Author: web1691

Ride report by Doug H
On an overcast and gilet wearing warm but not hot day, three Wheelers, Mark, Neil and Andy set off from PC. Heading south of Felbrigg to collect the fourth Wheeler of the day, Doug at the top of Roughton Road. We then, with a good tail wind, made great progress through Crossdale Street, Northrepps, Southrepps, then to the south of Trimingham where we met the coast road and marvelled at the sight of the sea.
We then set of south to Gimingham, Trunch, Knapton, Edingthorpe Green, skimming North Walsham, then south to Briggate, Honing, Happisburgh then north to Ostend and on to the lunch stop at the Lighthouse Inn. The weather was still a little chilly so we decided to eat inside which was quiet and very friendly. We ordered hearty meals and discussed many a topic.

With lunch completed we set off again, still in mild weather heading towards Ridlington, Crostwight, Honing, Dilham and on to Frankfort.
Somewhere along this part of the route we were held up by a lady horse rider shepherding her family of ducks back into her farm, as we passed she was heard saying ‘don’t worry this is normal for Norfolk’. So we passed and nodded in admiration to the skill, as though it was something we had all seen before.
With the sun finally arriving, we then were off to Swanton Abbott, Skeyton, Burgh, through Aylsham, and just passed Oulton Street, Ian and Andy headed off home, with Mark and Doug continuing on north into an unexpected headwind. We went through Itteringham, Little Barningham and then just outside Gresham, Doug headed back to Cromer and Mark continued back to PC. A great day of riding.

PC to PC 60.5 miles at 15.4 mph
Riders: Andy S, Mark M, Neil Mc, Doug H

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 16th July – Burnham Deepdale
Saturday 19th July – Biaggio’s, Rudham
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery

San Jamie to Puerto De Bernia

Following thunderstorms and rain on the previous evening there was not a cloud in sight in the morning with temperatures back up to 28 degrees C at 8am rising quickly to 31 degrees C.

The ride took the usual route dropping down to the coast then climbing 275 odd metres up to Benissa with a quick photo stop half way up looking down towards Calpe and Ilfach de Penon (the large rock!).

Continuing on through Benissa, Senja and Lliber, Chris reached Xalo for the start of a 450 metre climb up to Puerto de Bernia.

After a hard climb the top was finally reached with a stop for another photo opportunity (if only Ian was here to take the photos!)

It was then a fast exhilarating 10 mile ride back down to Benissa at speeds of in excess of 37mph whilst under full braking.

The final stretch back down to the coast and then up to San Jamie was a little bit more relaxing!

Total Distance: 40.25 miles
Average Speed: 13.55
Total Ascent: 1,129 metres
Rider: Chris S

Ride report by Andrew B

Four riders met at PC on a glorious sunny morning for a run to The Clock Tower Cafe, Guist. The planned route took us through East Beckham, Baconsthorpe, Edgefield, Themelthorpe, Foxley, Bawdeswell, Billingford, Bintree and Broom Green. This was punctuated by a number of stops on the route as Chris wasn’t with us! The first being an emergency stop when Mark spotted an adder about five miles in, which had unfortunately gone by the time we had got back (and Doug had recovered from nearly riding into Mark). The second was at a high point above Billingford lakes to admire the view – very impressive.
The last stop was the obligatory photo stop at Bintree Mill (see below), during which we met the owner (ex miller?) who confirmed that he had enjoyed the contents of the many empty bottle of champagne in the mill windows!

On arrival at the cafe (the General store and Cafe) which is now under new ownership, we spotted Graham A’s bike and after parking our bikes in the rear garden we joined him. The staff were very friendly and we all enjoyed a good lunch from the extensive menu, with some even finding room for cake!

The route back took us through, Foulsham, Themelthorpe again, Reepham, Salle, Edgefield, Baconsthorpe and North Barningham. This was fairly uneventful except for the start when Mark led us down a track which got gradually narrower and rougher. However, we all made it without puncturing! Graham left us just before Corpusty and Andy S shortly after for home. The remainder made their way back to PC with Doug branching off just before the end.

Overall a good day out with a nice route on a beautiful summer day.

