Author: web1691

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/

Ride Report by Ride Leader Ian A
The one where the shepherd lost not only his flock but also lost his way in the metaphorical field. And one rider continues to single-handedly boost the share price of Exxon-Mobil and Polymer Corporation. More anon…

7 Wheelers met at PC for what promised to be a ‘sunny but with a chilly wind’ ride to Hoveton Hall. The route took us through Gresham and Metton where we picked up Graham A and carried on to Aldborough, Suffield and skirted Felmingham to Swanton Abbot. At which point, Andrew’s rear Gatorskin punctured. Again. The decision was made for 5 to crack on while 2 stayed back to watch/help Andrew with a repair.
Shortly afterwards, when the spearhead group of 5 met the busy North Walsham Road, most wanted to head straight over it but the ride leader’s version of the route carried on down the main road. Alas, he had his old version of the route – AGAIN!! (As Mark ‘glass always half-full’ later pointed out ‘at least you maintained your 100% record’. Which is a fair comment.) The other 4 dutifully followed the ride leader but he soon realised his error and signalled to turn around and go the correct and quieter way. 2 of the 5 duly did, but when the ride leader stopped to make a U-turn, he was persuaded by the remaining 2 to take an ‘alternative’ route via the next left off the main road rather than turn round. So by this point the group of 8 was now split into 3… However, with the ride leader fretting for a few miles that all had gone to doo-doos, all was well shortly afterwards as the 3 groups arrived at the Garden Kitchen Cafe at Hoveton Hall Gardens within ten minutes of each other. Phew. And Malcolm joined us for lunch.

Despite having booked a table inside, we chose to sit outside in the sun and the food was good, if a little slow in coming. After lunch we waved Malcolm off and then John as they headed to their respective homes and the remaining 7 headed back through Coltishall, Badersfield, Skeyton, Tuttington, Ingworth and Calthorpe where Graham A turned for Cromer. Shortly afterwards, Duncan turned for Corpusty and the remaining 5 riders headed back towards PC through the familiar lanes via Matlaske and North Barningham. On reaching Mill Lane, the ride leader and Andrew turned left for High Kelling with the remaining riders turning right for PC and back to the Sheringham environs.
PS – a special mention for Malcolm as the first Wheeler spotted in shorts so far this year!

Group: Ian A (leading), Andrew B, Chris S, Duncan S, Graham A, Graham J, John S, Mark M. plus Malcolm S at lunch.

PC to PC was 49 miles.

Upcoming events-
Saturday 22nd club run – No.77, Coltishall
Wednesday 26th ride – Blickling Hall
Routes for club runs and rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

Ride Report by Ride Leader Graham A

Five riders left Pretty Corner on a fine day with a hint of showers in a gusty SW breeze. We reached the coast road at Overstrand after taking a direct route via E Beckham, Sustead , Metton and Northrepps Hall. After the Sidestrand hill we turned off towards Southrepps and reached Trunch. Alas, the Trimingham “golf ball” landmark on the horizon had been dismantled.
The route then went to Banningham via Bradfield church, Antingham, Suffield and Colby. The B1145 took us to the A140 where we crossed over onto the old B1145 to Aylsham. We went south on the old Norwich Road to the Cawston Road. To put in a couple of extra miles the group went on a loop where water and mud was an annoyance. Purdy’s cafe was close by. On arrival we found Andrew B who had ridden solo after a morning appointment. So we were now six.

The cafe was busy at about 12.30 and my attempt to book a table earlier was ignored and irrelevant. We found a sheltered spot outside under a large gazebo where we enjoyed our refreshments.

The return route went back towards Aylsham where we found the Heydon Road and went westwards to Oulton Street and Oulton village, turning right and then northwards to Itteringham. The ride leader was feeling painfully tired by now and had to peel off for Cromer leaving the remaining five riders to go back to PC via Matlaske, N Barningham etc.

About 42 miles. Graham A (ride leader), Graham J, Mark M, Ian A, Chris S, and Andrew B.

