Author: web1691

Graham A and Mark were pleased to be joined at PC by Robert N, out on his first Wheelers ride of the year. As we stood in the sun, sheltered from the fairly strong Southerly wind, we were all feeling overdressed in our winter kit. As the day progressed, we had more sunshine than forecast and the roads remained dry apart from two flooded sections, so I could have worn shorts and leg warmers and a light shirt under my jacket and been warm enough.

Our route to Waxham was mainly south easterly with a cross wind on the right shoulder. Via Bessingham, Hanworth, Suffield, Bradfield, North Walsham to Briggate, where we picked up John S. John only had a couple of hours free, but he wanted to join us for lunch and to get in a few miles.
From Honing it was East Ruston to Ingham, where we stayed on the main road to Waxham to keep the mileage for the out leg to 28 miles.

At the Café as we were putting our bikes into the new cycle racks, we saw ex-ride leader Malcolm S, who had taken advantage of the great weather and strong tailwind to join us from St Olaves. I expect the journey home was not so easy!

As the courtyard of the barn was fairly sheltered we decided to sit outside and enjoy a good lunch, coffee and a chat. John had to leave us first, then after another twenty minutes or so of chatting, we were all beginning to feel the cold, so after bidding farewell to Malcolm, we set off for home.

For a change, we went down the beach road at Sea Palling, past the wooden chalets and beach homes, an area that seems as if time has stood still, but would have all been washed away in the 1953 floods and is now behind the new sea defences.

Then it was Lessingham, Witton, Knapton, Trunch to Southrepps Lower Street, where Graham and Robert turned off for Cromer and Mark went to Thorpe Market, Hanworth, Sustead, Gresham back to PC.

PC to PC 55 miles

Graham A, Robert N and Mark leading, with guest appearances by John S and Malcolm S

Three Wheelers met at PC on a chilly and overcast morning for the inaugural Wednesday run to the Junction 21 café at Themelthorpe. Geoff P stopped to say he would meet us there for lunch too.

The route out took us via Gresham, Bessingham, Matlaske and Wickmere to Itteringham, then the traditional route down to Cawston. From Cawston the roads became smaller and well coated in mud and water as we went via Brandiston, Little and Great Witchingham, Jordan Green to Themelthorpe.

As we arrived at the café, we found a forlorn looking Geoff P wandering the garden as the café was shut for the day due to a ‘mechanical problem’. Not to be beaten, we headed to the ever reliable Station café at Reepham and managed to get an inside table for the four of us. An inside table not only gives the benefit of warmth but also real crockery and grown-ups cutlery!

Suitably refreshed we headed off. Geoff on his own route and the rest heading up to Thurning to join up with the original route home. This took us through Edgefield Street, Plumstead, Baconsthorpe and Bodham Hill back to PC for a total of 45 miles.

Andrew B, Graham A, Mark leading and Geoff P joining us for lunch.

Pc to PC was 45 miles

PC was a Wheelers hot spot this morning as the four that had assembled for the ride were joined by Robert N who had driven out just to have a chat and confirm that he would be out cycling with us again soon. Good to see you again Robert. Then Geoff P stopped for a quick chat on his way to Reepham and a rendezvous with a large cake. Current Wheelers count = 6

So, the four set off for Mundesley in mild but overcast conditions with a steady Westerly wind that would soon be on our backs after we had passed through West Beckham and Matlaske. Then onto Thurgarton, Town Green, Thwaite and Erpingham. We then took the little used Lodge Lane and soon discovered why it was little used, a large flood close to Erpingham Lodge which forced a detour via the field headland, this was a well-worn path suggesting the flood was a semi-permanent feature. Onto Banningham and back lanes to cross the A149, then Bradfield, Trunch and up and over Mundesley Golf Course, where it started to rain and then downhill to the café.

More Wheelers! Out on their own ride but deciding to stop at the cafe were Brian P and Chris B, they had finished their coffee and cakes when we arrived so after a chat they set off again.  Also waiting for us was John S, who was able to join us for lunch and for some of the homeward route.
Total Wheelers count = 9!

After a good lunch, the rain and the wind had stopped, which was ideal for the generally westerly route home. We continued our circuit of Mundesley, then Trunch, Knapton and down the Paston road to the N Walsham road, where we said goodbye to John S and we headed up to Swafield, Bradfield, around Southrepps to Hungry Hill near Sidestrand where Graham A left us to take the coast road home.