PC to PC 53 miles
Average speed 14.8 mph
Total Elevation 1900 ft

Riders: Mark, Andrew B, Andy S, Doug and Graham A.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 12th July – Lighthouse, Walcott
Wednesday 16th July – Burnham Deepdale
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

San Jamie to Café Ciclista, Denia

Another early start for the one wheeler. Leaving San Jamie at 8am under an overcast sky but still with a temperature of 26 degrees C, Chris headed down to the coast turning left at the Moraira-Calpe road heading into Moraira.

From there it was a long climb up to the traffic lights in the centre of Benitchell . It was then a long run down to Javier where the early morning rush had started. After a few stops and starts Chris escaped Javier only to be faced with a very long and steep climb of 210m on the CV7362. However the views were spectacular but stopping for photos was impossible due to lack of places to stop but also not wanting to lose momentum.

However the climb was rewarded by a very fast ride down to sea level at Denia and a flat ride along the sea front to Café Ciclista, a well known local meeting point for cyclists. Unfortunately having arrived at just before 9.30am Chris found the café closed although there were some signs of life indicating that it was going to open shortly. On further investigation it was found that the café had been closed for holidays for a week and this was the first day it reopened.

Not one to hang about Chris retraced his route back to San Jamie with the added disadvantage of a head wind. The temperature had also risen to 29 degrees C by the end of the ride.

Total Distance: 36.67mph
Average Speed: 14.03mph
Total Ascent: 857 metres

Rider: Chris S

San Jamie to Gata de Gorges

After an evening of pursuing a couple of cockroaches around the house(both finally caught and dispatched) it was an earlyish start of 7.55am for the ride in order to avoid the excessively hot weather. Even then the temperature was already 28 degrees rising to over 32 degrees C by the end of the ride.

Only one rider, Chris, set off from San Jamie for a fast 100m descent to the Mediterranean coast line. At the end of the descent the front brake was making a horrendous noise and was overheating – possibly the pads were down to the metal (a job for the afternoon). Anyway having given the brakes a quick check over Chris carried on.

From the coast it was then a very hot 275 metre plus climb up to Benissa followed by Senja and Lliber. Turning right at Lliber the road continued to climb for a bit until a predominantly downhill run through olive groves, vineyards and pine forests to Gata de Gorges. There were plenty of cycle groups out including at least one professional team with support cars in tow.

Another short climb followed up to Jesus de Pobre where the road then levelled out with a fast run of about 5 miles averaging 27mph to Javea. Yet another climb up to Benitchell with the temperature rising then a another fast ride down to Moraira on the coast.

Finally it was the last killer climb of 100 metres from the sea back up to San Jamie leaving the rider dissolving in a very large pool of sweat at the finish.

Total Distance 34.86 miles
Average Speed 14.71mph
Total Ascent 788 metres
Rider: Chris S

Ride report by Mark M
With numbers down due to holidays (though Chris S sends a report from Spain), only Andrew, Neil and Mark met at PC on a cooler day with a strong south westerly breeze. Our SW route meant a mainly headwind for the leg out, though it would help on the way back.
On the Matlaske Road to Corpusty we caught up with Harvey and had a brief chat before he turned for Mannington. We continued to Foulsham, across a busy A1067 to Bintree and down to Billingford and the regular stop at Worthing bridge. The river was very low in places, though deeper below the bridge and a number of good size fish (trout?) were swimming in groups. Then it was on to Hoe, a loop around Beetley and we arrived at Mardlers’ after 25 miles.
Surprisingly, we were the only customers and the staff said that it had been very quiet during the hot weather and they were looking forward to the school holidays and more visitors. Another two customers arrived while we had lunch, but the whole site was almost empty. Anyway, they had their famous quiche, chips and beans which Neil and I had, while Andrew settled for a baguette as he was out to a barbeque later, he still managed to find room for a muffin and coffee.
After lunch we went through Gressenhall and made a southerly loop down to Sparrow Green, before turning north for Longham and the generally uphill route past Bittering quarry, across the B1145 to Whissonsett and Colkirk. Turning west we now had the rolling hills to Great Ryburgh and the climb up to the Stibbard cross roads, which Neil got to first.
Trying to cross the A1067 again, we were surprised by the amount of traffic and then we saw that a steam traction engine was slowly approaching and must have gathered a huge tailback of traffic as it made its way from the Guist direction. We had plenty of time to get a camera ready as it made slow and steady progress towards Fakenham.

