Author: web1691

Despite the wet forecast and drizzle from before the start, three Wheelers, allegedly of sound mind, met at PC for the ride to Purdy’s at Woodgate garden centre. The strong southerly wind ensured we didn’t have to wait too long between showers.
Fortunately our route meandered east to Northrepps, Hungry Hill and Trunch before heading west to Suffield. Here we turned south into the wind for a few miles to get down to Tuttington before heading west again to reach Aylsham via the hole in the hedge at Dunkirk.
Spurred on by the thought of shelter and hot food we cranked through a busy Aylsham to reach a deserted Woodgate car park, no problem getting a table then, except that Purdy’s was closed.
We didn’t hang around trying to find out why it closed, instead we set off for a bonus mile and a half ride up to Aylsham Garden Centre on the A140, which was open. As we parked the bikes, an ancient steam powered car arrived, which turned the focus of attention away from the weather and extra miles to wondering why anyone would take such an old and valuable vehicle out in the rain, it didn’t even have any windows, just a hood.
Aylsham Garden Centre is undergoing a major expansion, which had demolished part of the old café and it was busy. We found the last large table and enjoyed very good food, tea, cake and managed to warm up and dry out a bit.
As we set off for home we were bathed not in the sunshine that the ride leader had predicted but more drizzle, but now we did have the wind behind us as we made our way through Aylsham again and on to Oulton. Next was Itteringham, Plumstead, Hempstead and Selbrigg pond to drop Andrew off, before the remaining duo continued to Bodham Hill, where the drizzle turned into proper rain for the final couple of miles back.
No flooded roads today, though very wet and a lot of leaf mulch about.

PC to PC 47.5 miles at an average of 14.1 mph
Riders: Andrew B, Chris S, Mark M leading.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 11th Nov – Norton’s Walsingham
Wednesday 15th Nov – 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/

The poor weather forecasts leading up to Saturday, led to Harvey’s Steady Group delaying their ride to Sunday and only Chris and Mark meeting at PC on a much improved Saturday morning. While there, Geoff P stopped for a chat, on his ride to Junction 21 at Themelthorpe, a bit of rain won’t stop Geoff!

We were using Harvey’s original 61mile route which took us down through the flood by the pigs on Plum Lane to Little Barningham and then across to Edgefield. As we were going through the woods Jane Armstrong was cycling the other way, I managed a quick hello as we sped past each other.
As we entered Foxley we met Harvey, who had already done most of the route in the reverse direction, so he joined us for a few miles before continuing on his was home to rack up a 50 mile ride as a warm up for Sunday. He had caught a couple of heavier showers in the morning that we missed, though we did find some light showers on the way to the café.
Our route took us to Worthing, so we stopped at the bridge to check the river, which was at the top of the bank with a lot of flooding across the fields in the distance. We were then heading into the gusty SE wind as we went via Bylaugh to Sparham and then the café. We arrived and ordered while the café was quiet, but it soon had a number of families arrive for lunch. We had a good lunch, cake and two mugs of tea before we decided to venture out once more. It was heavy drizzle/light rain as we left and that persisted for the next hour and a half as we took another southerly loop through Lyng to Ringland before stopping at Attlebridge to check the river, which was flooding the meadows.

Now we were heading north, so had the benefit of a good tail wind as we took the regular route back, through Cawston, Itteringham to PC.
On the way to Itteringham, the rain stopped and the sun came out, initially creating a weak rainbow in the distance and then lighting up the woodlands ahead of us, highlighting the autumn colours. That didn’t last long before more clouds took over, but we made it back home before the next band of rain came through. A quick look at the Bure at Itteringham bridge showed the level looking just a little higher than normal.

All in all, not a bad day out, not too cold or too wet and PC to PC was 61 miles at 14.8 mph average.
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, with Geoff P, Jane A and Harvey T enroute.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 8th Nov – Purdys, Aylsham
Saturday11th Nov – Norton’s, 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 Ride Leader Andrew B
Three riders at Pretty Corner on a gloomy autumn day with forecast of showers and strong winds. No sooner had we started the ride when there was a heavy shower, however this had stopped when we met Ian at High Kelling as prearranged. The rest of the ride was mainly dry with the route taking us through Hempstead, Edgefield, Briston, Thurning, Wood Dalling, Heydon, Oulton Street, Bickling (with a diversion through the grounds to avoid the main road) and Ingworth.
On arrival at the pub we met Graham who as planned had cycling directly from home and was enjoying a beer (non-alcoholic!). We were shown to a table in dining area (very posh for us) and we all enjoyed an excellent meal and refreshments (although there was a bit of a delay in the food arriving).

