Club Runs

Ride report by Ian A

Four Wednesday regulars Andrew, Andy, Chris and Mark were joined by guest rider Darren at PC on a pleasantly warm day which was forecast to remain dry. Darren has a holiday home in Weybourne and was staying there with his young family. So for a change, he brought the average age of the group down!

The route was pretty much in an Easterly direction overall, and with the day’s Easterly breeze it was going to be a headwind pretty much all of the time on the outward leg. The route went via Gresham, Metton, across the A149 and down to Northrepps, then onto Southrepps, past the impressive church and waving to the goats, before continuing to Trunch, Knapton, Paston, past Bacton Gas Terminals and then the prettier lanes through Witton, Ridlington and north to Ostend, arriving at the Lighthouse Inn around 1145.

Ian had done his normal ‘Wednesday thing’ and rode the route solo at a slightly more moderate pace, arriving only seconds before. Chris didn’t stop but continued on for home as he had family staying and apparently needed to spend some time with them.

Food service didn’t start until midday, so we ordered teas/coffees and a pint for you know who while we waited for the kitchen to open. Conversation covered the normal broad range including best practice for euthanizing horses and other livestock, Andy’s mixed success last weekend at Newmarket races (and his random wasp sting today), Darren’s and Ian’s coincidental ‘roots’ in the North London/Enfield area, local “hilly” cycling options and Andrew’s lost door key…

Food options were a bit limited on the menu but we all opted for filled wraps in the end and they were all substantial and tasty so all was good. We declared there to be time for another quick round of drinks for four of us which Andrew kindly stumped up for. We left in good spirits anticipating the tailwind home. (But why is it never as good as you hope for? I found the homeward leg harder despite the tailwind although admittedly at a much quicker average speed.)

The return leg took us along the edge of Bacton Wood, White Horse Common, skirting the eastern edge of North Walsham and on to Bradfield, past the Suffield Arms at Gunton, crossing the A149 again at Thorpe Market and on to Hanworth, Bessingham and towards Baconsthorpe before the drag up to the radio mast at Bodham Hill. Andrew once again felt the urge to ‘go for it’ and got to the top pretty much uncontested with Mark and Ian fairly close behind and muttering “could of ‘ad ‘im if I’d wanted to” but we all know dear reader, that actions speak much louder than blah blah blah.
At the bottom of New Road, Andrew and Mark turned right for PC, while Ian and Darren went to Lower Bodham where Darren turned right for Bodham and then the descent to Weybourne leaving Ian to continue on for High Kelling. A nice route with dry roads, albeit sandy in places and no rain.

PC to PC was 47.9 miles at an average 15.7 mph (15.7 Out, 15.7 Back)
Riders: Andy S, Chris S, Andrew B, Mark M, Ian A, guest Darren W

P.S. Vuelta d Espana daily highlights on Channel 5 at 7pm

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 29th August – Waxham barn
Wednesday 2nd Sept – TBA
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 a somewhat windy, slightly cold but dry Saturday morning, Mark, Chris and Doug were joined by newbie Les, who had recently moved to Sheringham. We set off from PC and headed towards Bodham with a very strong sidewind, but with the high-sided roads we were relatively well protected.
We picked up both Neil and Ian heading into Holt and continued on to Glandford, Saxlingham, and through Binham, where we collected the final Wheeler of the day, Andrew. We continued on to Wighton, New Holkham, Burnham Market and then on to our lunch break at Creake Abbey Courtyard.
It was quite busy and, with the weather improving, we sat outside. We decided to open the umbrella more as a social enhancement than to protect us from the sun. After what seemed like a long old time, and several suggestions on how to do it, we finally worked out the mechanism, with the intervention of the staff, who could clearly see a bunch of men becoming increasingly likely to use too much force and break their furniture.

Once we had all settled down, the usual conversations ebbed and flowed, mainly focusing on Andrew’s food being very late and the fact that this appeared to be a common occurrence. We then shared a very nice cake which, as a sign of the times, was “a bit pricey”. And with that, Chris was off to ensure he would get back in time to finish off a project or two.

