Due to holidays, coast to coast walks and a variety of other excuses the number of wheelers turning out was down to a bare minimum of two, Chris and Mark.
They set off facing a moderate to strong wind for the best part of the morning’s ride although on the plus side it was warm (around 20 degrees C) and the sun was shining.
The route took the pair through Plumstead, Saxthorpe, Thurning, Hindolveston, Swanton Novers, Gunthorpe and onto Norton’s at Little Walsingham.
Arriving just after 11.30am the two wheelers had just been beaten to the café by a coach load of pensioners so service was a little on the slow side (not helped by the fact that the café was also short staffed). Notwithstanding this Chris and Mark enjoyed some excellent sandwiches whilst sitting outside.
The two wheelers benefited from a predominantly tail wind on the return leg which took them through Wighton, Warham, Binham, Langham and Wiveton. This was followed by the 40m climb up Bridgeford Lane which was made easier by the following wind, with Chris surging forward in the final meters for the win.
The final push through High Kelling was then met with a slight diversion around Lower Bodham due to road closure for cable laying. It was then onto Bodham and West Beckham. Just after this Chris made a breakaway with a sprint back to PC with Mark coming in second.
PC to PC was 51.4 miles at an average of 16.2mph (fastest club ride of the year) Riders: Mark M, Chris S
Ride report by Doug H Earlier than normal, three Wheelers met at PC on an overcast and slightly less warm than expected morning, with a long day of 100 miles of riding ahead of them. Mark, Chris and Doug set off towards Bodham and on to High Kelling where we collected Neil in cold weather gear and double socked. We all adjusted our outfits and began again towards Wiveton, through Langham, Binham, New Holkham, skirting Burnham Market which was rammed, along to Docking, Fring and then on to Bircham Windmill for lunch. Where we ate a hearty lunch and Doug went on and on about his long lost camping holidays at Bircham Mill campsite.
Early lunch at Bircham Mill, L-R, Doug H, Neil Mc, Mark M, Chris S. 23rd August 2025
As quick as a flash we were on our way, may be Doug over did the reminisce. We went through Great Bircham, Syderstone, South Creake, Houghton St Giles, Great Snoring, Thursford, Gunthorpe, and Stody. We then commenced the climb up Ramsgate Street hill. Which was well fought by Chris and Neil with Neil the victor. However, as this was where Neil left, the three continued the ride with some 50 miles to go. It did feel slightly that some of us were holding back, as there was still a long way to go.
The three remaining headed on to Briston, Hindolveston, Foulsham with the final stop for the day at Junction 21 at Themelthorpe. Where a troop of bike packers had stopped on their route from Stansted to North Walsham. After a cake and beverage we continued on.
Then just before Whitwell we spotted three young lads at the side of the road with quite the mechanical disaster. A rear wheel had become detached and had put a loop into the chain. They were ‘cooked’ as one of them said. Not wanting to be confused for ‘out of touch old folk’ we pretended to understand the lingo. Then out of nowhere Mark, blue surgical gloves in situ, jumped into action. In no time at all the chain was removed, separated, the brake calliper readjusted, wheel installed, chain threaded and reconnected, job done. With the faces of astounded young people who obviously were delighted, we moved on, smugly in the knowledge that we still can do stuff young people can’t.
Fixing a chain issue & getting some lads rolling again on Nowhere Lane. 23rd August 2025
Our place in the universe confirmed, we continued up to Reepham, Cawston, skirting Itteringham, on to Ingworth, Erpingham, Aldborough, Hanworth. Then at Metton, Doug went back to Cromer and the final two continued to back to PC. A great day of riding and 100 miles done.
PC to PC 102 miles at an average 15.4mph Climbing 3608ft / 1100m Calories Burnt 3,876 Riders: Doug H, Chris S, Mark M, Neil Mc-70miles
Note – Vuelta Espana – Highlights on Quest 7pm each evening.
