Author: web1691

Report by Ride Leader Ian A
With ongoing injuries and holidays, just two Wheelers met at PC on a cold and windy morning, but at least the heavy rain and hail storms had passed through and we had a dry ride.
Possibly due to the ride leader’s excitement at having managed to get new Hunt wheels ordered on Sunday, delivered and fitted to his workhorse gravel bike after bashing beyond repair the old rear wheel, he forgot to check whether the cafe at Hoveton Hall was open. But Mark had. And it wasn’t. Opens next Sunday.
So we decided to detour to the nearby Courtyard Cafe at Wroxham Barns, Hoveton which was pretty much on the route anyway. The route took us through East Beckham and the familiar lanes via Lower Gresham, Sustead, Aldborough and on to Alby Common. We called in on Brian P to see how he was – much improved and hoping to be riding before Summer is out, which will be a brilliant recovery, but still frustrated at not being able to walk far or do much. But apparently he CAN manage the washing up… Declining the offer of coffee (and after admiring Elizabeths’s impressive running medal collection!) we pressed on west to Suffield then south skirting Felmingham and on to Swanton Abbot, Sloley and through Tunstead to reach Wroxham Barns.

So that leg had been downwind and downhill. A hearty lunch was therefore required to fuel up for the return leg. Mark opted for what appeared to be a Sunday Roast Pork dinner in a baguette plus a large brownie, while Ian had a brie and cranberry toasted ciabatta sandwich with a biscotti cookie. All was tasty, served up quickly and the coffee was good. It got busy while we were eating and it appeared that it was chucking out time at a local nursery judging by the volume (in all senses) of 3 & 4 year olds suddenly.

After lunch we deviated from the planned route for the first few miles to explore the off-road lane round the ‘other side’ of the old RAF Coltishall airfield. A further workout and shakedown for the new wheels. At Badersfield we rejoined the planned route and went through Skeyton then on to Tuttingham, Banningham, Ingworth, Matlaske and up to the familiar radio mast and down to the Rectory Road junction by Hill Farm where Ian turned left for High Kelling and Mark turned right to head back to PC and Sheringham. And yes it was much harder work in the afternoon and Mark’s diesel engine was as useful as ever.

PC to PC was 48 miles at an average speed of 14mph
Riders: Mark M and Ian A leading (kind of)

Saturday 20th April – Fairhaven Tearoom, South Walsham
Wednesday 24th – 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/

Report by Mark M
With injury and holidays depleting numbers, three Wheelers met at PC on a breezy and cool morning. With the forecast suggesting a balmy 20 degrees later in the day, all three were feeling a little underdressed and hoped the sun would soon warm the day up.
With the south westerly wind helping us along as we headed east through Gresham, Metton, Northrepps to Mundesley where we had arranged to pick up Doug. Doug was collecting his bike from Woods Cycles of Mundesley after a bottom bracket replacement and timed it so he could join us and test out the new BB. As a Wheeler he was also pleased to receive a 10% discount on parts and labour from Woods Cycles.

We crossed the golf course on the way to Trunch and Knapton, then through Bacton Wood to Old Hall Road which is still closed to vehicles, though walkers and cyclists can limbo under the barriers at each end to get through. Then it was Crostwight, Ridlington and up to Bacton to a surprisingly quiet Watsons.

Early arrivals at the café were Graham A and Neil S, who had taken a similar though slightly more direct route and had time to have their lunch before we arrived. Neil S showed us a video clip of Brian P looking very well and happy, pedalling away on a stationary bicycle that he had helped to organise. Brian has just started to take some short walks and the bike will help him regain some strength and mobility.
Just as we were thinking of leaving, Malcolm arrived, so I saw that as an excuse for more tea and a piece of cake, while we had a chat and discussed options for new wheels for Ian. Once outside again, of the five bikes remaining, three were titanium, gleaming in the sun, I will admit to having Ti envy!
So we sent Malcolm off to complete his 70ish mile circuit to home, while we headed into a stiff headwind to Spa Common, then down to Worstead, across to Skeyton and up to Colby and across to Calthorpe. Here Doug turned for Aldborough and onwards to Cromer and at Wickmere Neil Mc continued on for Corpusty, leaving two to head for Matlaske and the final split at Red Barn Lane.

