Author: web1691

With Harvey on holiday and other regulars sidelined by medical issues, it was always going to be a small group ride. Three met at PC on a cool and damp morning, with the forecast suggesting that it would remain dry and would warm up a little.
One of the three, Neil Mc was recovering from sickness and would only join us for about the first hour before heading home, still getting some good miles in though.
Our clockwise route took us east via Metton, Northrepps and some less used lanes to Mundesley, all assisted by a moderate westerly breeze. After crossing the golf course we headed to Trunch, Bacton Wood, Crostwight, Ridlington and on to Bacton and Café Carmel.
As the duo entered the café, we were surprised and pleased to see Graham A waiting for us. Having recovered well from his recent op, he was now able to drive again and took the opportunity to meet up and have some lunch and a chat. And then Brian P, phoned Graham to report that he was doing ok after the start of his hospital treatment, so that was good to hear as well. Hopefully they will both be back out on their bikes before too long.
After a good lunch, coffee and cake it was time to bid farewell to Graham and head off into the breeze towards North Walsham, Worstead and Skeyton. By now a lot of the morning clouds had cleared and there was a lot more sun as we headed up to Suffield then on to Erpingham, Wickmere, past the church on Watery Lane, into Matlaske and the regular route back to PC.
A good ride out on some less used roads. Autumn has definitely arrived and the high temperature of just a couple of weeks ago, remains only as a memory, though it stayed dry.

PC to PC was 57 miles at an average speed of 15mph.
Chris S, Neil Mc, Mark M, Graham A at the café and Brian P reporting in.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 27th Sept – Rising Sun, Coltishall
Saturday 30th Sept – 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/

Ride Report by Ride Leader Ian A
Due to other commitments and holidays, just two Wheelers met at PC on a chilly but bright day. After yesterday’s rain, the Ride Leader showed true leadership and wise decision making abilities as he announced that they’d be avoiding the inevitable mud and sand that would be present on the roads between East Beckham and Gresham on the planned route, and instead take a more direct southerly route to Itteringham via North Barningham. Besides, he’d forgotten his mudguards. Chris however, was gleefully sporting some new full length fenders. The change of route also took off just over 5 miles from the planned distance.

The original route was re-joined just south or Itteringham where we turned west to Oulton and then through Heydon Park. We then proceeded via Cawston, Brandiston and towards Swannington. We turned west again through the Witchinghams and on to Themelthorpe and Junction 21 Tea Room.

We enjoyed matching egg mayonnaise baguettes (plus chocolate cake for one of us). Good food and good value.
We’d had a tailwind there so made good progress on the way out, but it was therefore harder going on the way back and it seemed like most of it was uphill, too…. The route back took us via Foulsham, Nethergate, Thurning, Edgefield, Plumstead and past Pond Farm to Rectory Road Bodham, where Ian turned left for home, leaving Chris to continue on back to PC and Sheringham.
Ian spent some time cleaning his filthy bike and mud -spattered lycra when he got home. Chris probably got by with a quick wipe down as his mudguards had performed admirably, giving him more time to complete his shed building project later that afternoon.

Riders: Ian A (leading and photo) and Chris S
Distances: circa 54 miles

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday Club Run to Gressenhall.
Wednesday 20th – East Rudham (subject to change)
Routes for club runs and 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/

An unprecedented nine riders met at Pretty Corner, including two guests David and Ben for a run to Wiveton Hall Cafe, on a warm but misty day. The route took us through East Beckham, Matlaske, Plumstead, Edgefield, Briston, Stody, Brinton, Sharrington, Field Dalling, Binham, Cockthorpe, Langham and Blakeney, where there was a group photo call – see below.

