Club Runs

Ride report by Chris S

As the US Artemis II rocket was heading into outer space towards the moon on Easter Saturday two Wheelers, Chris and Mark, blasted off from PC to set out on their own adventure into the greater depths of Norfolk. As usual for an early Easter the weather was cool but dry and sunny with a south westerly wind veering south and increasing in strength throughout the day.

At Gresham Church, a third wheeler Doug was relaxing in the sunshine waiting to join the peloton. The three then headed south into a predominantly head wind passing through Bessingham, Aldborough and Calthorpe before collecting Neil at The Spread Eagle in Erpingham.
Just before setting off again a noise emanated from Doug’s direction sounding like chronic wind. The source was traced to his electric pump which had set itself off. Having recovered from this the quartet continued through Ingworth, Tuttington and Oxnead where a number of newly born lambs were spotted in the fields. The route then dropped down to Frettenham before turning north up to Horstead where a short stop was made to view the navigable head of the River Bure.

Arriving at A Piece of Cake Coltishall having completed 25 miles the only table available was outside in the courtyard which luckily was very sheltered and south thus benefiting from the sun. Lunch comprised soup, paninis’, a jacket potato and hot drinks with conversation topics ranging from mental health issues, house insurance, fly tipping and environmental contamination.

Back on their bikes again the group headed east to Neatishead before a short northerly leg followed by a longer westerly run from Worstead to Aylsham. This westerly leg involved battling against an increasingly strong cross wind.

After Aylsham it became plain sailing as the route was mainly in a northerly direction and therefore benefitted enormously from the southerly tail wind. Just after Itteringham Neil turned off to head home to Corpusty.

The remaining trio continued onwards making good pace until just 5 miles from PC when Mark announced he had a puncture (could this put him top of the 2026 leader board? (ED. No, Ian is still leading)). After a brief discussion Chris and Mark decided to abandon Mark to his roadside repair and continue on with a somewhat spirited ride back to PC. Doug left the ride at the top of Red Barn Lane to head to Cromer leaving only one rider to head back to PC.

PC to PC was 59 miles at an average 15.6 mph (15.5 Out, 15.7 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Neil M, Doug H

P.S. Mark met Geoff P and dog on Woodland Rise, he was in good spirits though he now needs a couple of new hips, if you have any in the shed. He says Hi to fellow Wheelers.
Also, passing through Itteringham, we saw a mini with a very rare two character number plate, a quick online search found a similar one for sale via a broker, yours for just £688,212.50

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 8th April – Star Inn, Lessingham
Saturday 11th April – Café Verde, Mattishall
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 Mark M

A small turnout this week, with Chris and Mark meeting at PC. Andrew was expected and despite waiting until 10:02, we left without him. He later emailed to say he had a puncture and was unable to make it, car or bike wasn’t specified. As he was due to write the ride report he might find himself added the Puncture Challenge regardless.
Doug was on holiday and joined us near Sustead, with the trio making it to Meeting Hill, where we stopped to admire the view and Chris carried on to complete the ride non-stop as he had an important meeting in the afternoon.

Arriving on the old Coltishall airbase, the Jaguar jet at the end of the building, a point of reference for JavaBean, was missing. No it hadn’t been pressed into service again, instead had been mothballed in a hanger for winter and is due back soon.
Andy S was waiting for us at the café, having cycled a shorter route to test out his recently broken leg. He joined us riding back to Itteringham and completed about 33 miles, good going for his maiden road ride. Let’s hope he feels ok tomorrow.
Doug and Mark continued up to Matlaske, stopping at the airfield memorial and then heading directly back via North Barningham, instead of going via Plumstead and Baconsthorpe, purely for Doug’s benefit obviously.

PC to PC was 52 miles at an average 15.0 mph (15.9 Out, 13.9 Back) – Full route was 56 miles
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Doug H, Andy S

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 4th April – Piece of Cake, Coltishall
Wednesday 8th April – Star Inn, Lessingham
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 M

Three Wheelers departed PC on a dry, late March morning. The chilly wind meant that it still wasn’t feeling particularly spring-like, but it was at least dry and there were some glimpses of sun.
Ian, Doug and Neil were sat on the bench waiting at Gresham church. There was a certain air of Last of the Summer Wine about the seated trio, but there was no tin bathtub nearby that could be pressed into service as an impromptu toboggan down any nearby hills. On balance, bicycles are probably safer.