With lunch finished, we were off again, heading back towards Great Walsingham, with a bit more sunshine and still the strong crosswind. Through Hindringham, Bale, Sharrington and Hunworth, we then arrived at the Hunworth Hill climb.
It is true to say that a small conversation had taken place suggesting that, as this had been quite the day of climbing, the legs of all of us — and for Les, even more so — were probably not in the right place for the normal race. This, however, may have been said and acknowledged, but, as had happened at lunch with the umbrella, our intentions aren’t always sensible.
So, with a burst of energy, Andrew was off, followed by Ian and Neil. Andrew held them off and won the climb, with the rest of us slowly joining them at the top.

With that, Neil headed home and the peloton headed back towards Baconsthorpe. Soon after, Ian and Andrew headed back towards Holt and, as ever, there was more adventure. Assisting a fellow cyclist with a back wheel and helping a family with their own misadventure. Well done to both of you, and thank goodness Andrew didn’t fall off!

The final three headed back, with Doug heading off to Gresham’s and on to Cromer, while Mark supported Les and his increasingly empty legs back to PC.
We are hopeful Les will be back on Wednesdays!
It was a great day, but probably the hilliest of rides to start your adventure with the Wheelers. Wednesday will be easier Les!

PC to PC was 57.8 miles at an average 14.6 mph (15.3 Out, 13.8 Back)
Riders: Doug H, Chris S, Mark M, Ian A, Neil M, Andrew B, guest Les B

P.S. Vuelta d Espana daily highlights on Channel 5 at 7pm

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 26th August – The Lighthouse, Walcott
Saturday 29th August – 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 Andy S

Back to our normal start time of 10.00am three members met at P.C. (Mark, Chris and Andy) with a new guest (Stuart D) turning up to give us a try. The weather was a warm 20C with no reports of rain and only a few clouds about.

The group of four set off and within half a mile we received a shower of rain ( a rare thing of late) but it went as quick as it came. The rest of the day stayed warm and dry.

We headed off through West Beckham, Baconsthorpe, Holt, Hunworth and Melton Constable all into a slight westerly wind but with Mark at the front we made good progress. Up to Hindolveston and out the other side to the crossroads with the B1110 (Guist Rd) where we met Jim H and his friend just returning from a 40 mile loop. A quick catch up was had and then back on the road again up to Fulmodeston . Turning left to Stibbard, Great Ryburgh and through some lovely lanes coming out at Brisley. Then a right turn and a quick sprint down the main road to Stanfield Dairy for our lunch stop. Ian had just arrived after doing his own Wednesday thing checking the route out before the main group pass through.

As usual our lunch was an excellent selection of sandwiches, salad , crisps and plenty of tea and coffee. The chatter was a mixture of things from getting to know Stuart, Chris and his time trialling and Ian going all hip and happening by getting Spotify and a Bluetooth speaker.

With the food and drink finished Chris was getting a bit twitchy so he decided he needed to get off to do his TT training. The remaining four set off back to Brisley then cross country to Broom Green along the Guist Rd turning right onto Mill Rd. There was the compulsory stop at Bintree Mill, sitting on the bridge for our photos.

Then off again through Bintree, Foulsham and Briston. At this point Ian dropped back leaving three of us to go up the long drag to the Edgefield crossroads. Mark made good progress up the hill and being in good form today just got faster and faster leaving us behind.

Andy S turned off to Corpusty leaving the remaining group to make their way back to P.C. via Edgefield, Baconsthorpe and East Beckham.

Ian completed more pages of his Eye Spy Nature book with his wildlife encounters today including a spooked herd of red deer, a buzzard at head height flying down the road soon afterwards and a weasel crossing the road near Briston!

PC to PC was 50 miles at an average 15.7 mph (15.9 Out, 15.4 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andy S, Ian A, guest Stuart D and Jim H and friend out on the road.

P.S. Women’s Tour of Britain started today, highlights tonight on ITV4 with Ned Boulting at 8pm.
2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women (19-23 August) and Men (2-6 September) via free-to-air coverage on ITV4 and ITVX.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 22nd August – North Creake Abbey
Wednesday 26th August – 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 Clive A

After the very hot weather of the Wednesday ride, it was a pleasant change to get back to more normalised summer temperatures for the 65 mile route to Little Plumstead. It was then under clouded skies and a cool breeze that four riders started from PC, namely Mark, Doug, Chris and Ian. They collected Clive at Baconsthorpe Church crossroads before plunging south via Plumstead and Itteringham to wiggle through Aylsham. It was here that Clive mused that Little Plumstead was at least 25 miles away!