On arrival at the Cafe we found that we were too early for lunch which is not served until 12:00. However, by the time some of the group had queued up it was time! There was therefore a mixture of cakes, sandwiches, soup and salads consumed, all of which was good. Unfortunately, the sea mist had still not cleared so we missed the superb view, but it was warm enough to sit outside.
The hilly route back took us through Wiveton (where David left us), Newgate, Salthouse, Kelling and High Kelling, Hempstead, Baconsthorpe, West Beckham, with the sun finally managing to poke through the mist. Graham decided that he had had enough hills for one day and left us before Salthouse. Duncan then departed for home at Baconsthorpe. As all the remaining riders wanted to go to Sheringham we diverted from the planned route to go via Upper Sheringham.

PC to PC 40 miles Average speed 14.0 mph
Total Elevation 1864 ft
Riders: Mark, Duncan, Chris, Ian, Graham J, Kevin, David, Ben and Andrew leading.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday Club Run to Wroxham Barns
Wednesday 13th – 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/

Four riders met at PC on a breezy and cool morning for the run south to Elsing. When the sun was out there was still a lot of heat in it, but it was noticeable each time it disappeared behind a cloud.
Andrew B was back on his Van Nicholas after the rear wheel had finally returned from a warranty freehub repair by Mavic in France. Less than 10 miles into the leg, he had a rear Gatorskin puncture, fortunately for the spectators, the sun was out!
Tube replaced, we continued to Blickling and Cawston, where we decided to make up some lost time by going directly to Swannington and Attlebridge rather than the planned more meandering route. In the end it saved us about three miles and we arrived at Elsing pretty much around the planned time.
As the sun was shining we opted to sit outside on the decking in the rear garden, sheltered from the wind. As well as the good selection of cakes and drinks, there is a daily homemade menu. Having seen the enormous fresh out of the oven sausage rolls, together with salad and fries, they were the choice of three Wheelers, with a good portion of Blue cheese mushrooms on sourdough for the fourth. Alas, too busy eating to take photos!
By the time we had finished there was no room left for the tempting cakes, so we will have to come back for those another day.
Some black clouds started to blow past as we headed out past the mill to Sparham and along Nowhere Lane towards Kerdiston, where we caught a shower and stopped to put on rain jackets. The shower didn’t last long but it was a lot cooler under the clouds and the rain jackets stayed on for the rest of the ride.
We continued on the now damp roads to Wood Dalling and Red Pits towards Corpusty, where Duncan S continued for home, while the rest went via Town Close Lane for the climb up to Edgefield. After a brief rest and a few blackberries at the top of the hill, we continued towards Baconsthorpe and caught a second shower before the split at the top of Bodham Hill, with Andrew turning left and Mark and Chris opting to return home via Upper Sheringham.

Ride distance was around 50 miles at an average speed of 14.8 mph
Riders: Chris S, Duncan S, Andrew B and Mark M leading

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 6th – Wiveton 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/

Three riders met at PC on another great cycling day, for Chris’s ride to Poppylands 1940’s themed café at Horsey. With an earlier 9am start to help Chris get back to finalise his packing for a motorcycle adventure to Wales early Thursday, he also seemed keen to keep the pace high early on.
Our route took us on familiar roads south to Ingworth and then eastwards through Tuttington, Swanton Abbott, to Worstead and on to Honing where we were pleased to meet John S, joining us for the ride.
At Ingham, we headed for Sea Palling, past Waxham Barn and the extra 2.5 miles across the open Broadlands to Poppylands, arriving shortly after 11am.
It was already fairly busy, though we bagged an outside table with a parasol close to the NAFFI hut and were serenaded by Vera Lynn. Unfortunately because we were so early the lunch time menu was not available, so the corned beef hash in a mess tin will have to wait for another time.

Instead three of us ordered the Blitz breakfast and one had the Douglas Bader beans on toast with extra fried egg ration (guaranteed not to run). The large pot of tea didn’t disappoint as it was protected by a fighter tea cosy.

The food arrived very quickly while we were still paying for it and Malcolm arrived at the same time. His coffee and cake apparently was acorn free.