Despite the grey skies and forecast of afternoon rain, four Wheelers and two guest riders met at PC, with another Wheeler picked up at Lower Southrepps.
Our clockwise route took us down to North Walsham where guest Ian, who has been out with us before, left to follow a shorter route up to Holt.
As our route continued through Worstead to Ashmanhaugh the roads became wetter and muddier and provoked renewed discussion on the value of rear mudguard extensions!
As usual, The Rising Sun looked after us well with quick service and good filling food, though while we were eating, the forecast rain had started and continued for the first few miles of the return leg as far as Badersfield. So even though the rain had stopped, the roads were full of puddles and we splashed our way through Tuttington and across the A140 through the hole in the hedge to Dunkirk.
The southerly wind continued to assist us through Ingworth to Calthorpe, where Graham A branched off for home, leaving five to continue to Matlaske and the next parting of the ways at Baconsthorpe, where Ian A, Andrew B and guest Clive set off for Selbrigg lake and some impromptu toad spotting. The final duo went by West Beckham back to PC to end an enjoyable ride despite the damp conditions.

PC to PC was 50 miles at a 14.3 mph avg.
Riders: Ian A, Andrew B, Chris S, Graham A, Mark M and guests Ian and Clive.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 1st – See website on 31st
Wednesday 5th – Binham Parlour
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

A strong south westerly and a leaden sky greeted four Wheelers at PC and the forecast sunshine seemed unlikely, though after 30 minutes or so, the sun came out and stayed out for the rest of Andrew’s ride to Gressenhall. Andrew took extreme action to avoid writing the ride report, more on that later.
To cover the miles we had a fairly direct route south and west, taking us through Gresham, Matlask, Itteringham (where the pub is up for lease), Heydon Park, Reepham to the crossing of the A1067 at Sparham.
At Elsing we turned west and into the easier crosswind to our destination at The White Swan. Having arrived just a few minutes after the 12 noon opening we were the first customers through the door and were well looked after by the staff.

With a good selection of food and drinks to choose from, we each managed to have something different and were all pleased with the quality of the meals. Chris even claimed the soup was the best he had tried and his dessert looked very good as well. During our meal, a good few other customers turned up, so it was good to see a pub doing well in the current conditions, where closures seem to be happening almost daily.
So after a very good lunch we set off, knowing that we would have a tailwind all the way home and it did make a big difference.
We went up to Brisley Green, then to Broom Green before a stop at the picturesque Bintree Mill, where we watched a red kite soaring in the wind.

From there it was through Foulsham, Thurning to Saxthorpe and onto the Matlaske road for home. We were enjoying the wind assistance and 20mph+ speeds and shortly after the S bends, Andrew hit a lump in the road, lost control and crashed, Chris fortunately just managed to avoid riding over him. Remarkably Andrew got back to his feet without any apparent major damage and his bike seemed fairly unscathed as well, just requiring some rear mech adjustments to get it working again.
A post ride update from Andrew – he went to Cromer Minor Injuries unit for a check-up and luckily got away with minor cuts and bruises.
After that excitement we re-routed to Plumstead and Baconsthorpe to get Andrew home in the shortest distance.

PC to PC 56 miles at a 14.5 mph avg.
Riders: Ian A (photos), Chris S, Mark M and Andrew B leading

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 25th – Jane’s, East Rudham
Wednesday 29th – Rising Sun, Coltishall
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

Ride Report by Ride Leader Ian A
On a chilly but sunny day with lightish winds, 5 Wheelers met at PC for a modest 44 mile loop via the Artisan Cafe at Alby. It was good to see Kevin H out after a prolonged absence.
The route took us on the familiar lanes to Saxthorpe via Baconsthorpe, then skirting Heydon and south to Southgate (which seemed apt). The ride leader had recce’d the original route and subsequently tweaked it in a couple of places to avoid some main road stretches, before having it loaded to the Club website. Unfortunately he had omitted to update his own version, so a couple of slightly confusing navigational moments were rescued by a gentle hand on the tiller by the ever helpful (if slightly smug) Mark…

From Oulton Street we went through the pretty village of Silvergate which took us to the magnificent frontage of Blickling Hall, joining the ‘normally a bit busier’ main(ish) road and turning for Ingworth and Erpingham and onto the cafe at Alby Arts & Crafts Centre. The welcome was zealous to say the least! But overall the staff were very friendly and efficient and the general consensus was that the food (and coffee) was very good. Graham’s soup was, unfortunately, not quite up to scratch. But then again, plus ca change…