The full peloton including Compo, Clegg and Foggy set off to Bessingham, Matlaske and then down into Itteringham and up the hill to Oulton. Crossing the Holt Road the usual route through Cawston was avoided by a diversion down Southgate lane and on to Reepham via Salle.
From Reepham the route continued on to Whitwell and up Nowhere lane to cross the Fakenham road at Sparham. The roads were quite dry, so the usual mud and gravel mess at the bottom of Limekiln Road before Sparham Hole was a lot better than usual and it was a nice ride along to Bylaugh with the Wensum valley to our left.

We crossed the Dereham road and carried on past Robertson Barracks. This is in the process of being closed down by the Army (current regiments to leave in 2027) and there were signs announcing various new housing developments around the site. From the barracks it was a swift ride to Hoe and then to our lunch destination, Gressenhall Workhouse Museum.

Due to it being rather chilly, Neil went straight in to the cafe to order lunch. This was a very cunning manoeuvre as it turned out as it was half term and several families with children appeared and piled in before the other Wheelers. This resulted in a considerable delay while the chips ran out and were re-filled. Neil happily tucked into his quiche, chips and beans while everyone else languished at the back of the queue. Snooze and you lose!

The (eventual) lunchtime conversation was as broad as is usual. Ian recounted his first time adventures with private podiatry where simple treatment of a painful callus turned into a spa experience where his nails were buffed and his feet anointed with oils. You wouldn’t get that on the NHS! Doug’s not-quite-a-puncture was also discussed and it was agreed that a pressure loss (detected by Doug’s advanced on-board diagnostics) that then sealed itself without delaying the group or coating Doug in sealant goop didn’t count. Dodged that one then…

Chris left us early to get some TT training in and the remaining 5 set off into the chilly wind for home. The first leg North through Gressenhall, East Bilney and Brisley was still windy, but this became easier as we turned East to Broom Green and Bintree Mill. The daffodils were out at the Mill and we stopped on the bridge for the usual photo opportunity.

From the Mill we climbed the hill to Bintree, crossed the Fakenham road to Foulsham and then headed to Thurning. Ian had already dropped off the main group to take it easier and spare his knee for the final few miles. We crossed the Blackwater at chicken corner (they are actually a pack of semi-feral Cockerels) and turned down Heath Road to pick up Town Close lane to Corpusty where Neil left for home.

The remaining Wheelers carried on through Saxthorpe up the Matlaske Road to Plumstead and Baconsthorpe to Rectory Road. Doug carried on to Gresham and home to Cromer while the remaining two Wheelers turned down Red Barn lane to PC and home.

PC to PC was 56.6 miles at an average 14.7 mph (14.7 Out, 14.7 Back)
Riders: Mark M, Chris S, Andrew B, Neil Mc, Ian A, Doug H.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 1st April – Java Bean, Badersfield
Saturday 4th April – Piece of Cake, Coltishall
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 Mark M

With a very strong westerly wind and showers forecast for the afternoon, Mark, Chris and Andrew met at PC, all wrapped up in winter attire despite the sun shining.
Our route would take us south west in a series of west, then south legs and we certainly knew when we were heading west into the wind. We made our way to Selbrigg, Holt, down to Hunworth across to Stody and then a good long leg south, via Melton Constable to Hindolveston.
Another hard push west to the B1110 Holt Road, down to Wood Norton and across to Stibbard and our most westerly point at Great Ryburgh. Here we turned south again and uphill to Gateley and across to Brisley, where a mighty gust almost stopped us in our tracks, then a short run to the warmth and comfort of the Old Dairy.

Toasties and soup were the choices of the day along with tea and coffees. Chris finished his soup and was soon on his way home as he was heading down to Oxfordshire later in the day. That meant Andrew and Mark had plenty of time for another coffee and a tasty cake before heading back.
As soon as we retraced our route back to Brisley we could tell that the wind was going to be helping us home, which was great. On to Bintree Mill, Foulsham, Guestwick, Craymere Beck and Briston.

By now the sky was very black a few drops of rain arrived but stayed mainly dry through Edgefield until we approached Baconsthorpe, where we encountered a horizontal hail storm, which was both icy cold and painful. Fortunately that didn’t last too long and as we approached PC the sun came out again.