When we had finally drained the teapot it was time to leave, with Malcolm heading back the way he came via Great Yarmouth, while we returned to Sea Palling and took the Calthorpe Street loop back to Ingham. Here we headed north while John continued on to Stalham and home.
The Blitz breakfast seemed to have slowed down our ride leader, who was now monitoring the group from the rear!
We went past East Ruston Gardens, Crostwight, White Horse Common, Bradfield, Thorpe Market, Hanworth to Gresham, where Ian turned for home, leaving two to return to PC. While we caught our breathe at PC, Graham A arrived in his car and stopped for a chat. We wish him the best for his operation at the NNUH tomorrow.

PC to PC was 64 miles at an average speed of 15.7 mph.
Riders: Ian A (photos), Mark M, John S, Malcolm S and Chris S leading

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday Club run on 26th – Lighthouse Inn, Walcott
Wednesday 30th – Lemon & Rosemary Yard, Elsing
Routes for rides and Saturday club runs 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/

Four riders met at 8am on an ideal cycling day, warm, dry, sunny and with a light wind, north west in the morning swinging to north east in the afternoon.
Our first leg took us south to Lyng, 18 miles mainly downhill and wind assisted, meant high speed and little effort, a great start to a long ride. Enroute to Lyng around Whitwell Common we met the local hunt out on a practice ride, a huge pack of very well behaved dogs and horses of all sizes with riders of all ages and the youngsters who were unable to claim a horse, followed along behind on bicycles.
After Lyng we headed west through Gressenhall, Great Dunham, Castle Acre to West Acre, where we took the appropriately named Tumbley Hill Road to our first café stop at West Acre Gardens after 42miles. At a leisurely stop we enjoyed good sausage or bacon rolls, a scone for one and coffee.

Reinvigorated we continued to Grimston, across the A148 to West Newton and Sandringham, where we stopped for a photo at the famous gates.

Then it was the open and rolling road through Shernborne, Fring and the final long drag up to Docking. Our second stop was at Thornham which was about five miles away, which was easy going until we reached Beacon Hill. When you do finally reach the top, you are rewarded with wonderful views of the marshes and sea stretching out into the distance, followed by a high speed descent into Thornham itself.
We stopped at Thornham Deli (67 miles) which was busy as it was about 1:30pm, but soon found an outside table with some shade and were quickly looked after by the numerous staff. The menu was extensive and it was easy to see why it is a popular destination on the coast road.

Three of us had different varieties of scrambled eggs but Ian’s plain scrambled eggs on toast was huge, he soon finished it though. After paying and filling our water bottles we set off on the eastward home leg.
After a tour of the marsh side houses we took the uphill road to Choseley and the Ringstead Road to Burnham Market, where we took a tour through the village to see the chaos of cars and people before heading up another Beacon Hill, this time to Shammer and the Burn Valley vineyard.

Then it was a good descent into North Creake and on the familiar roads to Little Walsingham, Thursford, Brinton where Clive turned off, Hunworth and the climb up to Edgefield. After a brief rest for a snack and drink, it was on to Baconsthorpe, Bodham Hill where Ian left us, leaving two to complete the route back to PC.

PC to PC was 105.5 miles, 7hrs riding and 2hrs for stops at an average speed of 15 mph.
Riders: Chris S, Ian A (photos), Clive, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 19th – Holkham
Wednesday 23rd – Poppylands, Horsey, 9am start
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