The rain had still held off as we started on the way back, however, Graham had a puncture about four miles into the route.

Chris decided to leave us at this point as he had to be home on time. This proved to be a good move as shortly after we resumed riding the heavens opened up! It was therefore decided to take the quickest route back to PC from near Antingham, via Suffield, Aldborough and Matlaske. Graham left us shortly after the decision to shorten the ride. Ian and Andrew split off at Matlaske to make their own way home, leaving Mark to cycle back to PC

PC to PC 45 miles
Average speed 14.0 mph
Total Elevation 1750 ft
Mark, Chris, Ian, Graham A and Andrew leading.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 4th Nov – Chrysalis Café, Sparhamhill
Wednesday 8th Nov – Purdys, Aylsham
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/

Due to other commitments, only Chris and Mark were available to meet at PC, on a cool but bright morning with the forecast sun beginning to break through hazy clouds blown by a light south westerly.
We went through Hanworth, Thorpe Market to Lower Southrepps where we met Graham A, out on a 20 mile ride, regaining his fitness after his recent op.
He had also just met Harvey’s steady group, consisting of Brian, Graham J and Jim, but no Harvey as he had turned back due to a mechanical.
Knowing that Harvey is the only one of the group that knows the route, the chances of them reaching the café before it closed had reduced considerably!
Despite them being just up the road, we never met them as we followed the route through Bradfield, Trunch, Paston, Witton to Happisburgh and then the 6 miles to Waxham. In Sea Palling there was a huge flood on the way into the village and we had to take to the pavement to bypass the worst of it.
As we arrived at Dunes, Neil S was sat outside enjoying his lunch, he had his covid jab in the morning and had taken the coast road to join us.
I was just finishing my baguette when Brian, Jim and Graham arrived. They were unable to tell us where they had been or how far they had gone, but were pleased to have arrived.

Brian told us that Harvey was on his new bike and had a problem with the seat post slipping down, apparently he realised it was an issue when his knees were touching his chin. We were all sure that Harvey would be back on the road and would probably meet us somewhere on the homeward route.
After a particularly long lunch stop enjoying the company and the sun, it was time to head for home, some following the route others their nose.

The return route took us on the loop up to Ingham, Brumstead and East Ruston Common. Here we did meet Harvey on the new bike, a very good looking Mercian. The problem had been with the seat clamp bolt, it just needed to be removed, given a stern talking to and refitting.
So, the three of us continued to Worstead and Swanton Abbott, where Harvey continued to Aylsham and home (after 84 miles) and we turned for Tuttington, Banningham, Ingworth and the regular route north back to PC.
We assume that the steady group made it home and are not going round in circles in the depths of the Norfolk countryside.
At Aldborough the motorbike garage was open with bikes and people outside, so we stopped to have a look and a chat. A very interesting collection, which included a Sunbeam frame with a flat four VW engine and a Moto Guzzi 850 T3.

PC to PC was 62 miles at an average speed of 14.9 mph
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Neil S, Jim H, Graham J, Brian P, Harvey T, with Graham A and Geoff P enroute.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 1st Nov – Banningham Crown
Saturday 4th Nov – 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/

Five riders met at PC for the ride to Litcham as well as Geoff P and Robert N, who were going to Junction 21 at Themelthorpe. All of us had to negotiate the deep flood by the pigs at the top of Plum Lane, there were a number of damp feet afterwards!
We were fortunate to have a virtually wind free day and a lot of warm sunshine, very different to last Saturday morning.
Our fairly direct route took us down to Corpusty, Bintree, Billingford and to Worthing, where a stop at the bridge showed that the water level had gone down by at least 3 feet and the river was now well within the river banks again.
We resisted the call of quiche as we went past Gressenhall and took a diversion to Beeston to take a look at the recently re-opened community pub, the Ploughshare. It looks very good and has plenty of seating inside and out, so is one to put on the list for next year.
A couple of miles further and we reached Litcham and the Deli is beside the church, so we parked the bikes in the churchyard and went in for lunch. The building goes back a long way has a decent amount of seating and a good selection of savoury items, paninis and great cakes.

We all enjoyed our generous lunches and were pleased that Chris S had suggested the venue.

