Author: web1691

Six Wheelers met at PC on a hot, overcast and humid morning for the clockwise loop to Heydon. For a change of scenery we went through Felbrigg Park, down to Cromer Zoo, through a couple of housing estates to The Avenue and on to Northrepps. Then south to Tuttington where Graham J turned north for home in order to keep an appointment, while the rest turned west for Dunkirk, Oulton Street and on to Heydon. Both the Tea Rooms and the Earle Arms had plenty of people sitting outside and we claimed the last outside table at the pub that had an umbrella, though it did require some jerry-rigging to get it to stay up and open.

The Earle Arms had a good choice of meals from good full sandwiches, a specials board through to full three course meals. All the food we had arrived quickly, was tasty and good value and the local Hindringham beer also got the thumbs up. Andrew was very impressed with the sugar scuttle, see photo.

Our return leg took us through Heydon Park to Oulton and on the way to Irmingland, Andrew B had a front puncture (Vittoria Zaffiro), ignoring the helpful advice he was receiving, Andrew made quick work of changing the tube and we continued on to Corpusty where we dropped off Duncan S and Neil Mc.
The remaining three, continued up to Edgefield, on to Plumstead Green before turning for Hempstead. Having ignored multiple signs that the road was closed and having got passed Hole Farm without any issues, we had just about reached the junction with School Lane when we came across the closure due to prep work for the cable corridor. Fortunately the guys working were quite happy to let us walk through, we did see signs and a cctv camera at the closure point, as they don’t want motorised traffic trying to get through.
We stopped at Selbrigg pond, firstly for a throng of school kids crossing the road and then to take a look at the swans. Currently four very grey cygnets, I believe five hatched and we also saw lots of small fish and minnows near the edge. With the nature box checked, Andrew and Ian turned for home, leaving me to complete the loop to PC.

PC to PC 49 miles at an average speed of 14mph
Riders: Graham J, Duncan S, Neil Mc, Andrew B, Ian A (photography), Mark M leading.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 5th – Natural Surroundings, Bayfield
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

“This was the longest day. Which is not a reflection of today’s company. Just that it was the Summer Solstice. And so it was that on a warm midsummer’s day morning with light winds, 3 Wheelers and newbie Shelley set off from PC, picking up Graham at the top of Red Barn Lane. The group of 5 continued on via Baconsthorpe, Edgefield, Briston, Hindolveston, Great Ryburgh, cutting down to Whissonsett to give Fakenham a wide birth. We crossed the Swaffham Road at South Raynham, then went through pretty West Raynham and shortly reached East Rudham. The gentle wind had been a small hindrance most of the way there. Jane’s wasn’t too busy and we got a table outside, wrestling with the sunshade to provide some shelter. For some of us anyway. Most of us opted for the very nice sausage, lettuce & tomato sarnies (is an SLT rather than a BLT a thing?). Whilst the fellas were mindful of their waistlines, Shelley went for cake too… The coffee was good also, so a very good stop NB Jane’s is only open Tue-Fri, so let’s hope it survives.

After lunch we immediately crossed the A148 and looked forward to a gentle tailwind most of the way back. The route took us through South Creake and onto Little Walsingham, Thursford, Stody, Hunworth and Edgefield. (At one point a group of 5 or 6 cows had jumped a ditch from their field and were blocking the lane, but the spearhead group managed to persuade/scare them into returning without further incident.) The Hunworth Road towards Edgefield, whilst normally sandy, was a bit deeper at one point causing one of us to slip but the jury is out as to whether it was a proper “off”. Duncan departed for Corpusty at the Rectory Road/Holt Road junction, smugly informing the rest of us it was all downhill for him. From Edgefield, the remaining 4 continued back to PC by retracing the outward leg. Ian turned left for High Kelling by Hill Farm at the bottom of New Road, leaving the remaining 3 to find their own way back on the final 2.5 miles to PC. Interestingly, despite the helping breeze, the average speed on the return leg was only a fraction higher than on the way out. Maybe general fatigue (for some!) was to blame? I think we all agreed it was a good ride and a pretty route. Aren’t they all?!

We hope to see Shelley and her very bling Trek Madone out midweek on a regular basis.