PC to PC was 57 miles at a 15.5mph average
Riders: Neil Mc, Ian A, Mark M, Graham A, Neil S, Malcolm S

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 17th April – Hoveton Hall
Saturday 20th April – Fairhaven Tearoom, South 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/

Report by Ride Leader Chris S
Only two Wheelers, Mark M and Chris S, met up at PC. Whilst the weather was sunny topping out at around 13 degrees centigrade there was a strong south westerly wind.

Unsurprisingly the outward route headed straight into the wind. A third wheeler, Ian A, was waiting patiently at High Kelling. The outward route took in Wiveton, Glanford, Field Dalling, Bale, Hindringham with an early stop after 19 miles at Binham Palour for a late breakfast/early brunch. The roads were generally dry with only one major flood encountered just after Hindringham. Of course, all three wheelers ordered the superb full breakfast with Mark M also ordering a man-sized pot of tea which unsurprisingly led to the inevitable stop on the route back.

Feeling fully re-energised the three continued further west into the wind through Warham, Wighton, Great & Little Walsingham to West Barsham before turning east to Thursford. Although no longer heading directly into the wind there was still a strong side wind at times. The ride then continued through Gunthorpe, Hunworth and Hempstead where Ian turned off taking a more direct route back to High Kelling. This left just Mark and Chris to ride back to PC passing through Baconsthorpe, Bessingham and Gresham.

Pc to PC 52 miles. Average speed 14.6mph
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Ian A.

Postscript
Whilst the ride was uneventful after Ian left the ride to return to High Kelling he unfortunately hit a pothole whilst riding downhill south of the pond on the Selbrigg Road. He was trying to avoid the mud and sand on the road at the time. Whilst he managed to stay on the bike the front wheel was badly dented and buckled but still rideable. Good luck Ian bashing out the dent and re-truing the wheel or in the worst case sourcing a new wheel.

Saturday 13th April – Watsons, Bacton
Wednesday 17th April – Hoveton 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/

Report by Ian A
On what promised to be a sunny, dry but windy day, three Wheelers met at PC and picked up Ian a couple of miles down the road by Hill Farm at the Rectory Road/New Road junction. He was apologetic for being a minute or two late…
Because of the anticipated strong headwind on the way out, we’d agreed to get all disciplined and ride as a tight bunch and take short turns on the front, rolling to the back for a rest. This worked well and we achieved a good average speed in the morning despite the windy conditions. The route took us southwest via Baconsthorpe, Edgefield, Briston then across to Hindolveston and the Ryburghs. Then a tough stretch south to North Elmham, east-ish to Sparham and up the last hill of the morning (hurray!) directly into the headwind (boo!) to The Chrysalis Cafe at the Bug Parc.

We all enjoyed a very reasonably priced and hearty brunch with plentiful beans, wind quickly becoming the theme of the day. (Yes I saw you pop out of the saddle a few times on the way back – you know who you are…) It was warm enough to sit outside, though the promised full sun had been replaced by complete cloud cover. Unfortunately none of the steady contingent had made it this far south today so it was just the four of us for lunch.
After lunch, the first few miles comprised a few tacks with, into and across the firm southerly before finally becoming a fairly consistent tailwind. We free-formed it a bit more on the way back i.e. didn’t stick so close but regrouped at the top of the hills. Our new (and very welcome) member Doug had perhaps burnt a few too many matches on the outward leg and was paying the price. (With the “windy” conditions on the way back, having no matches was possibly a good thing from a Health & Safety perspective.)
More seriously, the return route took us through Brandiston and up to Cawston and then a fast, straight 1.5 miles up Heydon Road. We swung through Heydon Park, onto Oulton and Itteringham where we pointed Doug in the general direction of Cromer. (I wonder if he did have that cheeky coffee we suggested at the Itteringham Village Shop? – highly recommended.) The remaining three pushed north before Neil waved goodbye and turned left to head back to Corpusty via Mannington Hall. Mark and Ian put the hammer down (only kidding) and continued through North Barningham to the top of Plum Lane where Ian turned left for High Kelling and Mark headed back to PC and then Sheringham.