From Litcham to Fakenham was about 8 miles on the same road, which seemed odd as we don’t usually do more than two or three miles without turning onto a new road or stopping at a junction.
After Fakenham it was Great Snoring, Hindringham and Bale, where Clive left us. At Sharrington we changed our route to avoid the fords at Hunworth as Andrew had found them in full flood on Saturday, so went via Stody and Briston to Edgefield, then Hempstead and Selbrigg, where Ian and Andrew turned for home, leaving Chris and Mark to complete the circuit.

PC to PC was 64 miles at 15.1 mph average
Riders: Ian A (photos), Andrew B, Chris S, Clive and Mark M leading

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 28th – Dunes Café, Waxham
Wednesday 1st – Banningham Crown
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 Ride Leader Ian A.
It was a bright but windy day (18-20mph ESE). And it’s complicated, so pay attention. This is the one where one of the three swallows at Cley disappeared and the remaining two turned into magpies and popped up at Blakeney instead. See, I told you so.
Mark was the only rider expected at PC so set off to pick up Ian at the junction for Selbrigg Pond. The route then went via Hempstead and Pond HiIlls Road, skirting Edgefield and Briston and on to Melton Constable, then north to Blakeney. Maybe it was the pair’s excitement at the prospect of ham, egg & chips and a pint for only £11 at The Three Swallows at Cley, or maybe the prevailing tailwind too, but they were on track to arrive 30 minutes before opening time(!) so decided to go the the Two Magpies cafe in Blakeney instead… (You see dear reader, it all makes sense now!)
With a good view over Blakeney Marshes from the window seats, they enjoyed good coffee while waiting for sausage rolls to arrive. And they waited. After 30 minutes they chased up the order (which had clearly been lost) and after a further 10 minutes they arrived – hot on the outside but stone cold on the inside. But tasty. So they ate them anyway. And the ride leader managed a very good brownie too. (Consistently chaotic service from this chain at both Holt and Blakeney.)
Heading out of Blakeney they tried to spot the new cafe ‘Folks’ but looked up the High Street and it’s actually on Westgate Street – it gets good reviews so probably worth a return trip. From Blakeney the route headed to Wiveton, Newgate (Three Swallows) and then the long drag to Holt into a head/crosswind all the way. Heading out of Holt on the Hempstead Road, the route crossed the outward leg and went on to Baconsthorpe, Plumstead, Matlaske and Aldborough. It then swung north to Bessingham and Gresham, where Ian turned for home, leaving Mark to head back via PC.
A decent route with bright weather but the strong wind made it hard going on the return leg.
Mark plus Ian A leading.
PC to PC was 42 miles (14.6mph average)

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 21st – King’s Café, Shipdham
Wednesday 25th -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/

Ride Report by Ride Leader Andrew B
Three riders met at Pretty Corner, for a run to the Artisan Cafe, Alby on a warm Autumn day with the threat of rain about lunchtime.
The route took us through East Beckham, Lower Gresham, Aylmerton (where we met up with Graham as pre-arranged), Felbrigg Estate, Cromer, Northrepps, Southrepps Lower Street, Antingham, Colby and Erpingham. There was definitely a Halloween theme as we passed a stall of pumpkins on the way. On arrival at the Cafe we found a table inside and all enjoyed an excellent lunch.

On leaving we noticed further evidence of Halloween preparation with a field of pumpkins.

Graham decided to leave us and make is own way home from Erpingham, with the remaining riders continuing on to Ingworth, then through Blickling estate which was a change from the route as the rain had finally started. The route then took us through Itteringham, Wolterton, Wickmere, Lower Street, Barningham and onto West Beckham, were Ian and Andrew left for home, leaving Mark to make is way back to PC alone.
Luckily, although there was some light rain we all managed to stay fairly dry and we missed the heavy deluge later in the evening!

Mark, Ian, Graham A and Andrew leading.
PC to PC 43 miles
Average speed 13.0 mph
Total Elevation 1700 ft

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 14th – No 17, Mundesley
Wednesday 18th – Three Swallows, Cley
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 Ride Leader Chris S
There was a good turn out for Wednesday’s ride to East Rudham with seven riders meeting up at Pretty Corner. The group included Graham A who is now back on his bike following his recent operation and Andrew B who has just returned from Toronto and was still suffering the after effects of jet lag. In addition, three veteran members including Geoff P arrived at PC having arranged a shorter ride.

The weather was cool but sunny with a moderate south westerly wind. Unfortunately the outward journey was head on to the wind taking the group through Edgefield, Briston, Fulmondeston, Great Ryburgh and onwards to East Rudham. Graham A and Andrew B left the group at Great Ryburgh stopping for refreshments at the local shop before taking a shorter route home.