Five riders met at PC with a chill in the air from the strong northerly wind, for a ride to Little Plumstead. Unfortunately Ian was not one of them as he had succumbed to ‘man flu’, so the plans for stopping to see the Red Arrows at Cromer were abandoned much to the disappointment of Chris! The planned route took us through East Beckham, Baconsthorpe, Plumstead, Little Barningham, Itteringham, Oulton Street, Aylsham, Burgh, Oxnead, Frettenham, Crostwick and Salhouse. Good time was made with the northerly wind on our backs. On arrival at Little Plumstead we found Graham, who had already bagged a large table in the walled garden which was sheltered from the cold wind. We all enjoyed a good lunch with generous portions and of course most went for cake as well!
Walled Garden, Little Plumstead 20th Aug 2025, L-R, Graham A, Clive A, Andrew B, Duncan S, Chris S, camera Mark M
Chris decided to cycle back home on his own to get more practice for time trials having been encouraged by beating his previous time the night before despite the wind and rain. The remaining five riders then proceeded back to PC via. Woodbastwick, Wroxham (a nightmare in the traffic), Hoveton, Tunstead, Swanton Abbot, Skeyton, Felmingham, Suffield, Aldborough, Barningham, and West Beckham. Graham left us at Swanton Abbott and Duncan just before Baconsthorpe to make their own way home.
Corvette Kingdom, Felmingham, 20th Aug 2025
The sun managed to make an appearance towards the end of the ride, although the wind remained strong which made it hard going even though Mark did most of the work! Overall a good ride with an excellent route.
PC to PC 63.2 miles at an average of 15.4mph (Chris door to door avg 16mph) Riders: Duncan S, Clive A, Andrew B, Chris S, Mark M, Graham A
Ride report by Mark M It was a cooler and overcast morning that greeted Ian, Mark and guest Ben at PC, with a number of Wheelers enjoying themselves elsewhere. We were expecting Chris to join us, but at 10am we set off anyway. Through Gresham, Bessingham to Aldborough School, stopping when Ian received a phone call, thinking it might be Chris, it wasn’t, then Chris arrived anyway, having been delayed by a number of issues and now keen to keep going. So with a good northerly wind behind us we continued south to Ingworth, Itteringham Common, Oulton, Cawston and Swannington, turning west for the Witchinghams and Blackwater Lane. As we started to climb Nowhere Lane from Whitwell Common, we saw Harvey T heading towards us, so we all stopped and had a quick chat, Harvey is looking fit and well, then continued on our way to Jordan Green, Foxley Wood and then Junction 21. By now the sun was out and it was warm in the sheltered garden, so we claimed an outside table and ordered lunch.
This sunshade is mine! Junction 21 Tea Room, Themelthorpe 16-Aug-2025. Photo Ian A.Mark looking pleased with his large breakfast sandwich, Junction 21 Tea Room, Themelthorpe 16-Aug-2025. L-R: Mark M, Chris S, guest rider Ben. Photo Ian A.
One of the other lunchees was a chap heading for Norwich on the Marriott Way, having bikepacked the 250 miles of the Rebellion Way on his new Fairlight Secan (Andrew take note). Guest rider Ben, mid twenties, recently out of the Army, riding a very nice Enve Melee that he had been using for Army Cycling races around the country, helped reduce the average age of the group. Though I don’t think he was ever tested during our ride.
Guest rider Ben’s beautiful custom built Enve Melee, club run to Themelthorpe, 16-Aug-2025. Photo Ian A.
After lunch it was time to head north and into the wind via Foulsham, Guestwick, Craymere Beck, Thurning Mill, Little London and the always contested KOM up Ramsgate Street hill to the old White Horse. Early on (too early) Chris came past with Ian in tow, then as Chris faded, Ian took the lead. Ben realising that a race was happening, accelerated past me, rapidly closing the gap to Ian before heading into the distance to claim his win. Ian contested the win on the grounds that Ben is not a Wheeler and his name is not Ian! After getting our breath back, we made our way to Plumstead, Barningham Winter, turning for New Road and the pylon, where Chris coming from a long way back, took the win. Ian and Ben turned for High Kelling and home leaving Mark and Chris to head back to PC.