There had been a few minor examples of extinguished blackened grass and bracken fires en route, with a reminder that a heath fire had also been extinguished near Holt Garden centre on Kelling Heath.

The Bure river level looked “normal” as Oxnead came and went as did Buxton. Curiously named Stratton Strawless (due to its poor quality soil characteristics perhaps) took the five to Spixworth at the northern edge of Norwich. In and around new and old Rackheath finds us at last after 31 miles, creeping into Little Plumstead and our early lunch stop at the The Walled Garden cafe. We were greeted by the smell of cut lavender as a garden tidy-up was underway.

We grabbed a table for six outside then queued to place our orders. The food came quite quickly if not somewhat sporadically, and was the usual mixture of sausage rolls, beans on toast and a selection of cakes.

Just as we decide to leave, Malcolm arrives unaware of the 0900 start of today’s ride. We leave him to start our 34 miles back to PC. Chris has of course, already ridden off to go home solo as per usual to do something important.

Invitingly, we head towards Woodbastwick, but there was no slowing at the Woodforde’s Fur and Feathers pub for a swift half of Wherry today. We head back towards Spixworth before passing through Frettenham, Badersfield, Skeyton, then sliding round Felmingham and Banningham in the early afternoon sunshine. North of Calthorpe, Doug splits for a run back to Cromer. So the remaining trio head towards Baconsthorpe where Clive splits for Holt and Blakeney as Mark and Ian climb back to PC.

The only incident of the day featured a very stupid car driver passing us on a very narrow lane at some speed. However Doug had his GoPro primed today and was intending to upload it somewhere. The thoughtless driver saved a few seconds; it could have cost us a lot more!

So a great day out enjoying the N Norfolk countryside hoping that the weather will turn soon to refresh the countryside and our garden lawns.

PC to PC was 64.6 miles at an average 15.0 mph (15.8 Out, 14.4 Back)
Riders: Doug H, Chris S, Mark M, Ian A, Clive A, Malcolm S at lunch

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 19th August – Old Dairy, Stanfield
Saturday 22nd August – North Creake Abbey
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

As the UK entered its fifth heatwave of the summer Chris, Mark and Duncan met at PC. It was good to see Duncan again who had not been out on a club ride for a while due to family commitments. Temperatures were forecast to rise to around 27 degrees C by midday with a moderate south easterly wind. Also the day was notable for the partial eclipse of the sun due around 7pm. The next eclipse will not be until 2081 – a sobering thought as none of us current club members will be around to see it!

The three wheelers passed through Bodham and on to High Kelling with the pace then picking up down the hill to Wiveton where the group was then joined by Clive. The route then continued to the ford at Glandford before climbing again up to Saxlingham and Binham.

After 20 miles the peloton arrived at O’Brennan’s. Ian had already arrived and bagged one of the few outside tables. Although the service was slow the food was excellent especially the cakes! Chris broke his no cake rule and indulged himself with a slice of the chocolate cake. As usual the conversation took in a number of subjects ranging from the medieval village remains of Godwick to the miracles of modern keyhole surgery.

After lunch the five wheelers remounted their steeds. Although Ian had decided to ride at his own pace he continued to pass and repass the peloton each time it slowed or stopped and was last seen at Hempstead after which he stopped to admire the fish in Selbrigg pond where in his words he also “spotted a peregrine and a charming girl with her diary”.

The return route took the riders via the three Barshams – North, West and East (sadly there is no South Barsham). After East Barsham the ride continued into the wind to Great Snoring, Hindringham and Sharrington where Clive turned off to return to Blakeney. This left Chris, Mark and Duncan (and Ian) to continue up the Hunworth Road hill – always good to stretch the legs and a relief when the top is reached. Duncan made an early break and reached the top of the hill first closely followed by Chris.

At Hempstead Duncan turned off towards Holt leaving Chris and Mark to continue back to PC via Selbrigg Pond and Lower Bodham.