After a brief gentle descent down the grassy & moist (OK, muddy) Blacksmith’s Lane beside the cafe, Graham had collected quite a clod between mudguard and front wheel. After much fettling with several sticks of various lengths and thicknesses (true in all walks of life) plus some helpful advice from comrades, the wheel refused to free itself. So off it came and the problem was finally sorted. Ian asked what he should do with the stick he was still holding? No comment. Or certainly nothing printable.
After Thwaite Common, we turned East to Suffield then via Antingham and north to Southrepps (slightly less apt). More gentle tiller work from Mark at Antingham… Then onto Northrepps where Graham turned for Cromer, and the remaining 4 took the usual route via Metton to Gresham Church where Duncan headed back to Corpusty and Kevin headed back via West Beckham and Upper Sheringham. The remaining 2 Wheelers went on to East Beckham where Mark headed back to PC and Ian turned for home via West Beckham.

PC to PC 44 miles
5 Riders: Ian A(leading & photos), Duncan S, Graham A, Kevin H & Mark M.

Editor’s Comment – Many thanks to Ian for leading his first Wheelers ride, hopefully the experience didn’t put him off and he will lead more rides in the future.

Three Wheelers braved the cold conditions to meet at PC. With a lot less frost and ice than forecast and the start delayed to 10:30am, the roads were dry and clear. The cold easterly wind meant temperatures stayed around 4C, with the occasional light snow flurry for good measure.
The route out was south westerly and mainly wind assisted, through Edgefield, Wood Dalling, Foulsham, Billingford and up the Dereham Road to Hamptons Cafe.

Hamptons was very warm, had a great choice of food and cake options, so it was not too surprising that it was busy.
We were given a table so long as we were finished within an hour as it was booked. With our order taken quickly and the food arriving promptly, we had time for sandwiches, jacket potato and then after some deliberation, cake and 2nd coffees, all with time to spare.

It felt a lot colder when we ventured back outside. We soon crossed the A1067 through the hole in the hedge to continue through Bawdeswell and along the Reepham Road to Jordan Green. Then on to Whitwell, past Booton Church and on to Cawston, where Duncan turned for home. The remaining duo continued through Ingworth, Wickmere, Hanworth, Sustead, avoided the crowds as they left Gresham school and back to PC.
All in all a much better day than forecast, with dry roads and no showers.

PC to PC, 51 miles at an average speed of 14.5 mph
Riders: Chris S, Duncan S and Mark M leading.

Upcoming Club Runs –
Saturday 11th – Courtyard Café, Holkham
Wednesday 15th – Artisans Café, Alby
Routes for club runs and Wednesday rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

Despite the wet start to the day, four Wheelers braved the weather and met at PC for the ride to Junction 21.
With a moderate NE wind and showers forecast, the riders were prepared with rain jackets and warm clothing. The showers started as soon as we did and continued throughout the day, some were heavy and prolonged and were often followed by blue sky and warm sunshine, so our spirits rose and fell together with the temperature.
Our route to the café would be a wind assisted, long and meandering 32 miles. The first section took us via Erpingham to Ingworth then past the scene of Graham A’s icy crash to Itteringham Common and on to Heydon Park. Here Graham A had a front puncture (Vittoria), fortunately this was one of the sunny periods, so it was warm and peaceful in the park while we watched Graham and offered helpful advice.
Just a mile further on it started to rain heavily as we made our through Cawston, past the church to Booton House (childhood home of Stephen Fry), Brandiston, Swannington and the Witchinghams.
With stomachs rumbling and fingers crossed that the café would be open we set off for the last few miles down Nowhere Lane to Jordan Green and Themelthorpe.

As we arrived we saw Geoff P waving to us from inside. We soon joined Geoff in the warmth, he had seen we were going to Junction 21 and thought he would meet us and we had a good chat as we waited for our lunch. Geoff set off for home as we had our lunch, which was followed by more coffee and cake for some.
It felt cold when we ventured back outside, pulling on wet gloves and setting off for the shorter leg home. Foulsham, Guestwick, Thurning were passed in a mix of rain or sunshine, to Duncan’s turn off point at Town Close. While the remaining three continued to Edgefield, Plumstead, Barningham Winter where Graham turned off, up to Bodham Hill and back to PC.

PC to PC 55 miles at an average speed of 13.2 mph
Riders: Graham A, Chris S, Duncan S, Mark M leading

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 4th – Reepham Station
Wednesday 8th – Hamptons, Bawdeswell
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/