PC to PC was 64 miles at an average speed (for the majority) of just over 15mph

Ian (leading/photography) plus Duncan, Graham A, Mark, Shelley

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 28th – Earle Arms, Heydon
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

Another overcast day with a cool north easterly wind greeted two Wheelers at Pretty Corner, for the ride to the recently reopened Darby’s pub in Swanton Morley.
The wind assisted outward and longer leg took us south via Aldborough, Blickling, Cawston, Attlebridge to Weston Longville. Just as we turned on to the Weston Longville road we spotted a tall bush completely covered in webbing, possibly created by Ermine Moth caterpillars (thanks Ian)
Here we headed west past the café at Elsing and on to Swanton Morley at around 29 miles and ready for lunch.

The pub was fairly busy with most people eating and we found a good sized table in front of an old cooking range built into the chimney. The menu had a good selection from sandwiches, light lunches to full meals and was reasonably priced. They no longer have a selection of cakes though. If the sun had been out we would probably have sat at one of the many tables outside, some of which were sheltered under a marquee.
As we set off for home, the sun made a very brief appearance, not long enough to improve the temperature though. We went to Billingford, Foxley and north via Craymere Beck to Briston. Just before Craymere Beck we came across a field full of bright red poppies which were worthy of a photo stop.

After Edgefield we took the scenic Pond Hills Road to Hempstead, where Ian continued for home and I turned for Baconsthorpe. As I passed the solar farm at the top of Bodham Hill, three escapee sheep ran off down the road, pursued by a shepherdess in a truck. I stopped to help block the road for a few minutes to see if they could be rounded up, but they had found better things to eat and wouldn’t budge, so she said she would come back for them later.

PC to PC 54 miles at an average speed of 13.1 mph
Riders: Ian A, Mark M leading

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 10th – Holkham Hall
Wednesday 14th – All Things Nice, Cawston
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

Ride Report by Andrew B
Two riders met at Pretty Corner on an unseasonably cold summers day for a run to Reepham Station.
The planned route took us through East Beckham, Bessingham, Matlaske, Calthorpe, Ingworth, Blickling, Oulton Street and Cawston. Unfortunately, on arrival at the Station Cafe it was closed due to staff shortages, so we diverted to V’s Cafe in the village centre.

The food and drink were good and we had just ordered a second coffee when Brian arrived with his off-road group.
As the cafe was full by then we let them have our table and eventually were able to join them for a chat when another table came free. After lunch we made our way back through Themelthorpe, Foulsham, Hindolveston, Briston, Hunworth and Holt. Andrew made his way home from Selbrigg Pond with Mark continuing back to PC.

PC to PC 44 miles at an average speed of 14.7 mph
Total Elevation 1550ft
Riders: Andrew B leading and Mark.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 3rd – Chrysalis Café, Sparham
Wednesday 7th – Darby’s, Swanton Morley
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

Ride report by Chris S
Five riders started out from Pretty Corner on a warm sunny but breezy Wednesday morning.
Shortly after the start Jim joined the ride but left the ride just before Elsing to return early via Bawdeswell.
The outward route took the group through Plumstead, Saxthorpe, Cawston, Brandiston and Lyng. The group passed Neil Mc going the other way just outside Cawston.
A stop for refreshments was made at the Lemon & Rosemary Yard Café at Elsing after 24 miles. The weather was warm enough to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine.

The return journey was somewhat slower due to a moderate north easterly breeze and passed through Swanton Morley, Billingford, Bintree, Foulsham, Briston and Baconsthorpe. A slight detour was made at Bintree along the main Norwich to Fakenham Road due to encountering very loose gravel as a result of resurfacing on the intended route.
Andrew B & Ian A left the ride at the New Road/Rectory Road junction to head back to High Kelling whilst Chris S, Mark Mc and Graham A continued to Pretty Corner.

The total ride was 51.1 miles at an average of 12.8 mph.
Riders: Andrew B, Graham A, Ian A, Mark Mc, Jim H with the ride being led by Chris S (well for most of the way!!!)

PS. On behalf of NNW’s we all wish Graham A well on Saturday and a speedy recovery.