PC to PC was 52.6 miles at an average 15.8mph Riders: Ian A, Chris S, Mark M and guest Ben
Ride report by Mark M Opting for a 9am start instead of the regular 10am, in order to avoid some of the heat, Andy, Chris, Duncan and Mark left PC to collect Ian at Gresham.
The Peloton arriving at Gresham Church,13-Aug-2025. L-R: Chris S, Duncan S, Andy S, Mark M, Ian A. Photo Ian A.
Then it was Bessingham, Thurgarton, Wickmere, Mannington Hall to Corpusty. With a light tail wind, we were keeping fairly cool as long we kept moving, any stops needed to be in the shade. At Guestwick, Ian turned off to pick up the return leg home, as he wanted to be in peak condition for breaking in a new set of golf clubs, Thursday morning. The remaining four continued to Foulsham and Bintree Mill, stopping for the customary photo, then to Broom Green, Brisley and to the Old Dairy, Stanfield.
Bintree Mill 13th August 2025 L-R Chris S, Andy S, Duncan S, camera Mark M
Finding the shadiest table in the garden, we were early enough to have breakfast options, though only one breakfast was ordered, the other three being sandwiches. The food and service is always good here and we had plenty of time to drink tea and chat before it was time to leave. The group split into two, with Andy and Mark taking the slightly shorter and much flatter Brisley, Gatley route to Great Ryburgh to pick up the main route again. Time trial Chris and Duncan opted for the full route via Whissonsett, Colkirk and the rolling hills to Ryburgh. Duncan may have questioned his decision, as after the climb out of Ryburgh up to the main road, he had to let Chris continue alone. Chris was on a mission as I had casually suggested that he might catch us up on the way back. Andy and Mark, stopped at the top at the top of Ryburgh Hill and again in a shady spot at Abbey Farm, Guestwick, with Andy recognising one of the farm workers, who came over for a chat. At this point a speeding Chris flashed past, hearing us shout he put the anchors on, leaving a long black line of Schwalbe Marathon on the road. He turned around and came back to us, stopping long enough to say hi and take a swig of water before disappearing into the distance.
Giant Haystacks’ Guestwick, 13-Aug-2025. Bike for scale… Photo Ian A.Sunflowers, New Road, Lower Bodham 13-Aug-2025. Photo Ian A.
The route then took us through Thurning to Little London where Andy turned for home. Andy is taking the next couple of weeks to walk 190 ish miles with family and 2 dogs, coast to coast, St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay, hope it all goes well Andy. Mark then continued on the familiar, Edgefield, Baconsthorpe, West Beckham route to PC. While Duncan wasn’t seen again, I can report he made it back to Baconsthorpe before turning for Holt, completing 59 miles at 15.8mph.
PC to PC short route was 53.2 miles at 15.4mph, while Chris completed the full 56 miles at an unknown, though we can assume a slightly higher average (if it’s not in the ride report, did it happen?) Riders: Ian A, Chris S, Andy S, Duncan S, Mark M
Ride report by Andy S On a dry sunny Saturday morning three members met at P.C. Due to summer events and illness several members were missing today. The three riders (Chris S, Andrew B and Andy S) set off to meet Neil Mc at Gresham then continued on towards Metton. With Mark off ill our group was led by “time trial Chris” so, as the title suggests, the speed of the peloton was fairly fast with no nature breaks allowed.
We met Graham A at Northrepps. At this point Chris felt the need for speed and left the main group for a spot of time trial training. The rest of the group carried on at a good pace following a good southwesterly wind onto Mundesley then back inland towards Trunch and Knapton. Soon after this the peloton decided to cut out the Crostwight loop and head straight to Bacton. This cut 5 miles off the route consequently the group arrived at Watsons Cafe ahead of Chris. Much banter was had when Chris arrived but in all fairness he had managed an average speed of 17.2 mph.
The food at Watsons was up to its usual good standard with fry ups all round and plenty of tea and coffee. After lunch Andrew and Graham made their way home separately on a shorter route as Andrew was off to catch the tide for an evening sail.
