Author: web1691

Six Wheelers met at PC for the last Saturday ride before the clocks change and the afternoons become shorter.
Early morning rain had stopped by departure time, though the sky remained cloudy for a lot of the day with a weak sun failing to provide the forecast 18-20c temps. Wet roads, leaf mulch and the usual beet season mud meant all bikes needed a wash by the end of the ride.
The forecast South East becoming Southerly wind was non-existent for the initial leg to Edgefield and then it increased to provide a tail wind on the route West through Hunworth, Gunthorpe, Gt Snoring to East Barsham. We then followed the river Skiffkey through the Barshams to the Slipper Chapel where we caught up with a motorist in a stinking diesel van creeping along the road and stopping and berating every motorist coming the other way for driving too fast.

We eventually reached the café, to find that it was full and everything except baguettes and cake was sold out. Fortunately the sheltered courtyard meant we could enjoy our baguettes and Brian the last jacket spud, outside without getting cold.

Our route back was now into the wind from Gt Walsingham, Hindringham, Barney to Stibbard before turning East through Wood Norton to Guestwick where Neil Mc turned off for home. From Wood Dalling we headed mainly North, dropping off Brian and Chris B at Little London, so they could head further East for home. The remaining trio continued via Edgefield, Hempstead to Selbrigg lake where we caught sight of the swans and on to West Beckham and down Lodge Hill to Upper Sheringham to check out the mermaids on the village sign before going our separate ways in Sheringham.

Harvey, our regular Saturday ride leader and route planner extraordinaire has decided to take a rest from the Saturday rides over the winter, though you may well see him out and about on his bike during the week. He has very generously offered to continue his excellent planning of Saturday ride routes for our enjoyment.

Group: Brian, Chris S, Neil Mc, Graham A, Chris B, Mark

PC to PC 58 miles

Two Wheelers, Duncan S and Mark set off from PC, heading west with a strong east wind on their backs, picking up Ian A at the Selbrigg junction, before passing the pond (no swans today) and on to Holt.
From the Cley road we took the rough road up to Bayfield Brecks and down to Glandford, up to Wiveton Downs and then to make up the miles we went through Saxlingham, Field Dalling, Langham, Cockthorpe, Binham, along the Wighton road to Nutwood Farm then to Fiddler’s Hill and onto the Warham road.

We arrived at the pub in good time and were given a large table by the warming fire. We were expecting Geoff P to join us but he apparently had a cleat issue and had to seek outside assistance in Briston and so disqualified himself from any lunch.
Instead, Geoff’s empty seat was taken by the surprise appearance of Jane A who had seen the venue on the website and decided to join us for a chat and a pie. It was great to see you again Jane, thanks for joining us.
After a long and enjoyable lunch it was time to venture back out into the wind and this time it wasn’t behind us.
An easy run south to Great Walsingham was followed by a harder more easterly route to Hindringham, Bale, Gunthorpe, Sharrington and Thornage before turning southwards through Hunworth, Edgefield Street to Corpusty. Where we dropped Duncan off before heading northwards visiting Mannington Hall, Squallham and Matlaske on the way back to PC.
Fortunately the hedges still in full leaf provided good shelter from a lot of the wind, which made the return journey a little easier.

PC to PC 53 miles with 2431ft/741m of climbing at a surprising 14.6mph average, it was a fast outward leg.
Duncan S, Ian A, Jane A and Mark M leading.
Next week’s ride (26th) is to the Rising Sun in Coltishall.

Four Wheelers and holiday guest rider Ian R met at PC on an ideal autumn morning. It was dry with a moderate southerly wind but chilly to start the ride (two riders still in shorts!) though the occasional appearance of the sun helped warm things up.
While we were waiting to start, Geoff P stopped for a chat, he was in good spirits and was off on a 50 mile ride with a break at the Banningham Crown.
Our outward leg took us down to Hanworth and then across to Gunton Station, Bradfield, Lyngate into North Walsham, White Horse Common, Briggate and Honing, where we were pleased to meet up with John S, who was joining us for a ride and lunch .
From Honing it was Dilham and then a different route via Anchor Street and small lanes to Neatishead, Ashmanhaugh and then Hoveton Hall café.

The café was fairly busy and we were pleased that we had booked a table indoors to enjoy our leisurely lunch. It proved to be a bit too leisurely for Andrew B who had an appointment to keep and he had to set off for home earlier than the rest of the group, don’t worry he had his lunch!

The five remaining riders made their way up to Worstead then to Honing Station, were we dropped off John as we continued north through Bacton wood, only for Duncan to have a loud and sudden rear puncture (Bontrager). The usual helpful advice was patiently ignored and before long we continued on our way on the familiar route to Knapton, Trunch and Southrepps, where Duncan turned off for Corpusty.
Just a couple of miles further on Graham A and guest Ian headed north for Cromer and Overstrand, while Mark M was the only one left to go back to PC via Felbrigg and Metton.