Saturday 27th – Club Run to the Lighthouse, Walcott
Wednesday 31st – Ride down to Reepham Station Cafe

Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

On a bright sunny morning, tempered by a cool north easterly breeze, four Wheelers set off to collect Jim from High Kelling and proceed to Wiveton. Having crossed the Glaven valley and reached Langham, Graham turned off for Morston and a shorter day out.
The remaining four, crossed the Stiffkey valley at Wighton and were nicely wind assisted up the long drag to the Wells road and the south side of Holkham Park, before the welcome descent to Burnham Thorpe, crossing the river Burn en-route.

We decided to take a detour through the heart of Burnham Market to see what was going on, quickly losing count of the 4×4’s parked everywhere. Still dazzled by the Chelsea tractors the ride leader took the Ringstead Road to Docking instead of the Docking Road, surprisingly it was only half a mile further and we saw a lot of new houses on the way into Docking.
Then we had the long descent to Fring, our most westerly point of the ride and the end of the wind assistance, which was obvious as soon as we turned for the last couple of miles to Bircham Mill.
Bircham Windmill was surprisingly quiet considering how good the weather was, so we were quickly served and sat outside in enough sun to stay warm in the wind.
After a good lunch it was time to face the wind as we headed back east through Syderstone to South Creake and then a tour of the Barshams and the Stiffkey valley again, climbing up to Great Snoring and on to Thursford Castle.
Here Jim opted to take the direct route home, leaving three to continue to Bale, Sharrington and Stody. It was decided to get to Edgefield via Hunworth and avoid the headwind drag from Briston to Edgefield. It also saved half a mile so the route distance was restored. At Edgefield, Neil turned for home leaving the remaining duo to tackle the headwind all the way back to PC.

PC to PC was 69 miles at an average speed of 14.1 mph with 2680ft/817m of climbing
Riders: Chris S, Neil Mc, Graham A, Jim H and Mark M leading.

Upcoming Ride:
Wednesday 24 May – Elsing Cafe
Club Run: 27th May – Lighthouse, Walcott
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

With holidays and hospitals distracting some of the regular Wednesday Wheelers, three met at PC for the longer ride out to the small Cart Shed café in Great Massingham. It was a cool overcast day with a light east wind, though the sun made occasional appearances.

Our fairly direct route took us via Saxthorpe to Foulsham, with a brief stop at Bintree Mill to admire the view. The road up to Gately had just been resurfaced and was so thick with chippings we opted for a 2 mile diversion to avoid it. Then it was on to Whissonsett, Tittleshall, across the A1065 at Weasenham All Saints and into Great Massingham for 12:30.

It was warm enough to sit outside and enjoy a tasty lunch and coffee that was filling enough that even Andrew wasn’t tempted by the great looking cakes.
As we left the sky had become very dark with rain clouds and the east wind had picked up, which helped blow the clouds away but meant a stronger headwind for at least the first 20 miles of the return leg.
So we set off around the north side of Gt Massingham airfield, past West Raynham airfield, East Raynham to Colkirk, Great Ryburgh and up the hill to Stibbard. Once we reached Guestwick we turned north for Briston, swapping the headwind for an easier crosswind.
At Craymere Beck Duncan turned for home leaving two to continue to Edgefield and the regular route back to PC, with Andrew turning off for Hempstead and home.
A good ride though chilly for May and the return leg was fairly hard work.

Riders: Duncan S, Andrew B, Mark M leading
PC to PC with detour 69 miles at a 14.2 mph avg

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 20th – Bircham Windmill
Wednesday 24th – Elsing Cafe 50 miles
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

Ride Report by Ian A
PC – Holkham Hall plus bonus extras!
On a sunny and calm day, 4 riders met at PC for the ride to Holkham Hall. It was a pleasant surprise to see Jim, who has been absent for a while due to a focus on his running and a recent 6 week Greek Odyssey in his mobile home looking up Shirley Valentine or some such.
Our route took us down the Barningham Road, then across to Edgefield, through Stody and Gunthorpe (where, coincidentally, the ride leader’s better half was having acupuncture). We then reached Thursford and took the fast and direct Thursford Road to the Walsinghams. Jim bade us farewell at this point for his return to Melton Constable. After the gentle drag out of Little Walsingham the route took the remaining 3 riders down the Wells Road – definitely one to be avoided in the Summer – but only for a mile and a half before turning left for Holkham Park.