The remaining three took on Hungry Hill, Northrepps, Sally Beans, Crossdale Street, Metton, Sustead and the split at Gresham church.

In summary, the morning was dry roads and the wind on our backs, the afternoon, the wind had fortunately dropped but the roads were wet and the bikes were liberally covered in mud. Plenty of Wheelers out and enjoying the mild conditions.

Andrew B, Duncan S, Graham A and Mark leading. Guest appearances by John S, Brian P, Chris B, Geoff P and Robert N

PC to PC was 50 miles.

Five Wheelers set off from PC in sunny but cool conditions, fortunately the overnight cloud had prevented a repeat of the previous night’s icy conditions. Joining the Wednesday ride for the first time was Neil M, a regular Saturday group rider, hope you can join us again Neil.

Andrew B had the only puncture of the day, less than 4 miles from PC. Unable to find the cause of the deflation, a new tube was fitted and fingers crossed and fortunately the tyre held up for the rest of the ride. Front Michelin Pro Endurance for those keeping score!

Our outward leg of about 25 miles took us via Gresham, Hanworth, Gunton, Bradfield, Swafield, around the eastern edge of North Walsham, White Horse Common, Briggate, Worstead, the International Farm, Tunstead crossing to Coltishall and The Rising Sun.

The staff at the pub looked after us very well, we had a table to seat eight, with a view over the river and also of the bikes. The food was filling and good value and it was with some reluctance that we left the warmth of the pub to set off for home.

While the return leg was shorter at about 20 miles, it was soon apparent that the North Westerly wind had increased and most of the road seemed to be uphill and into the wind!

Our route home was St John, Great Hautbois, Lamas, Buxton, Brampton, Aylsham, Drabblegate, Ingworth, Calthorpe, where Graham A seeking a more favourable wind direction set off for Cromer. The remaining trio then pushed hard into the wind for the remaining 5 miles to the split at Gresham church.

All in all, a good day for a ride, intermittent sun meant the temperature was variable but ok for January and we enjoyed good food and company.

The roads were mainly dry but there was plenty of wet mud about to ensure a good coating over the bikes.

PC to PC was 46 miles

Andrew B, Duncan S, Graham A, Neil M and Mark leading.

Four riders met at PC for the run to the ever popular Norton’s Café at Walsingham. The weather was even better than forecast with sunny clear blue skies for the whole ride and mild temperatures boosted by the sun, ideal while waiting around at puncture stops, but more of those later!

Andrew B was the designated leader but had been struck down with a heavy cold, maybe due to the previous weeks ride in rain and wind and so missed the best day of winter so far. Mark took over the pathfinding role, with a conventional route out to Kelling and Salthouse Heath, then Cley Newgate, Glandford ford, Wiveton Downs, Saxlingham, Field Dalling, Binham, Copy’s Green, Gt Walsingham ford and a little loop to the West of Walsingham to join the Egmere Road back into Walsingham.

Norton’s was fairly busy on arrival but we got a table indoors fortunately and the food was good and filling. The beef stew is still excellent Kevin!

The route home started a little differently, going via the ford at Houghton St Giles, up to Gt Snoring, then Thursford Green, Gunthorpe, Brinton, Stody, Hunworth and up the hill to Edgefield. It was decided to save some time and a couple of miles by deviating off the planned route and going the traditional route back to Baconsthorpe, where Duncan headed back to Holt. Leaving three to climb the hill to Geoff’s Corner and then Red Barn Lane back to PC.

And now to John S and his punctures, two in fact, both in his rear Conti Gatorskin. The first cry of Puncture! came less than a couple of miles from Walsingham and despite John urging us to carry on, we decided to stay to offer moral support and plenty of free advice, none of which was taken! 

Puncture number two was as we turned onto Red Barn Lane, so again within a couple of miles of our destination. Once more John urged us to carry on, but it fell on deaf ears as we still had more advice to give as the sun began to set. Despite our best efforts, John was fixed and ready to go in no time (probably due to his earlier practice). Both punctures looked as if they had been caused by best Norfolk flint and were separate punctures. Better luck next week John.

Excellent weather and good company made for an enjoyable winter ride.

PC to PC was 43 miles with an average of 13.7mph and 1800 ft/549m of climbing.