After an enjoyable lunch at the recently opened Biagio’s (formerly Jane’s Café) at East Rudham, the ride continued further west into the wind to South Raynham before turning back in an easterly direction with a very welcome tail wind. The roads in the afternoon appeared to have suffered badly from Monday night’s storm with lots of deep sand having been washed on to the road causing numerous front and rear wheel slides. This was followed by some deep mud which a local farmer was attempting to scrape off the road at the entrance to his farm. The route back went through Whissonsett, across the A1067 to Guestwick, Corpusty and East Beckham. Duncan S dropped off at Corpusty whilst Clive turned off at Barningham Winter to head back to Blakeney. Ian A took a left turn at Mill Road leaving only Chris S and Mark M to return to PC.

Riders: Mark M, Ian A, Graham A, Clive, Andrew B, Duncan S and Chris S (Ride Leader)
Total Distance: 62 miles at an average speed of 15mph.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 7th – Holkham Hall
Wednesday 11th – Artisan Café, Alby
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

The last day of September was a glorious autumn day, clear blue sky, sunshine and a very light SW breeze, ideal cycling weather. As a result of holidays and hospital recoveries only three Wheelers met at PC to enjoy Harvey’s route around the lanes to Chrysalis Café.
Our clockwise route took us to Hanworth, Town Green, Thwaite, Erpingham, Ingworth and across Able Heath to Oulton and into Hayden Park. Having negotiated around the sheep and cows in the park we were surprised at how many people were sat at tables at the village pub and café at 11:30am, they must have decided to make the most of the great day as well.
From Heydon it was Wood Dalling, Kerdiston and onto Nowhere Lane, where we were surprised to see Harvey cycling towards us, as we thought he was still on holiday, apparently he had returned late the prior evening, but decided that the morning was too good to miss.
The Chrysalis Café part of the Bug Parc has plenty of seating inside and out and has some of the best value food of the cafes we visit. We sat outside enjoying lunch and chatting in the warmth of the sun.
Our longer leg home first took us round to Lenwade and south across the A1067 to Lyng Easthaugh then up out of the river valley, past Hockering Wood and back down to Elsing and then the climb up to Bawdeswell. After a brief stop to recover, it was on to Foxley, Themelthorpe, Guestwick, Tyby and Little London, where Neil Mc turned for home. Then Edgefield Street up to Edgefield, Hempstead, Baconsthorpe and Upper Sheringham to home.

Ride distance of 62 miles at an average speed of 14.6mph
Riders: Graham J, Neil Mc, Harvey T, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 4th Oct – Biagio’s, East Rudham
Saturday 7th Oct – 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/

As the west of the country braced itself for storm Agnes, the riders who met at PC were greeted by light SE winds and the possibility of sunshine and 20 degree temperatures. Ideal for a mainly downhill SE ride to Coltishall followed by a strengthening tailwind as we headed uphill home.
While we waited at PC, Geoff P stopped for a chat as he waited for Kevin H to join him for a more leisurely ride to Pensthorpe, it was good to see them both out enjoying the good weather.
Our route took us through Aldborough, Town Green and across the A140 to Alby Common for Suffield. Towards the end of the lane we met Brian P and Elizabeth out for a walk, so we stopped to have a chat, they were both in good spirits and also enjoying the good weather.
We continued on through Swanton Abbott, Worstead, Ashmanhaugh to Coltishall and the Rising Sun, to find Malcolm S waiting for us. We found a good table outside, so we could enjoy the sun and views of the river while we had a good leisurely lunch and a good chat. We learnt that Malcolm had recently celebrated his 70th with a tour of the Adnams brewery in Southwold, followed by some great fish and chips in Dunwich.

So after lunch, Malcolm set off into a headwind home, while the trio enjoyed a helpful tailwind home. Our route took us past Coltishall airfield with a detour through Badersfield and past Scottow Church, back to Swanton Abbott, Banningham, Calthorpe to Wolterton Hall, where Duncan left us to head for Mannington and home. The remaining duo continued to Matlaske, up to Bodham Hill where Ian caught a wasp in his helmet, which managed to sting him before he could rip his helmet off. Bravely he was able to continue the last couple of miles home.

PC to PC was 53 miles with an average speed of 15.3 mph
Riders: Duncan S, Ian A (photo), Malcom S, Mark M leading. Also out and about, Geoff P, Kevin H, Brian P & Elizabeth.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 30th – Chrysalis Café, Sparham Hill
Wednesday 4th – Biagio’s, 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/