier rain which increased in intensity the nearer the Wheelers got to PC.

The homeward route took the group through Scarning, Gressenhall, Worthing, Billingford and Bintree where Chris’s rear tyre punctured (so much for Marathon Plus puncture proof tyres!).
Conveniently the puncture happened beside the bus stop which gave shelter from the continuing heavy rain whilst repairing the puncture.

Three very wet riders then continued through Foulsham, Guestwick and Briston where Chris then managed to hit an unforeseen submerged pothole due to the amount of surface water now covering the roads. Although he managed to stay on, the jolt caused by the front wheel hitting the hole broke his Garmin holder resulting in the GPS flying off the bike and hitting the road. On its recovery it was found to have a cracked screen.

By then the rain had become even heavier as the three passed through Baconsthorpe to the junction with Rectory Road where Ian then turned left to head back to High Kelling. Chris and Mark headed home by way of Upper Sheringham.

Riders: Chris S, Mark M and Ian A
Distance 64.6 miles. Average speed 15.0 mph

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 29th May – Litcham Deli – 9am Start
Saturday 1st June – Bruce MacEwen Memorial Ride
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 cold north westerly breeze made for a foggy, damp and chilly PC when Chris and Mark met for the day’s ride. With a forecast of 17-18 degrees inland we were looking forward to finding it. We set off and picked up Neil M at Edgefield, then it was Briston, Guestwick to Foulsham.
Here we found Jim H heading in the opposite direction, he told us that having just returned (Thursday) from his motorhoming trip abroad he wanted to get back on the bike and had met the steady group at Gresham and went as far as Foulsham before heading home to catch up with many jobs. Well done Jim on getting out and clocking up some miles.
A short distance later we met up with Graham A and Neil S, who would take a more direct route to the cafe as we continued down to Bintree Mill, Broom Green, Brisley and East Bilney before looping around towards Mileham and past Bittering quarry, then joining the larger Litcham Road to Gressenhall.
It was our first visit of the season to Mardlers’ and other than some new menu boards and signs, it was as reliable and good value as ever. We all sat outside, though it was still cool as the sun had not been able to break through until we were just leaving.
The route back took us to Hoe and Worthing and along the Wensum Valley. Graham and Neil planned to take the more direct Bawdeswell route home, while we continued along the river to Attlebridge. At the customary stop on the bridge, we had warmed up enough to remove jackets and gilets. It was noticeable how the river seemed to be back to normal levels after the winter flooding.
Looping around Swannington Upgate to Cawston and then the familiar route north, into the wind to Itteringham and the Mannington Hall turn, where Neil M left us and on to North Barningham and back to PC.

PC to PC was 65 miles with an average speed of 15.9 mph
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Neil M, Graham A, Neil S, Jim H

Fun Fact – Giro d’Italia stage 14 time trial winner, Filippo Ganna used a 68 tooth chainring

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 22nd May – Java Bean, Badersfield
Saturday 25th May – Shipdham, Kings Head
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 Ride Leader Andrew B
Four riders took part in for a run to Stanfield Old Dairy on a muggy and wet spring day, with two starting from PC and two joining at the Selbrigg pond junction (including the leader!) having started from High Kelling. The route took us through Hempstead, Edgefield, Briston, Craymere Beck, Nethergate, Hindolveston, Wood Norton, Stibbard, Great Ryburgh, Colkrik and Whissonsett. Having arrived rather damp we were a bit concerned about going into the Old Dairy but we were made welcome, quickly shown to a table and orders taken, The drinks and food were excellent, with all but Ian going for cakes as well.

After lunch we were pleased to note that it had stopped raining (although this did not last long!) and we made our way back through Brisley, Broom Green, Twyford, Pockthorpe, Foulsham, Bates Moor, Guestwick, Corpusty, Saxthorpe and Little Barningham. Andrew and Ian left the remaining two at Hill Farm to make their way back to PC. There was a further photo opportunity at Bintree Watermill allowing us to prepare for the steep climb out!

Overall, a good day’s ride despite the weather, with an excellent lunch stop.

PC to PC 53 miles
Average speed 14 mph
Total Elevation 1700 ft

Mark, Ian, Chris and Andrew leading.