After that nostalgic interlude, we continued to Stibbard, Wood Norton and Guestwick, turning north for Nethergate. Along this little lane we came across another rarity, a pony and trap with three people onboard, after following them for a little way they were able to pull into a gateway and wave us through. Then through Craymere Beck, the back way around Briston where we met a pair of ducks and many ducklings making their way around a blind bend, I hope they all got to their destination. Then it was a wind assisted couple of miles up to Edgefield and the compulsory sprint for glory, I believe Neil was 2nd and Andrew 3rd. Neil then headed back to Corpusty and home, completing 62 miles in total.
Andrew and I then headed back to PC at a steadier pace, to finish a good day’s riding.

PC to PC was 59.8 miles at an average 15.4 mph (same out and back)
Riders: Neil Mc, Andrew B, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 9th July – Guist Clock Cafe
Saturday 12th July – Lighthouse, Walcott
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery

Ride report by Ian A
Well summer is over (temporarily we hope) so light rain and much cooler temperatures greeted us this morning. The four Wheelers who met at PC were clad in waterproof jackets and Mark in just a light gilet – probably the better choice though hindsight is a wonderful thing. The peloton picked up Ian A at Gresham Church then Clive just up the road at the junction en route to North Barningham. (Both Ian A and Clive were sporting their luxuriant Goretex Shakedry jackets – an excellent product.)
The route took us via Wickmere and Calthorpe in light rain for an early stop at Erpingham with Calthorpe Village Hall to support (and enjoy) their regular coffee & cake morning. We received a friendly welcome and excellent (not to mention very reasonably priced!) tea/coffee and slices of cake.

After a short stop we remounted and departed, just as the ‘Walking Football’ teams were arriving from the astroturf pitch next door. They are also a regular Wednesday fixture.
The route continued on to Ingworth where Ian (the other one) turned off for Blickling and then back to Holt. The remaining group continued on to Banningham, Felmingham, Swanton Abbot and Scottow, crossing the Norwich train line and on to Worstead. In the centre of Worstead, Mark threw Ian a curve ball by deviating from the planned route. The peloton followed Mark but Ian being a creature of habit (or just bloody-minded) stuck to the route to rejoin the group (with perfect timing) a couple of minutes later.
We then crossed the North Walsham bypass, pushed our bikes up the very short but unrideable hill to soon arrive at Lily’s Tearoom at Hadfields Nursery for our second stop. It wasn’t too busy and we were directed to a large table, labelled as “The Old Codgers corner!” Rude but appropriate…

We all enjoyed tasty sandwiches and baguettes and decent tea/coffee. Andy even managed a second cake. It seems Corpusty residents need a proper lunch. A lot of the conservation over lunch consisted of stories of people dying horribly in caving accidents. Not pleasant and very sad. Fortunately Andy’s tales from the wedding he attended recently were far more entertaining.
Leaving the tearooms we crossed the Yarmouth Road (a bit early to be signposting Great Yarmouth?) and gave North Walsham a wide berth via White Horse Common, Bacton Wood, past the NWT sign at Pigney Wood and up to Swafield and Bradfield. Then we crossed the main line again via Antingham Hill, noting the nice new surface on the east side. The route then crossed the A149 and went through Suffield, past Gunton Park (waving to the Red Deer), across the A140, down Thwaite Hill where just past the Aldborough turning we stopped at the next crossroads where Andy turned off to head back to Corpusty (for a late second lunch maybe?). The remaining quartet headed on to skirt Plumstead and reach Baconsthorpe where we continued up (the infamous) New Road. Clive made an early bid for the sprint to the pylon but got it all wrong and went too early. Andrew then took off and was duly victorious. It would be disingenuous to say that he won because he’d been hiding mid-peloton all day, so I won’t.
At the bottom of New Road Ian and Clive (licking their wounds) turned left for High Kelling and Blakeney, leaving Andrew and Mark to continue back to PC.
A very light rain persisted for most of the way to North Walsham but it remained largely dry for the return leg. But is it a stretch to say that cycling in the rain today was almost refreshing after the recent oppressive heat? It was certainly my most ‘enjoyable’ wet ride.
(Note: In Chris’s absence we took full advantage of the opportunity for almost unlimited nature breaks. Must have been the extra teas and coffees…)