The remaining three members set off, led by Chris into a head wind through Edingthorpe, the edge of North Walsham, Worstead and Swanton Abbott. We turned right at the Skeyton crossroads to head towards Suffield and onto Colby, Erpingham and Calthorpe.
Chris left us at Calthorpe to head back to P.C. via Matlaske. He was hoping to keep up his average speed of over 17mph for the whole ride. Neil and Andy carried on through Calthorpe to Mannington and back to Corpusty.
Get better soon Mark, we need you back to put some order into the group !
Distance and speed for the days ride: PC to PC 57 miles Chris : average speed 17.08 mph. Well done Chris Corpusty to Corpusty 58.4 miles , average speed 15.7 mph
Ride report by Andrew B Five riders met at PC on a sunny morning for an unusual two stop ride to Mannington Hall and Jarrolds at Letheringsett. The planned route took us through East Beckham, Lower Gresham, Sustead, Hanworth, Thurgarton, Wickmere, Calthorpe, Ingworth, and Itteringham. On arrival at Mannington Hall we made our way to the cafe which is now run by Bread Source. Andy S was already there and had ordered and finished his coffee and cake (apparently he was hungry!). We all ordered refreshments and joined him in the garden which was very pleasant.
Mannington Hall Café 06-Aug-2025. L-R: Andy S, Mark M, Mannington Hall, Chris S, Duncan S, Andrew B plus various wasps. Photo Ian A
The author caused chaos at one point as he paid by cash having forgotten his phone (and hence any form of payment) and had to sub off Mark! Chris left us to make his own way on the rest of the route as he had to get back home to do some jobs. The remaining five riders then proceeded to Jarrolds, Letheringsett (formerly Back to the Garden) via. Saxthorpe, Craymere Beck, Hindolveston, Briningham and Sharrington. As it was still sunny we decided to take a table outside and we all enjoyed a healthy lunch apart from Ian who decided to go for more cake! We then retraced our tracks back along the busy A148 a short distance and made our way back to PC through Glandford, Newgate, Kelling and High Kelling and East Beckham. As there were a number of hills on the route there were a number of sprint challenges. Duncan demonstrated that he has maintained his fitness levels whilst on holiday, putting the author to the sword on two of these in close finishes. People turned off at different points along the route to make their own way home, leaving just Mark and I to finish at PC. Overall a good day out with a nice route, good weather and some very pleasant stops.
PC to PC 49.5 miles Average speed 15.0 mph Total Elevation 2075 ft
Riders: Mark, Andrew B, Andy S, Chris, Duncan and Ian.
Ride report by Ian A On a slightly cooler morning than of late which threatened a possible shower but actually developed into a bright and dry day, six wheelers met at PC for the ride out to Biagio’s, East Rudham. The group set off via West Beckham and Lower Bodham, then past Selbrigg Pond and down the Hempstead Road to pick up Neil at the T-junction by the ‘green triangle’ (Court Green). Ian was also meant to be there, but after he had made a frantic phone call to Andrew, he realised he’d been waiting at ‘the wrong green triangle’ and was at the junction BEFORE Selbrigg Pond. Oops. So Ian rode solo that morning with little hope of catching the peloton. The route took us past Hempstead Mill and skirted Holt to take the fast downhill A148 before turning left past Letheringsett Mill, crossing the Glaven via the footbridge at Little Thornage and onto Sharrington. We then crossed the A148 to go via Bale, Hindringham, Little Walsingham and took the Egmere Road towards South Creake. It was at this point that Chris ‘did a Chris’ and sped off, not to be seen again until the cafe stop. That boy really does have ants in his pants or maybe a more serious affliction? Could be Notagrouperson Syndrome or, more seriously, Antisocialitis has been mooted.