Riders: Mark M, Neil Mc, Doug H, Ian A.
PC to PC was 54.4 miles at an average speed of 15.2mph
PS – just a footnote to mention that Andrew B didn’t have time to join us as he was packing for Oz, but managed to get out for a solo 38 mile ride to Reepham, and this time had the route with him.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 10th April – Binham Parlour
Saturday 13th April – 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/

Report by Ride Leader Andrew B
Four riders met at Pretty Corner on a showery day for a run to Skeyton Goat pub. Things did not start well for the leader as he was unable to find the route on his Garmin! Luckily everyone else had successfully downloaded it from the club website. The route took us through Gresham, Sustead, Hanworth, Suffield, Felmingham, Westwick, Swanton Abbot, Worstead, Tunstead, St James, Lamas and Badfield.
There were a number of floods on the roads which slowed our progress. The leader also discovered he had very little in the way of brakes causing him to overshoot at corners! However, we arrived safely at the pub, quickly found a table and ordered food and drinks. The food was very good and the service excellent. However, there was a problem with the new payment system which delayed our departure. After lunch we made our way back to PC via Tuttington, Aylsham, Ingworth, Itteringham, Mannington, Barningham, Edgefield and Hemstead. Ian spotted some ponies shortly after lunch and insisted on doing a Dr Doolittle impression with them (see pictures).

Ian and Andrew left for home after Sellbrigg Pond leaving the two remaining riders to take the usual route back to PC. Overall, a good day’s ride despite the leader’s ineptitude and lack of brakes.

PC to PC 53 miles
Average speed 14.3 mph
Total Elevation 1800 ft

Mark M, Ian A, Chris S and Andrew B leading.

Saturday 6th April – Chrysalis Café, Sparhamhill
Wednesday 10th April – Binham Parlour
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Report by Chris S
Four wheelers, Mark, Chris, Neil and Clive met up at PC for the ride to East Rudham picking up a fifth wheeler, Ian, some two miles into the route. Weather conditions were for once very favourable with a very light almost non existent south easterly breeze, a temperature ranging between 9 and 12 degrees Celsius and even some sunshine!
The outward route was uneventful apart from Mark spotting some Llamas/Alpacas in a field and took the group through Edgefield, Briston, Hindolveston, Fulmodeston, the Ryburghs, East Raynham and onto East Rudham.
Biagio’s café was busy due the Easter bank holiday weekend. Luckily we were able to get a table inside and have a light lunch.

Shortly into the return journey Ian, the Wheeler’s resident ornithologist and also photographer, spotted a bunch of twitchers on the roadside and stopped to speak to them. He was very disappointed to learn that he had missed seeing a Rustic Bunting by about twenty minutes. Anyway just for Ian here is a picture of a Rustic Bunting (not to be confused with a Reed Bunting, Little Bunting or a Common Sparrow) so all is not lost!

The ride continued onto Whissonsett and Bintree where a short detour was taken to see Bintree Mill. Water levels were still high, but the mill and the water meadows looked idyllic in the sunshine with hundreds of daffodils in full bloom.

The remaining route passed through Guestwick, Corpusty (where Neil left the group as we passed the end of his road), and North Barningham. Ian and Clive then turned left into Mill Road heading back to High Kelling and Blakeney respectively. This left Mark and Chris to complete the ride returning to PC.

Riders: Mark M, Neil Mc, Chris S, Clive A and Ian A
Total Distance 62 miles. Average speed 15.35mph

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 3rd April – Skeyton Goat
Saturday 6th April – Chrysalis Café, Sparham Hill
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Report by Ride Leader Mark M
Another windy and chilly morning greeted the three Wheelers meeting at PC. Today it was a strong southerly wind that would make the outward leg hard work but promised an easier leg home.
We headed south through Gresham, Aldborough, Erpingham to Colby then Banningham. Just north of Banningham we stopped at the scene of Brian P’s accident of Feb 24th to look for Andrew’s Buff that he had left behind in all the excitement and surprisingly he found it amongst the mud and weeds, a quick wash and it should be as good as new. We also noticed that the hole that Brian had hit, was now dry but still not filled in, instead it had a traffic cone dropped into it, which is better than nothing.
Then it was onto Buxton, Lamas, around the north of Coltishall, past Hoveton Hall to RAF Neatishead, where the Trimmingham Golf Ball radar has moved to, then a quick detour to Irstead Staithe to look at the boats.