PC to PC was 50 miles at an average 15 mph (14.7 Out, 15.2 Back)
Riders: Andrew B, Chris S, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 28th March – Mardlers’, Gressenhall
Wednesday 1st April – Java Bean, Badersfield
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 Doug H

On an stunning clear and sunny day, with just a bit of a chill in the air, three wheelers met at PC. Mark, Chris and Doug headed south past Barningham, through Matlaske, south of Aldborough, Suffield, Antingham, Lower Street, Bradfield, picking up John S at Trunch, then on to Knapton, Edingthorpe Green, Ridlington, and towards the coast to Bacton and the lunch stop at Watsons Café, where Graham had ridden more directly from Cromer.

Soup, sandwiches and the classic Watsons all-day breakfast were ordered, along with copious amounts of tea and coffee. The food was excellent as ever, and there was a lovely catch-up with John and Graham.

With lunch completed, Chris headed off early to greet friends. The rest were then ready to go, with Graham heading off on a more direct route back to Cromer, with the remaining three headed inland towards Honing and Dilham. With John heading home, the final two carried on to Westwick, Felmingham, Banningham, Colby, Calthorpe and through Aldborough. At Sustead, Doug turned back to Cromer, with Mark making his way back to PC.

A slightly cold but beautifully sunny day, which reminded us all why we get on a bike!

PC to PC was 53.7 miles at an average 15.1 mph (15.6 Out, 14.8 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Doug H, John S, Graham A
As Mark reached PC car park he met Graham J out for a ride, so stopped to have a chat. Graham is well and enjoying the better cycling weather, he sends his best wishes to fellow Wheelers.

Reminder that Club Kit Shop is only open to March 26th.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 25th March – Old Dairy, Stanfield
Saturday 28th March – 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 Mark M

With most of the regulars unable to make it for the warmest day of the year, Mark and Chris decided to change the route from Nelson’s at Wells to a previously planned but unridden hilly route that would take us to Great Walsingham Barn for lunch: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2065226
Why?, well Chris wants his TT training and Mark is a glutton for punishment, so the ideal pairing to tackle climbing 842 meters of North Norfolk’s finest hills.
The first hour had the four hardest climbs, so everything after that seemed relatively easy.
Setting off from PC, it was sunny but still cool with a south easterly wind, as we headed back the way we had just come from to Upper Sheringham and the first climb back up to the A148, then West Beckham and Bodham. After a speedy descent to Weybourne, our second climb took us up Holgate Hill past Holt Garden Centre, then down to Kelling and the climb (#3) up Wood Lane to Salthouse Heath.
Turning down to Salthouse, we stopped for a breather and to enjoy the view down to the marsh and a calm sea. Heading down to the coast road so we didn’t miss any of Bard Hill (climb #4 & a Wheelers Hill Climb route), that is a long, hard climb which does eventually end and flatten off.
Then it was an easy run to Cley, Glandford, up to Wiveton Downs, Langham, Binham, up past the end of the airfield towards Stiffkey. At the bottom of the hill it was a sharp left and onto the steep climb of Wighton Road, then Warham, Copys Green and Great Walsingham for Obrennans café.
It’s a long while since we have been to Obennans and it was fairly quiet, though we were quickly served with a pot of tea and our lunch orders taken. There was a wide selection of pies, quiches and sausage roll to choose from, which came with three salads. My breakfast quiche and salad was generous and filling, no cakes for either of us.
Our next leg was into the wind via Hindringham, Bale, Gunthorpe, Thornage, Hunworth and up the hill to Edgefield. After recovering at the top, we headed for Corpusty, calling in to see Andy S on the way, of course no-one was home. A little further down the road a car pulled in to let us past and as we got closer, the occupants seemed to be having some kind of fit and I realised that it was Andy and his wife Jane trying to get our attention. Stopping to have a chat, Andy was on his way home from a physio session and was walking without a crutch, has been having gentle turbo trainer sessions each day and thought he might be able to join us next Wednesday for a bit, so that is all good.
Heading north with the wind behind us, past Mannington Hall and up to Matlaske on the airfield road, passing through Matlaske we passed Duncan S heading the other way, making the most of the afternoon sun and getting a few miles in. For us it was the direct route back to PC and home.