South Creake Church, Club Ride 2-Aug-2025. Photo Ian A
So with the main peloton reduced to six (with Ian someway behind) the route went through South Creake, Syderstone and then the most circuitous route via the network of little lanes (thanks Harvey!) to arrive at Biagio’s after 34 miles. Chris had allegedly been there 15 minutes and Ian arrived about 5-10 minutes later (sporting matching red arm warmers and socks – nice!). With no free tables outside, we got all eight of us round a big table inside which had the added benefit of being next to the portable AC unit as it was quite warm inside. The generous sandwiches and drinks arrived promptly and Doug had the world’s largest jacket potato heaped with coronation chicken – enough for a small family! It’s always friendly there with decent food and good coffee. Chris generously allowed us 40 minutes for lunch. Outside, a very smart green child’s bike had been docked next to Ian’s steed. Egged on by spectators and tempting though it was, Ian opted to mount up on his own bike.
Wheeler of the future, Biagio’s Café 2-Aug-2025. L-R: small girl’s bike, Ian’s bike. Photo Ian A
The return journey (now a group of eight) took us via Broomsthorpe and Shereford (not that you’d notice!) before crossing the busy A148 just after Sculthorpe Mill (where we stopped for the obligatory photo) and onto Thursford via The Barshams and Great Snoring.
Sculthorpe Mill, 2-Aug-2025. L-R: Andy S, Neil M, Chris S, Andrew B, Doug H, Barry, Mark M, Ian A
From Thursford we went via Gunthorpe, then up the very cr*ppy road to Brinton, Stody and Hunworth. Up Hunworth Road (one of our Categorised Climbs) all was calm until Neil and Andrew edged off the front towards the top with Andrew taking a good win at the top. (Just shows the benefits of saving energy by hiding in the bunch all day – even dropping your chain at one point to get some recovery time…) After we’d regrouped and checked Doug’s coronation chicken was still in place (gratefully it was), we waved goodbye to Andy and Neil who headed downhill to Corpusty. The remaining six riders continued on via Edgefield, Plumstead and North Barningham and to the top of Plum Lane, where Ian turned left to head back to High Kelling (via his green triangle) leaving the remainder to head down Red Barn Lane and back to PC. A grand day out.
PC to PC was 64.7 miles at an average speed of 15.1mph Riders: Andrew B, Andy S, Barry, Chris S, Doug H, Ian A, Mark M, Neil M
Ride report by Chris S On the last Wednesday of July five wheelers, Mark, Ian (sporting white socks!), Clive, Andy and Chris, gathered at PC. The forecast was for sun with some cloud and a high of 23 degrees C with a north westerly wind veering to the north east later in the day. Just as the Wheeler were about to leave a sixth wheeler, Andrew arrived just in time for the ride start.
Heading off the peloton passed through Gresham only to find that the road had been closed. Relying on Mark’s encyclopaedic knowledge of the roads a slight detour was taken rejoining the route to Sustead. From there the ride continued on some very hazardous roads due to deep sand and gravel through Hanworth, Calthorpe and Colby.
At Felmingham the group stopped at the Corvette Kingdom workshop so that Ian could take some more photos of the Corvettes being repaired to add to his Best Corvette Photo Album!
Corvette Kingdom, Felmingham 30-July-2025. Photo Ian A.
As the peloton set off, Chris, keen to get some practice in for his time trials, sprinted off to complete the last five miles before the lunch stop at a faster pace. Arriving at Purdy’s Chris joined Graham who had cycled over from Cromer. Shortly after, the peloton arrived.
A good choice of lunch was on offer – scotch eggs, sausage rolls, quiche, scones and cake. All enjoyed whilst sitting outside.
Following lunch the group set off again into a predominantly head wind for the ride back. Graham headed back to Cromer. Passing through Oulton it was then onto Corpusty where Andy turned off for home as the route virtually passed his front door.
It was then onto Briston where Clive turned left to take a route through Stody and back to Blakeney. The remaining four wheelers then sat on Mark’s tail up the hill towards Edgefield before Chris attempted a breakaway but unfortunately went too early only to be passed by Ian, Mark and Andrew with Mark just pipping Ian to the junction,
The four wheelers then continued through Hempstead where shortly after Chris made another breakaway past Selbrigg pond in an attempt to prevent Ian from stopping to admire the ducks – it worked!