From Neatishead village we had a tail wind and a fast and easy ride for the last four miles to the Crosskeys.
Both Graham A and Graham J were already at the pub, having taken a shorter but just as windy route south. The staff seemed surprised to see customers, they had no milk for coffee and the only menu was the Sunday roast menu. We all had a roast and between us had, beef, pork and chicken, which was presented well and filled us up.

Another time we will give the nearby Smallburgh Crown a try.
After lunch we headed north and did get a good tail wind as we went through Honing and along the Golden Mile to look at the daffodils. Unfortunately they were well past their best, so we didn’t stop for any photos this year. We skirted around North Walsham to Swafield, Bradfield and Thorpe Market to Hanworth, where both the Graham’s turned for home. The remaining three continued to Bessingham, Barningham Winter and to the top of Bodham hill, where Andrew and Clive turned for High Kelling and Blakeney and Mark finished the loop at PC.

PC to PC was 56 miles at 14.6mph average
Riders: Andrew B, Clive A, Mark M, Graham A and Graham J

Saturday 30th March – Biagios, East Rudham
Wednesday 3rd April – Skeyton Goat
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
With the High Kelling duo sending in sick notes and another Wheeler in Spain, it looked as if it would be just Neil Mc and Mark at PC for a windy and chilly ride. However, brand new Wheeler, Doug from Cromer chose today for his inaugural ride. After admiring his J.Guillem titanium bike and hearing about the many benefits of tubeless tyres, we set off on a mainly wind assisted south easterly route.
We went through Gresham, Metton, past Sally Bean’s House, North and South Repps, Trunch to Paston, before heading back inland for Witton and East Ruston Gardens. Then it was Lessingham and a fast run through to Sea Palling and Waxham Barn.
The roads were dry for a change and though we saw some very black clouds, it remained dry the whole way. The café was fairly quiet and we had a choice of tables inside. As usual the service was quick, the food very good and the cakes were enormous.
We had just about finished when Malcolm S arrived having had to deal with a lot more wind from Gt Yarmouth to Potter Heigham before turning for Hickling and Waxham, he also encountered a heavy rain and hail shower. So we had another mug of tea while we put the world to rights and Malcolm fought with his fried egg baguette.
So eventually we left, with Malcolm looking forward to wind assistance on his way home, while we had the prospect of a stiff head wind, which appeared as soon as we reached Sea Palling. It wasn’t far before we turned toward Hickling and then through Ingham.
Graham A had kindly forewarned me that the bridge between East Ruston and Honing was completely closed, so we took a diversion staying east until we could turn for Crostwight to pick up the route again.

It was here that Doug showed us how to plug a tubeless tyre when the sealant doesn’t seal. I will admit that it was quicker than changing a tube, though we didn’t have an opportunity to show him a tube change. We also had a brief rain and hail shower while we were stopped.

Our route then took us along the North Walsham road for Swafield and Bradfield. Here we changed from the planned route of Thorpe Market and north of Gunton Park to take the Suffield route south of the park. So we sent Doug on a direct north route through the Repps again back to Cromer.
Neil and I parted ways outside Aldborough, with Neil heading for Mannington and Saxthorpe, while I rejoined the route at Bessingham for Gresham and PC.

PC to PC was 61.8 miles at an average of 14.9 mph
Riders: Neil Mc, Doug, Mark M, Malcolm S

Hopefully Doug will recover from his first Wheelers ride and will join us again before too long.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 27th March – Crosskeys, Dilham
Saturday 30th March (Easter) – Biagios, East Rudham
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
Due to holidays, the onset of a cold and an aversion to getting wet, numbers were limited today. And so it was on a mild but damp morning that promised a few showers, Mark met himself at PC. He set off skirting David and Victoria (aka The Beckhams) then via Lower Bodham to pick up Ian at the pre-arranged meet by the A148 at High Kelling.
The route took the duo past Holt RFC, over the NNR bridge and onto Blakeney via Newgate and Wiveton. After a quick pause to admire the (very quiet) quayside, we detoured to have a look at Andrew’s (intended) new abode. A nice spot and looks great for a housewarming/Summer BBQ party(?) We’ll add it to the list… We then rode up to Langham, south through Field Dalling and on to Sharrington.
It was clearly ‘Sharrington in Bloom’ as the mass of celandine and daffodils was impressive. We then looped north to Saxlingham and round to Natural Surroundings, the cafe in Bayfield Park near Glandford.