John S, Duncan, Graham A and Mark

Club Ride to the Hill Top Café at Rackheath – Leader Robert Nixon 2 December 2015

Seven riders came to Pretty Corner to follow Roberts’s club ride to Rackheath. This is one of the longer Wednesday club rides of the year and with the weather being unseasonally warm for December it was one not to be missed. On route we came to cross the busy A140 when a kindly motorist flashed us to cross. This kind motorist was none other than “Gentleman Geoff Paice”, President and one time ace club rider. We continued down many minor roads which were a challenge due to the state of them (mud, mud and leaves which were not on the line but in piles everywhere we rode). Eventually we arrive at the café on the outskirts of Rackheath and decided to sit outside making the most of the clement conditions.

The Hill Top Café must surely be a contender for the “best valued cafes” in Norfolk – a rival to The Forget Me Not café at Lenwade. Meals gigantic were served at very reasonable prices and tea was but £1 per cup. It was remarkable how much food some members were able to consume and still find power in their legs to hammer home.

Club member MS joined us at the café making a total of nine which is a good number for this time of the year. We still however have room for a few more.

After lunch it was back on our bikes and a quick ride to Coltishall, over the bridge then up to the HM prison and then down past The Goat before riding up to Banningham and then onto more minor muddy roads to Sheringham.

A really good ride, thanks Robert. Most remarkable in that despite the poor condition of the roads not one puncture! Now that does take organising!

Nuff said !!!

Puncture 0, 50 miles, Weather: Sunny and windy!

Club Ride to Pensthorpe WildLife Park – Leader Geoff Poulter 28 November 2015

With the weather pattern similar to last week it was again a club ride to beat rain and strengthening wind forecast for later in the day. Unfortunately only three riders decided to brave the element for a club run that is normally popular with most.

We left Pretty Corner and rode straight into a head wind going down to Briston (riding the long way round via Edgefield). At Briston we rode round to the Beck and then along the long road to kettlestone before turning left to the Park.

At the Park DISAPPOINTMENT when we learnt that meals and hot food would only be served after 12.30 ! due to the pre booking of Chrismas lunches. So, sandwiches and a rouge bowl of soup later we were ready to ride again when MP arrived.

One rider decided to stay and another two agreed to head for home with the expectation that they would meet on the road somewhere – but they never did !. We rode home via Hindringham, Sharrington and then finally Sheringham. Getting home before serious rain and wind.

My thanks to Harvey, John H and Mike P for coming on the ride which was in less that convivial weather

Puncture 0, 49 miles, Weather: windy and very cold

Club Ride to the Norton Café at Walsingham – Leader Trevor Neild 25 November 2015

Seven club members met with TN for a ride down to The Norton Café. The route started out a little strange but soon took us on some familiar roads going down to Briston and then Kettlestone where we crossed the main road and proceeded down to the Snorings and then Walsingham and the café. Just beforehand one rider had the remarkable “luck” to acquire a tin tack in his front tyre. Just in time for Christmas !.

After lunch we rode home going via some minor roads to Brinton, Sharinghton and beyond. Before we arrived at Sheringham a sudden rain storm hit the riders sending them for cover as the temperature plunged.

In all an interesting club ride – good route but rubbish weather – even for November

Many thanks Trevor

Puncture 1, 35 miles, Weather: windy and very cold with rain to boot !

Club Ride to The Old Railway Station – Leader John Dimascio 18 November 2015

With the weather forecasters predicting wind speeds of 40 + there was some doubt as to whether   the club run would actually take place. After a number of emails and telephone calls the decision was taken to go ahead with the proviso that we were all back by around 2.00 pm when it was predicted that the storm would be at its srongest. Seven riders assembled at Pretty Corner to join John D on his masterly ride to Reepham avoiding being blown off course by skilfully using the hedges to our advantage.

Shortly after the start, just up the hill and into the teeth of the head wind, we noticed that one of our party was missing. Unfortunately TN’s free wheel had decided to completely free wheel and with a conviction that would have won him an Oscar he regretfully said that could not come with us.

Now reduced to seven we hugged the hedgerows for some protection as the wind strengthened.

Finally, we arrived at the café for a welcomed break having ridden some twenty hard miles.

Mindful of the time, we left the café and rode to Briston with the wind still SSW so it was on our side but not in our face. After Briston the wind became a friend rather than foe as it now powered us home to Sheringham.

In conclusion a day that could have been lost was in fact won and a good ride was had by all.

Many thanks John

1 puncture, 40 miles, Weather: windy but dry