At the junction of Selbrigg Road and High Kelling Road, following a short discussion about Ian’s matching white socks and shoes (yawn!) Ian headed back to High Kelling. The remaining three headed back to PC via Bodham. In the last 100 yards Chris made a rather sneaky sprint to finish first at PC making up for his lacklustre performance earlier.
Average Speed: 15.1 mph Distance: 48 miles Riders: Mark M, Clive A, Andy S, Chris S, Andrew B, Ian A and Graham A
Five wheelers met at Pretty Corner on an overcast summer day following a week of changeable weather. The uncertain weather forecast was discussed, with most Wheelers having opted for mudguards – apart from optimistic Ian who was on his summer bike. We set off through West Beckham, Baconsthorpe, Plumstead, down to Itteringham and along Carr Lane behind Blickling Hall. Instead of turning left to Ingworth as is usual, we turned right and headed into Aylsham making for Dunkirk and the sneaky A140 crossing behind the grain silos.
The A140 was busy with the holiday season traffic in full swing, but we managed to cross and headed toward Tuttington. Chris must have had the scent of the Spanish cols in his nostrils as he shot ahead up the road and disappeared. No further trace of him was seen until the (attempted) lunch stop – of which more later.
The remaining four Wheelers headed down to Burgh, Brampton and onward to join the Aylsham Road outside Buxton. This is normally a quiet road, but there was a considerable queue of slow traffic crawling into Buxton. This proved to be due to a combination of traffic lights and a combine harvester convoy. We managed to escape the jam via our planned turnoff to Lammas and then made speedy progress around Coltishall and through Ashmanhaugh to arrive at our planned stop, The Crown in Smallburgh.
Our Spanish escapee was waiting for us by the roadside with the news that the Crown was closed until 30th of July. Given that today was the 26th of July a revised plan was essential as the Wheelers were hungry! Fortunately, Mark’s encyclopedic knowledge of cafe stops came into play and an alternative plan was quickly formulated.
This Plan B unfortunately involved a detour of 2 miles on the Yarmouth road, A149, but it wasn’t too bad and we soon arrived at Vera’s Cafe in Meale’s garden centre.
This proved to be an excellent cafe with plenty of space, a covered outdoor seating area, a good menu with lots of choice and fast+friendly service. The cakes were particularly splendid and much enjoyed, especially Mark’s giant doorstop of chocolate tiffin. That wouldn’t have been on offer if The Crown had been open, so the change of venue was a bonus.
Good lunch and cakes at Vera’s Cafe, Stalham 26th July 2025. L-R Doug H, Ian A, Neil Mc, Mark M, Chris S.
Post-lunch, Mark invented a revised route involving less A149 and going via East Ruston and Honing to get us back onto the planned route at Worstead. Worstead’s summer fete was in full swing when we arrived and the village was busy. (let’s hope they had a good wet-weather plan as they would be needing it very shortly)
The route then took us via Swanton Abbott, around Felmingham and into Banningham with increasing rain all the way. This finally started in earnest and waterproofs were donned. From Banningham we crossed the A140, down into Ingworth and up Scarrowbeck Lane to join Wall Road. Doug left at this point to head to Aldborough and back home to Cromer.
The remaining Wheelers carried on past The Saracen’s Head to the Wickmere Road junction where Neil left to head via Mannington Hall to Corpusty and home.
The final 3 headed through Goose Green and Matlaske where Mark deviated from the planned route to head straight for PC and home. Chris and Ian damply displayed gritty determination (or was it a Mutiny?) and stuck to the original plan via Plumstead, Hempstead & Selbrigg where Ian went left to High Kelling and Chris went right to PC and home.
Distance: Full route PC to PC 64.9m (Mark PC to PC 59.6m) Average speed 15.4 mph Riders: Mark M, Ian A, Chris S, Neil M and Doug H.
North Norfolk Wheelers 