Total Distance: 46.7 miles
Average Speed: 15.2mph (16.1 Out, 14.5 Back)

Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Duncan S, Clive A & Ian A

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 15th August – Walled Garden, Little Plumstead
Wednesday 19th August – 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

Despite a 9am start, it was already hot when Andrew, Chris and Mark met at PC. The southerly wind helped to cool us when we were moving, but seemed to be a hinderance to progress for most of the day. We picked up Ian on the way to Baconsthorpe and then Neil in Corpusty to complete the peloton.
Then it was Guestwick, Foulsham and the obligatory photo stop at Bintree Mill. We didn’t know at the time, but Graham had parked his car at the end of Mill Road (we saw a car) and then cycled to the Cart Shed, arriving shortly before us.

Our route took us through Broom green, Gately, Horningtoft, Whissonsett, Tittleshall, across the A1065 at Weasenham and on to Great Massingham, where only one of the four ponds had water.
Since our last visit to the Cart Shed, they have expanded the outside area and added more shaded tables and the sandwich lunches we chose seemed more substantial as well, Graham had the quiche and salad and it was very generous. With the exception of Chris, who was soon on his way home, the rest of us were happy to have a leisurely lunch and a chat in the shade, drinking plenty of tea and water.
As we left, Graham returned to his car by much the same route that we had arrived on, passing the lost medieval village of Godwick, near Tittleshall.

The rest took a more north easterly route, past ex RAF West Raynham, Helhoughton, Shereford, Sculthorpe Mill, stopping to look at the low level of the Wensum, then on to West Barsham, where the Barsham Brewery Taproom was calling. With pints for some and Dan’s Ice Cream for others, we had another leisurely stop (Chris would have loved it), before setting off for the last (and hilliest) 20 miles.

At East Barsham the pub has reopened after being closed for a few years, though we didn’t stop, then it was uphill to Great Snoring, Thursford, Gunthorpe, Brinton, Stody and Hunworth Hill. In the absence of any determined competition, Ian reached the top first to claim bragging rights (poor Sue, first golf, now this).
Neil turned for home while the remaining trio took the usual route back to Bodham Hill, with Ian turning for home, leaving two for PC.
I don’t know if it was a combination of heat and wind, but we all said that the whole ride seemed like hard work, yet my power numbers showed it as a moderate day, not a hard day.
Also today was the Holkham 100, we used sections of the route, though only saw a few riders, probably as it was towards the end of their route and they had not reached it. Andy S was riding it today, apparently you get better company when you pay! See you Wednesday Andy ….

PC to PC was 69.7 miles at an average 14.9 mph (15.2 Out, 14.7 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Andrew B, Mark M, Ian A, Neil M, Graham A.

The Lost Village of Godwick: https://www.lostvillageofgodwick.co.uk/

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 12th August – O’Brennans, Gt Walsingham
Saturday 15th August – Walled Garden, Little Plumstead – 9am Start
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/

Four rider met at PC for a ride to the Pleasure Boat Inn, Hickling. The weather was fine but with the threat of showers.

The planned route took us through East Beckham, Bessingham. Alby Hill, Colby, Felmingham, Skeyton, Swanton Abbot, Scottow, Tunstead, Horning, Ludham, Potter Heigham and Hickling Heath.
The ride was uneventful until the crossing of the A149 just before Potter Heigham. Unfortunately Chris did not spot that we had stopped to cut left onto a footpath and ran into the back of the author causing both to fall.
Luckily, there was no major damage to bikes or people. Somehow my back mudguard folded in half locking the wheel. However, this was soon sorted by chief mechanic Mark and Andy.
As I am still recovering from a spill a few weeks ago I am relieved to report no significant loss of further skin. Chris did not fare so well with a gashed knee – see photo.

Having dusted ourselves off we proceeded the to the Pleasure Boat Inn. As it was still warm we sat in the garden and most were soon tucking into a good lunch of sandwiches, salad and crisps. Unfortunately my order was mislaid, but came quickly when chased up. This also allowed for a round of coffees and to allow us to shelter under the sun shade during a fairly heavy shower. Chris departed at this point to make a fast journey back and to avoid hitting me again!
The return route was via. Hickling Green, Stalham, East Ruston, Honing, Spa Common, North Walsham, Suffield, Hanworth, Sustead, Lower Gresham and East Beckham.

Overall a good ride in cooler weather, with an increasing cross headwind home.