It was only half full so we took advantage of the available luxuriant sofas in an alcove on the basis that, after looking at the clientele, we were probably the only people there who could fairly easily get out of them. The food is more generous-snack-based rather than lunches but we were happy with our choices of double cheese on toast with jalapenos and a tuna mayo panini. Tasty and arrived promptly. And it’s reasonably priced.

When we set off we’d clearly missed a bit of rain while we were inside but apart from a very short sprinkling on the way to the cafe we remained dry all day. The route after lunch took us through Letheringsett, crossing the A148 (fortunately very quiet) then south to Briningham (skirting Sharrington again), Brinton, Melton Constable and Hindolvesten. In the grounds of Briningham House (sometimes known as the Hall and built in 1838) there were sheep and our first sighting of spring lambs.

We then turned east to head through Nethergate, Thurning and on to and through Heydon Park. Then it was north-east through Oulton, Itteringham, Wickmere and Thurgarton, then swinging north to Bessingham and onto Gresham where Ian diverted up Holt Road to head back to High Kelling, leaving Mark to head back to PC and Sheringham.

Apart from the lambs, other notable wildlife included two mad hares (well it is March), many young piglets and an almost constant chorus of skylarks and chiffchaffs. Nice.

PC to PC was 50.5 miles at 14.4mph average.
Riders: Mark M and Ian A (leading)

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 23rd March – Dunes Café, Waxham
Wednesday 27th March – Crosskeys, Dilham
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
Four Wheelers met at Pretty Corner on a cool, calm Saturday morning. The weather was forecast as dry and thankfully it remained that way all day, which was a pleasant relief after the many soakings of 2024 so far.

The ride was to “Un Cafe” at Beeston St Andrew Garden Centre, a new venue to all riding. The outward route went via Gresham, Bessingham, Adborough and down to Ingworth where we turned east to cross the A140 and on to Banningham. Much care was taken to avoid flooded potholes after Brian’s recent mishap just north of Banningham.

After Banningham we went through Skeyton to Scottow and then doglegged round through Market Street to cross the railway and pass through Coltishall and Horstead where we took to the lanes again. We kept off the North Walsham road by taking a route out the back of Crostwick, but finally had to pop out opposite Spixworth and join the B1150 down to the Broadland Northway. The traffic wasn’t too bad as it turned out, but it was a bit tedious waiting for a safe gap to cross the Northway via the central cycle refuge. Fortunately the garden centre was very close to the junction so we were there very shortly afterward.

The cafe was a pleasant surprise, nicer than a standard garden centre and bustling with other patrons. We found Graham A and Neil S there already having ridden independently to the main group. The food was tasty with a good choice of light meals and cakes at a reasonable price. We arrived with the lunchtime rush so service was a little slow, but they managed to catch up and we weren’t forgotten.

Graham and Neil left before the group to make their own way back, the rest of us departed on the B1150 toward Norwich. Soon a right onto Beeston lane took us on to Buxton Road where we headed north again to take the bridge over the Northway and pass west of Spixworth. This was a much nicer (and safer) way to cross the Northway and it would make sense to use this both ways to the cafe in future.

The return took a quick route through Hainford, Stratton Strawless, Buxton and Brampton where we turned west to cross the A140 just before Marsham. A swift run through Eastgate, Cawston and up to Heydon followed where Neil Mc left to head for home. The remaining group rode through Heydon Park on to Oulton, Itteringham and then back to PC via Barningham Winter and Red Barn Lane.

PC to PC 56 miles at 15.7 mph average
Riders: Ian A, Chris S, Mark M, Neil Mc with Graham A and Neil S riding independently.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 20th March – Bayfield Hall, Glandford
Saturday 23rd March – Dunes Café, Waxham
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/