Finally a mild, dry and calm day! Three Wheelers met at PC for the ride to Staithe ‘N’ Willow at Horning and the promised excitement of a crossing on the Horning Foot Ferry to boot!
A local lady ‘Sue’ also turned up on a step-through e-bike and pannier bound for shopping in North Walsham and asked to come along as we were going close to NW and she wanted to explore a route there via the smaller lanes. So of course we chivalrously obliged, despite her wearing not a stitch of lycra… Well, I ask you. More later…
The route took us south to Itteringham and across to Ingworth where we met Graham who looked very relaxed on the log bench by the church. But he stirred himself and joined us. After Banningham we joined the North Walsham Road and gave Sue onward directions to NW. We also explained that unfortunately, although we’d towed her to this point, her bike wasn’t suited to joining a group with lightweight road bikes, and directed her to the local U3A group that does social rides of a more suitable pace/distance for her. So in a blaze of flames and dust we left Sue behind and hope she had a good shop and found her way back on the more direct route that she knew.
The Wheelers route then went via Sloley and Ashmanaugh before arriving just a few minutes late for our lunch booking at noon at Staithe ‘N’ Willow. We were joined by Malcolm and sat outside. The food we had ranged from sandwiches (ham/fishfingers/BLT) to a Greek Salad with a smattering of triple-cooked chips for some and even a fat slice of cake as well for one individual. The food and hot drinks were all declared very good and the staff were plentiful.

After lunch we waved Malcom off who was retuning home via Wroxham, and then we discovered that unfortunately the Ferryman had gone AWOL and a phone call confirmed (we think – it was a very bad signal) that he’d swanned off to take someone to Wroxham (possibly) and wouldn’t be back till later. Shame. So we retraced our steps through Ashmanaugh, then turned NE to Dilham, N to Honing, skirted the edge of Bacton Wood and on familiar lanes to Knapton, Trunch, Southrepps and onto Roughton.
Just before Metton we said farewell to Graham who headed N back to Cromer and wished him well for his upcoming (or should it be out coming?) Kidney op and look forward to welcoming him back to the group once he’s recuperated. The remaining 3 headed on to Gresham where Ian turned left for High Kelling leaving the remaining 2 to make their way back to PC and Sheringham.

PC to PC was 57 miles
Ian A (leading), Chris S, Graham A, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 12th – Shipdham
Wednesday 9th – West Norfolk
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

Four riders met at PC on a dry, partly sunny and eventually warm day and headed south via the Barninghams, across to Edgefield, Stody and Briston, then turning north at Brinton Church and onto Sharrington (too late for strawberries?) From there it was a few new lanes (for some of us anyway) to Bale, Hindringham and on to Gt. Walsingham.
We then looped via Copys Green, Wighton and Warham, ascending the fairly arduous Wighton road before the final descent to Stiffkey Stores. We found a table in the sun at this small but delightful shop & cafe and the substantial cakes were duly devoured. Mark even managed two. Plus ca change. Good coffee too.

We then ascended to Cockthorpe, and onto Langham, Field Dalling, Saxlingham and crossed the bridge over untroubled water at Glandford and up Hurdle Lane. The route took us through the Bayfield Estate (a few yards of loose gravel on entry) and moments later Chris felt a slight stirring at the sight of a vintage Triumph at Holt Motorcycles.
From there we joined the Cley Road for the ascent into Holt. Yes, Dear Reader, there were a few climbs on this ride and yes, the ride leader was questioned why there were so many. Character building innit. After leaving Holt and a particularly choice bit of dodgy driving by one motorist (Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre? Nah, over- rated) we took a short detour to check out progress on Duncan’s new build. Still no roof… Then it was across the bypass and on to the Hempstead Road (another hill) and a left turn to pass Selbrigg Pond where we briefly stopped to see the swan family (still 4 of the original 6 cygnets) and watched a Cormorant circling and apparently trying to decide if it was worth a fishing stop. At the junction after the pond, Ian turned left for High Kelling while the other three turned right to return to PC with a small detour before Lower Bodham to avoid the road closure on Church Road due to the ongoing power cable works.
Other notable highlights: Not a sniff of a mechanical and Chris (finally) stopping for a wee.