PC to PC was 56.5 miles at an average 14.9 mph (15.5 Out, 14.2 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andy S and Andrew B

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 8th August – Cart Shed, Great Massingham
Wednesday 12th August – O’Brennans, Great Walsingham
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

A perfect day for a bike ride greeted Chris, Doug and Mark at PC. Sunshine, not too hot and a light westerly to provide a crosswind more or less all day for the southerly ride to Honingham. The more observant amongst you will have noted that this was the second ‘Goat’ inspired ride this week. The trio collected Ian and Neil at the top of Red Barn Lane and continued via Plumstead then Corpusty to pick up Andy and complete the half-dozen out today.
The route skirted Heydon and went on to Reepham where Doug turned back as he had a wedding invite for later in the day. The five continued south to Whitwell where soon after, Neil left us in order to stop at Junction 21 and get back for yet another afternoon party – it’s all about the prosecco and bell-ringing as I understand things.
The remaining four passed through Lyng, over the A47, South Green (past Cafe Verde – another favourite), then a loop via Brandon Parva, Barnham Broom (past the golf & country club) arriving at the Goat Shed just south of Honingham in good time to beat any potential lunchtime rush.
Our last trip to this venue was in May 2023 and was the first time for some of us. It seems to be a thriving commercial operation with a well-stocked shop, cheese production, goat petting and the cafe. But surprisingly cheese was the one thing off the menu today! No matter. We seated ourselves outside under a large awning with good views of the aforementioned goats.

After some earnest enquiries about the size of the teapots, Mark hedged his bets and ordered a flat white fearing a tiny teapot, but when the others’ teas arrived the teapots had increased in size from the last visit. (Phew.) Hearty breakfast baps, plus poached eggs/beans on toast soon arrived and all was tasty. After demolishing his tea and bap, Chris left us to get some fast miles in as part of his TT training – beaten (albeit by just a few seconds) last week by a 76 year old prodigy, he really is letting the side down!
That left just Andy, Ian and Mark to set off together for the return leg which after just 7 miles brought us to Dann’s Farm Shop. Always rude not to stop and Andy kindly treated us to ice-creams.

Then it was on to Elsing (pretty over the streams), Bawdeswell, Guestwick, Briston and up to Edgefield. With no Andrew to goad Ian into a race (and vice-versa!) plus Ian’s cunning plan (more later) Andy led us up at a steady pace to the top. Andy then turned for Corpusty to get his hair dyed (nice to have the option!) and hot pants on for ‘Classic Ibiza’ at Blickling Estate later that evening. Not quite as “out there” as we thought as it’s actually Ibiza tunes but played by an orchestra. Nice compromise. That left Mark and Ian to continue on to Baconsthorpe, up to the mast at Bodham Hill (still no sign of a race) and down New Road where Ian turned left for High Kelling leaving Mark to ride back to PC and then back to Sheringham. An excellent ride with some very nice countryside (well it’s all nice actually) in the southern portion of the route – despite the appearance of electricity pylons.

PC to PC was 64.8 miles at an average of 15.3mph.
Riders: Andy S, Chris S, Doug H, Ian A, Mark M, Neil M.

ADDENDUM: Having missed out on last week’s 100 miler due to an early evening social commitment, Ian was determined to have a crack at it this week. So when he got to the A148 High Kelling junction having completed 67 miles, he showed great mental strength by turning left instead of right for home! Boosted by a coffee and cake at Folks Coffee in Holt, Ian then did a further 35 mile loop via Wiveton, Saxlingham, Field Dalling, Binham, Walsingham, Wighton, Warham, Cockthorpe, Langham, Wiveton, Bridgefoot Lane, Kelling Heath and back to High Kelling – 102 miles at 15.4mph average. And thanks to Mark by knocking the earlier pace off a notch to give Ian a fighting chance.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 5th August – Pleasure Boat Inn, Hickling
Saturday 8th August – Cart Shed, Gt Massingham – 9am Start
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

As the record-breaking heatwave continued in the UK and out of control wild fires raging across Europe Chris, Mark, Andrew and Andy set off from PC. It was good to see that Andrew had escaped with only minor cuts and bruises after his fall on the last ride. It was already very hot at 10am with the temperature forecast to reach 29 degrees C and light winds.

The route took the riders south through Gresham, Sutton, Metton across the A140 and onto Thorpe Market. From there the peloton continued south at a reasonable pace despite the heat through Colby, Tuttington, past Oxnead Hall and Buxton Llamas. Shortly after passing Buxton Mill the route turned back north up to Skeyton arriving at Skeyton Goat approximately 10 minutes before opening time.