PC to PC 57 miles with a 14.3 mph average.
Andrew B, Graham A, Duncan S, John S, guest Ian R and Mark M leading
Next week’s ride (19th) is to Warham Three Horseshoes

With the Wednesday ride postponed a day due to bad weather, four Wheelers met at PC on a bright and calm Thursday morning, for the inaugural visit to the recently re-opened Gressenhall White Swan. With the roads dry, the only evidence of the previous day’s deluge was a lot of debris washed into the roads.
Our fairly direct route took us south to Itteringham, through Heydon Park, Reepham, across the A1067 at Sparham, down to Elsing and then west to Swanton Morley, Hoe and Gressenhall.

The White Swan is now run as a community pub and has undergone a full renovation and is now a very comfortable and well-appointed venue, with plenty of tables inside and out, a wide menu choice, good coffee and a number of local beers.
As a result we enjoyed a leisurely lunch and were all impressed with our meals. Eventually we had to leave and head home and with less sun in the afternoon it was a little cooler but still a great day to be out enjoying the Norfolk countryside.
Our route home took us to East Bilney, Brisley, where the Bell car park looked full, Bintree Mill and up the climb, where at the top we saw the first sugarbeet heap of the season. Then on to Foulsham, Briston, Edgefield and a tour of the ponds at Hempstead and Selbrigg, where two turned left for High Kelling and two turned right to return to PC.

PC to PC was 56 miles, with 2350ft/716m of climbing at a fairly leisurely 13.8 mph average.
Andrew B, Ian A, Graham A and Mark leading.

Four Wheelers met at PC, including regular Saturday rider Neil S, although he could only join us for a short distance as he had a busy day planned but was able to get a few miles into his legs.
The remaining three continued on a tour of small villages and even smaller roads, which would have been even better if the forecast sun had made an appearance and taken the chill off the day, however there was no wind at all which was appreciated after last Saturday’s windy ride.
Our route took us through Lower Gresham, Sustead, Hanworth, Alby Hill, Thwaite, the back road to Ingworth, Itteringham Common where Graham A had a front puncture (flint, Michelin Lithion), Irmingland, Little London, Briston, Stody, Thornage and a short ride on the A148 to our lunch stop.
The café was fairly busy for a Wednesday lunchtime, however, the service was good, the coffee was praised and our filled ciabattas were excellent.
So, after a leisurely break, we reversed our route back to Thornage, then went to Hunworth, up the hill ( a favourite of Graham’s) to Edgefield, back to Little London, Saxthorpe, past the Mannington and Wolterton estates, Lower Street, Barningham Winter, Up Wood and past the pylon.
As Ian turned left for High Kelling, the remaining duo went through West Beckham back to PC.

PC to PC 48 miles – An enjoyable ride out on dry, occasionally gravelly roads with good company.
Graham A, Ian A, Neil S briefly and Mark leading.

Two riders left Pretty Corner for a ride to Sculthorpe Mill. There was a noticeable breeze from the SW and it was quite warm and humid, although overcast until noon. The route took the riders on familiar roads to Briston via Plumstead, then Craymere Beck to Hindolveston where the opportunity was taken to look at the old station. Onwards the route was followed to Fulmodeston, Stibbard and Gt Ryburgh. Turning left at the church it was an uphill way to Gateley and Horningtoft. Apart from a few cottages and a farm there was little evidence to see of the lost village of Oxwick before the Fakenham road was reached. Beacon Hill gave a rewarding and fast descent to Toftrees where the A1065 was crossed. A less familiar road then took the riders direct to Shereford and Sculthorpe Mill.

The venue was not ideal for cyclists who prefer a bar meal. The two riders decided not to order from menu and wine list, opting for pints of Barsham Brewery ale, the manufacturing source of which was later passed in a couple of miles. The route was followed to Sharrington via Gt Snoring, Hindringham and Bale. After Sharrington, feeling peckish, the riders rode off the planned route to the A148 and enjoyed some afternoon refreshment at “Back to the Garden”. It then made sense to continue the deviation on the A148 to Holt, through the town and back to Pretty Corner on familiar minor roads.

Graham Aldous (ride leader), Mark McVeigh. PC to PC was 56 miles.

Three Wheelers and holiday guest Ben met at PC on a hot and humid morning for the long and hilly ride out to Great Bircham Mill café.
Fortunately the forecast clouds soon rolled in and provided a break from the intense sun and the strong south westerly provided a cooling breeze at the same time as increasing the workload as we headed mainly west.
Our route out took us along the inner coast road through Wiveton, Langham, Binham, Wighton, Burnham Thorpe and to Burnham Market.
From Burnham we used the quiet though direct Docking Road to climb up to Docking, the highest point in North West Norfolk and then got to enjoy the long descent down to Fring, well three of us did, Graham A managed to get a rear puncture (Vittoria Rubino), near the top which delayed his progress.
After a good 35 miles we all arrived at the café and sat outside under a shady canopy. Our visit coincided with feeding time for all the local wasps and they were particularly keen on Grahams huge iced bun, armed with two fly swatters he bravely battled away and was finally able to eat more of the bun than the wasps did.
After this minor victory, it was time to head for home, now with the wind in our favour and it made a huge difference in the effort required compared to the morning leg.
This leg took us to Syderstone, South Creake (through the shallow ford), Houghton St Giles (through the not so shallow ford, one wet foot), Great Snoring, Gunthorpe, Hunworth, Edgefield and the regular way back to PC.