PC to PC was 53.8 miles at an average 14.6 mph (14.9 Out, 14.5 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M (Seen out – Andy S, Duncan S)

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 21st March – Watsons, Bacton
Wednesday 25th March – Old Dairy, Stanfield
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 Mark M
Mark and Chris met at PC with dry roads and sunshine making it very spring like. Unfortunately there was also a cold north westerly which was stronger than than forecast, which kept temperatures down all day.
As we were heading south east to Waxham, we already knew it would be a headwind all the way back, so we might as well make the most of the tailwind going there.
We arrived at Gresham church to find Doug relaxed on the bench, enjoying the sun, then it was down to Bessingham, Hanworth, Suffield, across the A149 and the railway line, then Lyngate and North Walsham.
At White Horse Common we turned for the canal and up to the crossroads at Crostwight Common, then turned onto Honing’s Golden Mile, hoping that the daffodils would be in bloom. They were, both verges filled with daffs at peak bloom, a wonderful sight, in fact there were more at the Crostwight Common end, so when we stopped at the Honing end to take a photo and Mark suggested we go back for a better photo, his ride companions let him know that was not possible.

So we continued on our way, past John S’s house (hello John) to Brumstead, Ingham, Sea Palling and the final sprint down to Waxham, which Chris won (just).
Malcolm S arrived as we ordered lunch, first we have seen of him this year. The food was quickly served and as good as ever and the cake portions generous. Chris finished his soup and was keen to get back out into the headwind for his training run home, so we let him go, while we continued to enjoy the warm comfort of the café.
When we eventually left, Malcolm set off with the wind behind him for St Olaves, while Doug and Mark went to Sea Palling, along the dunes road to Lessingham, Ridlington, Bacton Wood, Knapton and Trunch.
By now it was becoming hard work and as we passed the busy Suffield Arms at Gunton station, it was tempting to stop for a pint and then take the train home. But no, we pushed on into the wind for Thorpe Market and Hanworth with Doug turning for Cromer, while Mark continued to Sustead, Gresham and home.
First ride for months that didn’t require a bike wash.

PC to PC was 53.3 miles at an average 14.9 mph (16.8 Out, 13.3 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Doug H, Malcolm S lunch

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 18th March – Nelsons, Wells
Saturday 21st March – Watsons, Bacton
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 Andrew B

Four riders met at PC on a windy (but dry) early spring morning for a ride to the pub at Swanton Morley.

The planned route took us through East Beckham, Gresham, Bessingham, Barningham, Matlaske, Little Barningham, Mannington, Saxthorpe, Corpusty, Crabgate, Reepham, Blackwater, Sparham and Bylaugh. There were no significant incidents on route (or punctures) and the sun even managed to come out part of the time!

On arrival at the pub we were shown to a good table and quickly served with hot drinks. The food was good and portions generous, with choices ranging from wraps with Salad (and chips of course!) to soup and bread. Topics for discussion varied from the state of house/holiday home renovations, being brought up in Norfolk and the age of the pub (late Victorian apparently).

After lunch Chris left us to make his own way back as part of his training for the upcoming time trial series. The remainder took the planned route back took us through Elsing, Mill Street, Bawdeswell, Foxley, Themelthorpe, Guestwick, Nethergate, Craymere Beck, Briston, Edgefield and Baconsthorpe (where Duncan left us to make is own way home). Again, this passed without incident, with some great views of the Wensum valley. There was a threat of rain at one point with some ominous black clouds but we managed to stay dry.

No ride photo today, but since we were close to the cafe at Themelthorpe I think its legitimate to use the one below from last Saturday. Somehow a toy reindeer appeared on the handlebars of Chris’s bike over lunch. Can’t think how that happened! It didn’t seem to slow him down much.

PC to PC 52 miles
Average speed 14.5 mph (14.7 Out, 14.2 Back)
Total Elevation 2035 ft

Mark M, Chris S, Duncan S and Andrew B.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 14th March – Waxham barn
Wednesday 18th March – Nelson’s, Wells
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

Following the recent taster of sun and warm spring like weather, winter appeared to have returned gain. Grey skies and a low temperature of around 6 degrees greeted the Wheelers on Saturday morning. On the bright side no rain was forecast and there was only a light north-easterly wind.

Mark, Chris, Andrew and Doug set off from PC after first discussing Doug’s heated shoes which were keenly spotted by Mark. Doug also had fitted a new pair of very nice Portland Design black aluminium mudguards which complimented his titanium frame.

As it was cold, brisk progress was made, collecting Ian shortly after East Beckham. After congratulating Ian on his birthday, the peloton continued on to Baconsthorpe and The Old White Horse at Edgefield arriving just before Neil who then joined the ride.

Now six in number the Wheelers pressed onwards through Briston, Stody, Gunthorpe, and Thursford. Although Ian had suggested stopping at Thursford church for birthday cakes (obviously nothing to do with it being cheap!) as it was their cake morning he was out voted and the group pressed on to Themelthorpe via Fulmodeston and Foulsham.

