Author: web1691

Four Wheelers, Chris S, Neil S, Brian and Mark set off from PC in cool and dry conditions, though the overcast sky kept providing a few spits of rain during the day. We picked up Jim H and Chris B in Gresham and set off via some lesser used lanes for Erpingham, then Aylsham’s Dunkirk to Tuttington and Brampton.

It was here that both Chris B and Jim H decided that they were not feeling up to the full ride and would head home, they had of course already completed a good few miles in getting up to Gresham to join us.
So, the remaining four made their way to Coltishall, encountering some light rain on the way. As we arrived, so did Malcolm, having used the Reedham ferry to come up from St Olaves.

No.77 was nicely warm with the usual good food and service. Brian was showing off his new phone, this one can take photos! After we had all featured in Brian’s selfies, it was time to head for home, with Malcolm heading east for Wroxham and the rest going west to Horstead and Frettenham.
From Stratton Strawless we took the long straight road through the woods to the outskirts of Felthorpe, then north through Haveringland, the edge of Swannington airfield to Cawston and beyond.
At Itteringham, as Brian and Neil S turned right to make their way home, Neil Mc appeared, out for a quick ride between house renovation tasks, so he joined us for a couple of miles before making his way back home. Leaving the final two to continue back to PC.

Group: Chris S, Neil S, Brian, Mark, Jim H, Chris B and brief appearance by Neil Mc.

PC to PC 54 miles at an average speed of 14.4 mph.

Next week’s ride (12th) is to The Station Café, Reepham.

Three Wheelers met at PC for the first of the earlier Wednesday Winter rides with a start time of 10am. It was a sunny though cool morning with a strong South Westerly wind.
Our clockwise route took us through Felbrigg park on the way to Cromer zoo, then through some residential areas before the climb of Northrepps hill. On the way to Southrepps we negotiated the seemingly permanently closed section of Wellspring road, then on to Antingham, Colby, Erpingham and Thwaite Common to our lunch destination.

Surprisingly the café was full of old codgers, so the additional three that had arrived by bike had to sit outside and share the sheltered courtyard with a couple of very tame peacocks. After enjoying a good lunch (cyclists not the peacocks), we continued down to Blickling and across to Oulton before turning north and getting the wind on our backs.
Wind assisted we blew through Itteringham and on to Wickmere where Graham A turned off for Cromer. Leaving two to skirt around Barningham Winter, Up Wood to the top of Bodham Hill, where Andrew A turned off and one rider returned to PC.

PC to PC was 45.6 miles and with a steady 13.3 average speed, the earlier start time meant that all riders were home before 3pm.
Andrew B, Graham A, Mark leading.

Next week’s ride (9th), also starting at 10am, is to the Beach Café in Wells, buckets and spades optional.

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.