Great views in the park as it was warm & sunny and many young goslings were by the lake – Canada and Barnacle Geese were both seen. The cafe wasn’t too busy and we were quickly served with tasty food and decent coffee. There is a handy bike service station outside the cafe with a track pump, basic tools and an even more basic bike stand. But it’s a good thing. Our route out of the NE corner of the Park took us through a field of sheep with numerous very cute young lambs. All say “Aaaahhh”. Then after a few months say “Aah, Bisto! Where’s the mint sauce!”
We detoured in Wells down to the LIfeboat Station, tutted at the smelly old vintage bus that has replaced the train and Mark reminisced about his waterskiing days… After a quick shifty at the Lobster pots down the East End at the other end of Wells, we took the Warham Road and came back to Holt via Binham, Langham and Wiveton.

Duncan, hiding at the back of the bunch for most of the day, took it upon himself to tow the group at a good lick up the climbs of Bridgefoot Lane and the Cley Road into Holt. Admirable stuff. Yet another detour in Holt to view Duncan’s new build – okay, you have to use your imagination for now as it’s still a ‘work in progress’ but we’re sure it will be great for ‘The Big Move In’ next January.
We then crossed the bypass and took the Hempstead Road past the old Mill and said our goodbyes to Duncan who headed back to Corpusty via Hempstead and Edgefield. The remaining 2 riders went past Selbrigg Pond – where they confirmed that the resident swans had hatched 5 cygnets over the last day or two. Still in the nest at this stage. At the top of Selbrigg Road, Ian turned left for High Kelling, leaving Mark to ride solo back to PC

Riders: Duncan, Ian (leading), Jim and Mark
PC to PC was 53 miles

Upcoming Club Run: Saturday 13th – Waxham Barn
Wednesday Ride: 17th – Great Massingham
Routes for club runs and rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

Five Wheelers met at PC on a dry, sunny morning, though a cold easterly wind kept the temperatures fairly low all day.
We took a direct route to Itteringham and then looped via Heydon Park to Cawston and on to Swannington. Then we headed west to Alderford and the lanes around Great Witchingham, reaching our destination at the insect zoo: https://www.bugzuk.com/parc/ after 23 miles.
The café was quiet and we had the option of seating both outside and in, we chose inside. The menu had plenty of choice and the prices were very reasonable. The only insects on display in the café are some excellent photos displayed on the walls.

After lunch we crossed the A1067 and headed down to Lyng, then up Cadders Hill, past the motocross circuit and back across the A1067 at Attlebridge. Then a pleasant ride through the woods to Felthorpe, before turning north for Cawston and Oulton Street, where Duncan turned for home.
The remaining four continued on to Blickling, Ingworth, across Scarrow Beck to Wickmere and on to Sustead Church. Here Graham turned for home and a little later at Gresham, Andrew did the same, leaving two to return to PC.

PC to PC was 52.5 miles at an average of 14.2 mph
Riders: Andrew B, Duncan S, Chris S, Graham A and Mark M leading.

Upcoming Club Runs and Rides –
Saturday 6th – The Goat Shed at Honingham
Wednesday 10th – Holkham Hall
Routes for club runs and Wednesday rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

Ride Report by first time ride leader Chris S
Three riders met at PC for a ride to Stables Café, at Blickling Hall. The weather was somewhat cold for late April with the temperature struggling to get into double digits. However, despite being cold there was little breeze and only a few very light rain showers. The outward route took in Gresham, Sustead (where Graham joined the ride), Hanworth, Erpingham, Tuttington, Aylsham and Blickling. Arrival at the café was just before midday and the lunchtime rush. Service was very prompt and efficient.
The return journey was equally cold passing through Oulton, Corpusty, Briston, Selbrigg (where Andrew left the group) and back to PC.

The distance covered was 47.9 miles in 3 hours 24 minutes.
Riders: Chris S Leading, Mark M, Andrew B and Graham A.
Editor’s Comment – Many thanks to Chris for leading his first Wheelers ride. A great route, no one got lost and at lunch he “volunteered” to lead a ride in May!

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 29th – Club Run to Gressenhall
Wednesday 3rd – TBA
Routes for club runs & rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/