Saturday 18th May – Mardlers’ Rest, Gressenhall
Wednesday 22nd May – Java Bean, Badersfield
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
Editor’s note – Mark and Neil had a chat with Geoff P at PC, looking well, he was off to Barningham Crown to enjoy lunch in the sun. Hope you enjoyed it Geoff.
Mark and Neil met at PC on an overcast and cool morning and set off in long sleeved jerseys and jackets. However, when they arrived at High Kelling via West Beckham, they found the sun was shining, it was pleasantly warm and Ian was baring all! After a short discussion on the weather-related benefits of living in High Kelling, the threesome set off over the NNR bridge and onto Wiveton and then predominantly eastwards with a gentle tailwind all the way.
The route took us through Langham, Binham and then onto Wighton where we stopped to admire the impressive exhibits at the Scarecrow Festival. Little Miss Muffet was a little sinister and there were many excellent other examples.

We continued on some pretty lanes to Burnham Thorpe and then decided to detour into and through (a not too busy) Burnham Market where we encountered our first flood of the day as the River Burn was running high. Ian got wet feet and a wet rear and was bemoaning his decision to remove his mudguards for the ride…
We then turned southwest through Docking and Fring and the turn to Great Bircham Windmill. The tearooms were busy but they have an efficient ordering system. We found a table outside in the shade and both the breakfasts and the quiche with salad were very good. (I have to also comment that the road surfaces on the lanes do seem to get better as you move into West Norfolk!)

Refuelled and refreshed we now faced the prospect of a headwind all the way back to PC. Fortunately the wind wasn’t too strong and the left hand hedges gave us some shelter for much of the way.
The return leg went via Syderstone, South Creake and up to North Barsham and Houghton St. Giles where we turned east to Great Snoring. The River Stiffkey was in full-flood at Houghton St. Giles and we had to dismount to walk over the footbridge due to the levels of water and mud. From Great Snoring it was the well-ridden route of Thursford, Gunthorpe, Brinton, Stody, Hunworth and the climb up to Edgefield. Our last wet and muddy encounter was on the Gunthorpe Road up to Brinton which was also a bit unexpected. So yes, dear reader, a bike wash was necessary afterwards. At Edgefield, Neil turned off to head downhill to Corpusty, leaving Ian and Mark to return via Baconsthorpe and Hill Farm at the bottom of New Road, where Ian turned left for home, and Mark continued back to PC and Sheringham.
Overall an excellent, pretty route with a few smatterings of wet muddiness.

PC to PC was 66 miles with an average speed of 15.3mph
Riders: Ian A, Mark M, Neil M

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 15th May – Stanfield Old Dairy
Saturday 18th May – Mardlers’ Rest, Gressenhall
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Report by Mark M
Chris and Mark met at PC on a windless though chilly morning, setting off to meet Ian and Andrew at High Kelling. From there it was Cley Newgate, Glandford and the hilly Bayfield route to Letheringsett and Sharrington. By this time the sun was shining, skies were clear and it was getting warm enough to stop and remove gilets and arm warmers.
Onwards through Bale, Hindringham to Great Snoring where Ian and Andrew, having other commitments, left us for a shorter 40 mile loop, visiting Norton’s then picking up the return route home.
That left two, enjoying the sun and views through the Barshams to Waterden and up to Quarles and Holkham’s Triumphal Arch. The south gates were open and we had an unobstructed view across the park and out to sea.
Graham A, having taken a more direct route was waiting for us at a very quiet Courtyard Café, and we enjoyed a good lunch outside in the courtyard.
After lunch Graham set off on his own route home, while Chris and I took the east gate out of the park for Burnham Thorpe and the long climb back to the south gate then on to Wighton.
Wighton was ready for the annual scarecrow festival and most gardens had a scarecrow or two appearing out of the hedgerow, some were very comical.
We went through the Walsinghams, then up to Little Snoring, Thursford Green, Gunthorpe to Sharrington, Thornage, Hunworth and the final long climb of the day, up to Edgefield. The final leg took us through Hempstead, past Selbrigg lake to Bodham and PC.

PC to PC was 68 miles with 925m of climbing at an average of 14.7 mph
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Ian A, Andrew B, Graham A.

Saturday 11th May – Bircham Mill
Wednesday 15th May – Stanfield Old Dairy
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/