PC to PC was 53 miles at an average speed of 14.3 mph
Riders: Andrew B, Andy S, Clive A, Ian from Holt, Ian A, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 5th July – Mardlers’, Gressenhall
Wednesday 9th July – Guist
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Ride report by Neil Mc
Three Wheelers met at Pretty Corner at the earlier time of 9am to try and get ahead of the expected heat. The day started out cloudy and breezy, but warm and close.
Ian joined at the top of Red Barn lane and then it was a run straight down the Matlaske road to Itteringham and on to Oulton where Neil joined at the junction of Marlpit Lane and Church Lane.

The peloton was up to full strength of 5 now. A large hare bolting out of the hedges and across the road between the bikes almost caused a pile-up a few minutes later, but it was so fast that it luckily managed to miss everyone. That wouldn’t be the only nature seen that day, but nothing else was aimed directly at us!
The route continued through Oulton Street, Cawston and Felthorpe and on through the woods down to Attlebridge with the traditional stop on the old bridge over the Wensum. On continuing on the old Fakenham road the 2nd Nature-watch of the day occurred when Ian spotted a Slow Worm by the side of the road ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_slow_worm). This is neither a worm or a snake, but a species of legless lizard and despite its name it was fast enough to evade attempts at photography!

From Attlebridge it was a straight climb out of the Wensum valley up the hill to Weston Longville and across the plateau to the A47 crossing bridge at Fox Lane. Near Hockering Wood we saw a combine harvester at work, the first of the season.
A quick run brought us to Mattishall and through to South Green and our cafe stop at Cafe Verde. The temperature had risen quite a bit at this point so we wisely decided to sit in the spacious air-conditioned cafe rather than outside in the sticky heat.
Cafe Verde is based in a small business training centre, an unusual location, but a very nice cafe serving all day breakfasts and a good choice of light bites and sandwiches. The tasty food soon arrived with special note to Mark’s choice of a triple-decker sandwich. That was certainly an impressive light bite!

All too soon it was time to set out again into the heat. Ian had to get back to a beer festival so took the sensible choice of cycling back through Mattishall and picking up the return route. The remaining four set off on an extra loop through Barnham Broom, Coston and back through the outskirts of Mattishall to the A47 crossing bridge to North Tuddenham. The sun had started to break through quite frequently by this point and it was very warm.

Fortunately a stop had been planned at Dann’s Farm Shop to enjoy some of their ice-cream. Chris kindly treated us all to ice-creams and we cooled down in the shade.

From Dann’s it was a quick run down into the Wensum valley at Elsing and up the other side to the A1067 crossing at Sparham. Then on down Nowhere Lane and up past Hackworth Hall to Kerdiston and then through to Wood Dalling.

Andrew’s Garmin was reading 31degC at this point and the heat was getting oppressive. Chris then revealed his Spanish hot-weather training and shot off at high speed leaving the rest of us grumbling behind in the dust. We re-grouped past Thurning and carried on via Blackwater Lane and Heath road to Town Close where Neil turned off for Corpusty.

The remaining trio carried on up to Edgefield, Baconsthorpe and West Beckham back to Pretty Corner and home.

Wheelers: Mark M, Chris S, Andrew B, Ian A and Neil M.
Distance: 65.7 miles
Average speed: 15.4 mph

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 2nd July – Erpingham & North Walsham
Saturday 5th July – Mardlers’, Gressenhall
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery

Ride report by Andy S

With another hot and dry day forecast the weather was humid with a slight wind from the southwest.

A good turnout of 5 members( Mark M, Chris S, Andrew B , Duncan S and Andy S ) and guest rider Barry met at P.C. We set off to West Beckham and onto High Kelling where we met Ian A.

All 7 riders proceeded to Wiveton and onto Glandford where we went over the bridge at the ford. Mark decided not to stop for a swim this week. Past the Shell Museum, up to the Dragaway and onto Field Dalling.