On arrival at Junction 21 Ian discovered that he had a puncture in his rear wheel. Despite it being his birthday and in true Wheelers’ fashion the group left him to repair his puncture whilst retiring to watch from the warmth of the café. A selection of hot drinks, sandwiches and soup was soon ordered and by the time the food had arrived Ian had fixed his puncture. Bearing no hard feelings Ian then generously bought cakes for everyone to celebrate his birthday. Thank you Ian.

After lunch the riders set off again only to find that Ian’s tyre went flat again after four miles. Having repaired the puncture again the peloton continued another three miles to Reepham where guess what – Ian’s tyre delated once more! Having now run out of spare inner tubes and loss of confidence in the tyre Ian decided that the only option was to call his emergency rescue and recovery service, i.e. home.

Leaving Ian and his bike to be recovered from the Station Café, the rest of the group continued back to PC via Wood Dalling. Neil dropped off at Corpusty and Doug turned off towards Greham/Cromer just after North Banningham.

Andrew made a final spirited sprint up the final hill to PC only to find that he was only racing himself!

Ed’s Note – Ian has shot up the Puncture Challenge Leaderboard with an impressive total of five. You might think that three in one day was a record, but Graham A managed that in 2024, plus he punctured both tyres, which out trumps a single tyre. If only Ian had carried another spare tube, it could have been four!

PC to PC was 49 miles at an average 14.5 mph (15.3 Out, 13.8 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Doug H, Andrew B, Neil M and Ian A

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 11th March – Derby’s, Swanton Morley
Saturday 14th March – Waxham Barn
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 Duncan S

Four riders (Mark M, Chris S, Andrew B and Duncan S) met at Pretty Corner on a fine sunny morning, albeit fairly fresh. Ian A and Graham A were to meet us at the Artisan Cafe, Alby. The four set off into a light south easterly wind towards East Beckham and then to Lower Gresham before heading to Felbrigg Estate. Crossing the Estate, Felbrigg Hall looked splendid in the mid morning sunshine. From there the peloton headed for the southern outskirts of Cromer, climbing a winding way through the housing estate before turning south on Northrepps road. At Northrepps, we turned East on Hungry Hill (still plenty of miles to go before lunch!) and then south towards Antingham. Shortly after crossing the A149, soon after some hedge cutting debris, we came across Ian A and Graham A sorting out a puncture in one of Ian’s tyres (Pirelli Cinturato Gravel). Just in time, Mark whipped out his pump and had Ian pumped up in no time.

Having lost some time with the puncture, Graham chose to take a short cut to the lunch stop. The original peloton pressed on to Erpingham and then looped round to approach the cafe via a gravel track and a narrow grass/mud path. Ian had elected to follow the same route, but at a slower pace. Arriving at the Artisan Cafe, we found Graham already seated and having ordered. Ian arrived a little while later having missed the grass track and taken the scenic route. Various choices of sandwiches, eggs, soup, scones and cakes were ordered and a good natter was had over good food teas and coffees.

Lunch consumed, Chris set off alone at a faster pace to keep up the time trail training and Graham left to get to his Spanish course in Aldborough: it was good to see Graham out again. Soon after, the remaining four left the cafe to find the lovely sunshine from the morning was hidden by low cloud and mist, with the temperature a couple degrees lower. Briefly retracing our steps (tyre tracks?), we headed for Ingworth. Ian elected to ride at a slower pace (something about golf the next day), so he soon dropped off. After Ingworth, the remaining 3 riders skirted the Blickling Estate on Blickling Road before turning off toward Silvergate and then to Oulton. Then we headed north for Itteringham before passing the Wolterton Estate and heading to Lower Street and then via Barningham to West Beckham and finally back to PC. On the climb to the pylon, Andrew spotted a lone cyclist ahead and decided to try to catch him, leaving Duncan and Mark in his wake. He succeeded (just!), much to the surprise of the cyclist who didn’t realise he was in a race!

As we approached PC, the low cloud seemed to lift a bit to replaced by hazy sunshine. A good ride, with no rain for once and mostly dry roads. No need for a full bike clean for once!

PC to PC was 45.3 miles at an average 14.7 mph (14.8 Out & 14.5 Back)
Riders: Mark M, Chris S, Andrew B and Duncan S with Graham A and Ian A at lunch.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 7th March – Junction 21, Themelthorpe (Ian’s buying the cakes!)
Wednesday 11th March – Derby’s, Swanton Morley
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/