PC to PC was a hilly 66 miles with 3051ft/930m of climbing at an average speed of 14.5mph
Andrew B, Graham A, guest Ben and Mark leading.

Three Wheelers met at PC for the inaugural run to the Artisan Café at Alby. For a change we went through Felbrigg park, down to Cromer Zoo and through many residential roads to get onto the hill, first up then down to Northrepps. From there it was Trunch, Bradfield, across the A149 to Colby Corner and on to Erpingham, Thwaite Common and up a small track to Alby Craft’s car park.
We were able to get a shaded outside table in the courtyard and were quickly served some great tasting food and coffee from an impressive selection of meals and cakes.
Suitable rested and refreshed we headed south via Ingworth to Blickling park and rode half way around the park perimeter on a fairly new cycle and walkway track and in many places it was smoother than the local roads!
We joined the road again at Itteringham Common and at Itteringham, Duncan headed for Corpusty via Mannington, leaving two to continue via Wickmere and Matlaske Wood to Bodham Hill for the final split.

PC to PC was 48 miles including two National Trust parks, some light gravel and 2116ft/645m of climbs.
Andrew B, Duncan S and Mark leading.

As the heatwave eased, three Wheelers met at PC for the inaugural ride to the newly opened Binham Parlour café by the Priory. The morning started overcast with a few spots of rain in the air and though humid the temperature was comfortable, helped by a stiff south westerly breeze.

We set off towards Bessingham, but just out of Gresham, Andrew B picked up a huge thorn (rear Gatorskin), requiring a tube change. Somehow in the process of reinstalling the rear wheel, the electronic shifting’s brain was confused and the subsequent graunching of gears was painful to hear. After we thought that was resolved we continued via Hempstead’s ponds to Edgefield and Hunworth. Shortly after crossing the B1110, as we stopped in a field entrance to admire the view, Andrew declared that his rear wheel was out of true. Further investigation discovered two broken spokes and resulted in Andrew heading directly for home via Thornage and Holt.
The remaining duo continued to Gunthorpe and across the A148 and as the clouds had now disappeared and the temperature had shot up again, they took the brave decision to cut about 10 miles off the outbound leg and enjoy a tail wind on the downhill run from Hindringham to Binham.

Arriving at the café it was too hot to be outside, so we had a table inside the much cooler, well converted barn. The choice of light lunches was good, as was the selection of cakes and we both thought that what we ordered was excellent, filling and good value. The service was a bit slow, but only to be expected with somewhere so new.
We eventually ventured back out into the heat and set off again, this time on a hilly route via Wighton, Warham and Stiffkey to Langham, then Field Dalling to Saxlingham. Here we departed from the route again and instead of going via Wiveton to High Kelling we went to Letheringsett and up the main road to Holt.
On our way through Holt we stopped to see how the demolition of Duncan’s house was progressing (it’s a heap of rubble) and then continued to Kelling and the usual way back to PC.

PC to PC was a hot and sticky 44 miles instead of the planned 56 miles.
Graham A, Mark and Andrew B (short ride, no cake)

Two riders met at PC on a hot and sunny morning, fortunately cooled all day by a NE breeze. Graham A would meet us at Waxham after checking out the new bike shop, Woods Cycles at Mundesley, in the former Corner House Café. The verdict was that it is early days but looks promising.
We picked Jim up at Aldborough and set off for Barningham, Worstead, Honing, Ingham, Calthorpe Street to Sea Palling and Worstead. Even though we covered the 31 miles at an average speed of 16.1mph, Graham had got there first and had bagged us a table. The café was busy and there was also a wedding being prepared for in the barn. The bride arrived in a motorhome, which was different, it may also have doubled as the honeymoon suite.

Malcolm arrived from St Olaves with his perfectly clean titanium bike gleaming in the sun and joined us for lunch and a good chat, before heading back home, for a round trip of 45 miles at a 16.2 avg, it would seem that sun made us all faster today.

Our return route started with a southerly leg to Hickling before heading north to Lessingham and then a tour of the lanes via Crostwight with its unusual church tower, then Knapton, Trunch and Lower Southrepps, where Graham turned off for Cromer.
The remaining trio took the usual route west to Hanworth and the Thurgarton crossroads, where we split ways, leaving just one to retrace the route back to PC.

PC to PC was 64 miles at brisk 15.6mph average
Neil Mc, Mark, Jim, Graham A and Malcolm joining us for lunch.
No Harvey today, though he did provide an enjoyable route.