We reached our Breakfast stop, at a very busy Binham Parlour, before 11.30 am . Luckily Mark had booked our table so we were all soon seated and ordering our fry ups in various forms. Barry had a slight mess up with his egg on toast ending up with three eggs on toast and not having to pay for it !! (The club does treat their guests well).

All fed and watered we set off for a trouble free ride home through Warham, Great Walsingham, North Barsham , Great Snoring and Gunthorpe. Between Gunthorpe and Sharrington the verges had just been mowed with grass and brambles spread all over the road, luckily no punctures to report which makes a change for me (Andy S ).

We carried on through Thornage, Hunworth and up to Edgefield. Chris and Ian announced they wouldn’t be racing up the hill to Edgefield (what ever) but as normal the speed picked up with Duncan taking an early lead and quietly drawing away. Ian realised the stealth move and counterattacked with the rest of us following up the rear. What happened to Chris, he must of been having a week off as he didn’t contest the race at all. Duncan was crowned King of the Mountains (well Norfolk Hill). At this point Andy S turned off to Corpusty with the rest of the group heading back towards P.C.

All in all a lovely day out on our bikes. The best Norfolk could throw at us with lovely quiet lanes and weather to suit.

PC to PC was 52.6 miles at an average 14.1 mph
Riders: Ian A, Andrew B, Chris S, Mark M, Duncan S, Andy S, Barry

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 28th June – Café Verde, Mattishall – 9am Start at PC
Wednesday 2nd July – Hadfields, North Walsham
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Ride report by Chris S
On what promised to be the hottest day of the year to date with temperatures of up to 32 degrees C only three Wheelers, Mark, Andy and Chris turned up at PC. Apologies for absence from other wheelers included excuses such as sailing, too hot or other commitments.

Anyway not withstanding the heat and the good moderate south easterly head on wind the trio headed off to collect Ian at Gresham Church. Ian was already muttering excuses about it being too hot to complete the route.

The four wheelers then continued towards Bessingham and Alborough. It soon became apparent that Mark who was leading was following a different route to the other wheelers. After a brief stop to get Mark back on track the riders headed on through Suffield, North Walsham, Briggate and Honing. At the junction with Stalham Road Ian muttered more excuses about the heat and turned left to take a shorter route home (he later reported that he had ridden 50.2 miles at an average speed of 15.2mph although no one was able to verify this!).

(Editor- Ian saw this recent memorial for American pilot 2nd Lt John W Reed, his damaged B24 crashed close to Walcott Church, after all his crew had bailed out. More details in this Remembrance Day at Walcott article: https://b24.net/Newsletters/Dec-2016.pdf )

Also just before Stalham Road junction Andy’s rear wheel puncture saga continued. His wheel suddenly sprayed out yellow sealant everywhere. It appeared it was the same puncture as previously which had failed to seal properly. However, having self sealed again the trio rode on to Lessingham and then along the Marrams to Sea Palling. It appeared that the world and his dog had turned out to go to the seaside as the traffic was horrendous

The traffic chaos and congestion continued at Waxham where one hapless driver had even managed to reverse into a deep ditch in order to park so his family could have a day at the seaside.

After completing 30 odd miles the group arrived at Poppylands Café for a light lunch of sandwiches, scotch egg, tea and water whilst sitting under cover in the shade. It was too hot for the usual corned beef hash. Malcolm had already arrived having ridden over from St Olaves.

Lunch over, Malcolm headed back south whilst Mark and Chris waited for Andy to pump up his semi deflated rear tyre. The three then enjoyed a tail wind back to Sea Palling (avoiding Happisburgh due to the crowds flocking to the coast) and inland then Witton, Knapton and Trunch. A further stop was made for Andy to pump more air (again!) into his rear tyre.

Due to the traffic (or possibly the heat but don’t tell Ian!) an executive decision was taken to avoid Sidestrand and Northrepps and take a slightly less hilly route back to PC via Gunton Station, Thorpe Market and Hanworth where Andy then continued on a more direct route home.

This left Mark and Chris to continue the ride back to PC via Sustead.

Distance 59.4 miles
Average Speed 15.3mph
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andy S and Ian A, Malcolm S at lunch.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 25th June – Binham Parlour (Breakfast)
Saturday 28th June – Reedham Ferry – To be confirmed
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/