Author: web1691

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/

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/