PC to PC was 46 miles.
Ian (leading), Mark (hillmeister and photography), Chris and Graham J.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 29th – Waxham Barn
Wednesday 2nd – Wiveton 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/

With a forecast of light winds, showers all morning followed by a dry and occasionally sunny afternoon, four riders met at a dry PC to then collect Graham at Itteringham. On our rides we often see surprizing glimpses of nature and today was no exception, as we rounded the bend at Itteringham Common Mill we spotted a semi-clad young lady who we guessed had been for a natural swim. We waved but she didn’t turn around to wave back!

Our only rain shower of the morning came as we left Buxton and stopped shortly after we donned rain jackets. We continued through Stratton Strawless, Frettenham, Salhouse, Little Plumstead and on to the site of the old Little Plumstead Hall, which later became a mental hospital.
Today most of the estate has been turned into housing, but the original walled kitchen garden remains and has been restored and run as a community shop, café and garden project. It is very impressive and a surprising location in what is now a housing development. It was busy and we found a table under a large parasol that later kept off a light shower as we had lunch. Unfortunately the chef was on holiday and so the choice of light lunches was limited but all very tasty and a good cake selection.

A brief history of the Hall can be found here: https://thewalledgardenshop.co.uk/history

Our return route took us through Woodbastwick, a back route through most of Wroxham until we had to deal with the traffic over the bridge and onto the quieter road to Ashmanhough. Around the International Farm it started to rain and the black sky suggested it was going to last, so on went the rain jackets again, not to be removed until we reached home. We must have missed the heaviest of the rain because at Worstead the water was flowing down the roads like a river. So we splashed through the puddles as the rain eased and navigated through North Walsham and Lyngate, towards Antingham. Graham turned off for Bradfield and home and we headed west for Suffield and Alby Hill and another heavy shower, before we parted ways at Gresham and two continued up to PC.

PC to PC 64 miles at an average speed of 14.6mph
Riders: Andrew B, Ian A (photos), Chris S, Graham A, Mark M leading

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 22nd – Pensthorpe
Wednesday 26th – Stiffkey Stores
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/

Chris S, Andrew B and Mark M left PC to pick up Graham A at Gresham on a hot morning, cooled by a moderate south westerly wind. Our longer leg out to Hamptons would generally be heading SW and into the wind, but that did mean the wind would be helping us home on the return leg.

As we rode through Itteringham Common, Andrew’s Specialized tubular metal saddle rail broke and fell off to be lost in the undergrowth. As we stopped to investigate, it had not broken at the seat clamp but on the bend up to the rear of the saddle and then fallen out of the retaining boss on the saddle, the other side remained intact. Too many cakes perhaps?

So Andrew left us to head slowly for home, while the remaining three continued onwards. On our way to Oulton Street we picked up Duncan S who had been busy with house build admin first thing and unable to make the PC start, so back to four Wheelers again.
We continued to Swannington, Alderford, Great Witchingham, Sparham Hill, Lyng, Bylaugh and up the Dereham Road almost to the A1067 to Hamptons.
We sat at tables outside, sheltered from the wind but able to observe the increasing number of black clouds scudding across overhead. This was our second visit to Hamptons, the first being in March this year, and unfortunately likely our last as they are due to close permanently this September.
The service was quick and the menu varied, we all chose from the wide choice of available sandwiches and were very impressed when they arrived, stuffed full of the filling of choice, with some crisps and salad leaves, tasty and filling.

After lunch we set off for the 20 miles home, crossing the main road and through the hedge into Bawdeswell, Foxley, Themelthorpe, Guestwick, Thurning and dropping Duncan off at Town Close/Little London. Then on to Edgefield Street, Edgefield, via Pond Hills to Hempstead, Baconsthorpe, North Barningham, where Graham turned for Gresham and home, leaving two to complete the course back to PC.
Surprisingly, despite the rain clouds we didn’t get any rain at all.

PC to PC 55 miles at an average speed of 13mph
Riders: Andrew B, Chris S, Graham A, Duncan S, Mark M leading

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 15th – Chrysalis Café, Sparham Hills
Wednesday 19th – 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/