Lunch was enjoyed sitting outside under a pergola covered with grape vines which were laden with bunches of grapes. Obviously, the hot weather has some benefits. Topics of conversation ranging from the recent Tour de France, the heatwave and Andrew’s outdated computer operating system whilst munching through a light lunch of sandwiches and wraps with chips.

Despite the heat the peloton then remounted their bikes heading up through Aylsham and then onto Ingworth and Itteringham. Halfway up the hill climb after Itteringham Andy left the group to head home to Corpusty. At the top of the hill Mark and Andrew wilting in the heat decided to take a shorter direct route back to PC cutting out about 5 miles. Chris, determined not to be broken by the heat, continued to complete the whole route to PC via Plumstead, Hempstead and Bodham.

PC to PC was 49 miles at an average 15.4 mph (Chris only) – Shorter route was 43.6 miles at 15.3 avg
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andy S and Andrew B

P.S. We commented on the absence of local field fires and then this broke out at Burgh about 90mins after we passed through.
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/26420732.fire-closes-roads-aylsham-burgh-north-norfolk/

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 1st August – Goat Shed, Honingham – 9am Start
Wednesday 5th August – Pleasure Boat Inn, Hickling –
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

Chris, Neil, Mark, Andy and Doug set off from PC on the annual 100-mile ride (only if you have the legs) on a warm and lovely day, heading directly into a headwind. From PC, we went through Bodham, picking Ian up at High Kelling, before heading on to Wiveton to pick up Andrew.
With the peloton mildly organised to share the effort, we were off through Langham, Binham and Wighton, where Neil left us to attend a garden party in the afternoon. We continued on into what was now a very strong headwind, heading towards New Holkham, through Burnham Market, Docking and then south to Fring. Finally, we turned left and enjoyed a tailwind up to Bircham Windmill for an early lunch and a good rest.

With lunch ordered, we consumed a mixture of breakfast and lunch fare. Andrew’s meal took some time to arrive, which turned out to be fortunate, as Graham, who had intended to join us, arrived just as Andrew’s meal did — by which time the rest of us had finished eating.
With the chit-chat completed, we experienced the first incident of the day, with the makeshift pole collapsing and causing the sun canopy to fall on top of us. But there was no need to panic. We instructed some young people on how to resurrect the pole and took complete responsibility for making good the situation.

With lunch completed, we headed off again, this time with a lovely tailwind, through Great Bircham, Syderstone, South Creake, Waterden, North Barsham, Houghton St Giles, Great Snoring, Thursford, Gunthorpe, Brinton to Hunworth.
Then the race was on — but only for those who had decided that their legs weren’t going to carry them the whole 100 miles. The Hunworth Hill climb was won by Andrew, by half a wheel from Ian, but it was a tight one. So, at the top of the hill, mile 60 in the ride, Andrew, Andy and Ian headed home, while Mark, Chris and Doug decided they had enough left in their legs to carry on.

Later, it would be reported that Andrew had had a tumble on the road towards Selbrigg Pond and ended up in the Cromer Minor Injuries Unit. Scratches and bruises were reported, and we wish him well for Wednesday’s ride.

So, back to the last three members of the peloton, who had turned into a cross headwind towards Briston, then on to Hindolveston and Foulsham, before finally getting out of the headwind at Themelthorpe and heading to Junction 21 for a well-deserved final stop for tea, cake and a refill of water. It was a hot old day!

With the final stop completed, we? shared the effort again through Reepham, Cawston, Oulton Street, Itteringham and Ingworth, before heading through Erpingham, skirting around Aldborough, through Hanworth and on to Metton.
We then had a little celebration as Doug reached his 100 miles before heading back to Cromer, with Chris and Mark completing their 100 miles on the way back to PC.
A great day’s riding, and very well done to one and all. And Ian broke his bell! (That’s a bell end)

PC to PC was 100.9 miles at an average 15.5 mph (35miles to Bircham 15.1, 35miles to J21 15.5, 30miles to PC 15.8)
Riders: Andy S, Chris S, Doug H, Neil M, Mark M, Ian A, Andrew B, Graham A lunch

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 29th July – Skeyton Goat
Saturday 1st August – TBA
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/