Club Runs

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/

Ride report by Ian A

With the weather just about warm enough to shed gilets and arm warmers, Mark, Chris and Andy met at PC for the ride out to Reepham. (Though it was later noted that some had stowed gilets ‘just in case’.) The route went up Red Barn Lane to enjoy the descent to Gresham where they collected Doug and Clive at Gresham Church. Just a few minutes earlier Doug had seen Ian who stopped (very briefly!) to say ‘hello and see you at lunch’ as he was on his usual Zone 2 mission at a slightly slower pace.
The route went through Metton where a group of donkeys were seeking attention in a field by the roadside.

Then it was on to Hanworth, Calthorpe, Ingworth and Blickling and south to Cawston. The route then skirted Swannington before turning northwest to Whitwell to arrive at The Dial House around midday. Good timing as Ian had arrived just a couple of minutes earlier and couldn’t decide whether it was warm enough to sit outside. Thankfully the group were more decisive and we seated ourselves at a large round table outside.
The filled baps were good and the chocolate cake for a couple of the fat blokes looked really good. All was soon demolished and the coffee was up to their usual high standard. Andy retold the highlights of the ‘Society Wedding’ he attended in Kent last weekend; free booze all day with both a drinks marquee and a separate cocktail marquee. Sounds like it got a bit messy. Ian mentioned his golf at Royal Worlington and Newmarket Golf Club the previous day (some say the best 9 hole course in the world – Golf Magazine 2020).
Conversation then moved on to family war connections and how Mark’s granddad had inadvertently joined bomb disposal training by getting on the wrong truck. By this point Chris had left us for his normal solo fast run home – he had some brakes on his MX5 to paint before an upcoming trip to Italy in September. He seems to have far too many toys and spends an inordinate amount of time fettling with them rather than actually playing with them!

When it was time for the less time-pressured rest of us to leave, Doug was riding on to Norwich to meet his wife and drive her back after an eye appointment. As Ian wished him a safe ride, Ian slipped on his pedals and nearly fell off. Oh the irony.
The remaining 4 Wheelers continued on through Reepham, and on to Guestwick where Ian started to drift off the back (it’s a Zone 2 thing). The route continued on to Stody where Clive turned off to take a more direct route back to Blakeney. While this was happening, Ian had caught the peloton so that Mark, Andy and Ian were back together by the time they reached Hunworth. Then it was up Hunworth Road to Edgefield where Mark arrived (well) ahead of the other two. Andy turned for Corpusty leaving Mark & Ian to continue on to Hempstead, stopping soon after at Selbrigg Pond.

Still no swans, not even a duck. But a fair-sized pike doing what pikes do best i.e.very little. Despite some goading with a couple of small pebbles we failed to get any sort of a reaction. At the T junction Ian turned left for High Kelling leaving Mark to ride solo back to PC. A good day out in dry, mild conditions with a predominantly light north westerly tailwind out and headwind back.

PC to PC was 52.1 miles at an average speed of 15.1 mph (15.7 Out, 14.5 Back)
Riders: Andy S, Chris S, Clive A, Doug H, Ian A, Mark M.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 25th July – Bircham Mill – choice 67 or 100 miles – 9am Start
Wednesday 29th July – Skeyton Goat
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

On a cool, overcast morning with brief showers in the north westerly wind, Chris and Mark met at PC. Chris had decided it was cold enough to wear his autumn long sleeve Wheelers jersey, though that may have been a bit too warm later on. Ian was collected at Gresham and then we went to Hunworth and Metton, crossing the A149 at Felbrigg where Doug joined the group.
Then North and South Repps, Trimingham to Mundesley where a myopic driver reversed into the road nearly taking out Doug and Chris. Then it was Paston, Edingthorpe and to Watsons for around 11:30, in time for the full breakfast menu (served to 11:45) for a change.

Graham A had arrived early and already finished his breakfast and later had a strangely green cake, which fortunately tasted better than it looked.
Mugs of tea and coffee arrived very quickly while we studied the menu, choosing a soup (Chris) and three medium breakfasts, which are identical to the Watsons All Day Breakfast, so no benefit from the breakfast menu. Conversation ranged from Graham’s Spanish lessons to Doug describing the perils of fat loss injections. Chris left first for his training run home, while Mark found time for a second mug of tea.

As we left, Graham headed for North Walsham them back to Cromer, while we went in the opposite direction to loop around by the church, crossing the North Walsham road at Pollard Street, just behind Graham. We then went down to Worstead and spotting that the coffee van was open at the equestrian centre, we stopped for a very good flat white, well we had done a full 7 miles from Watsons, Chris would have loved it!

Once we reached the Tunstead Road we turned north west and into the wind for the remainder of the ride. Taking turns on the front, we soon made our way to Skeyton, Tuttington, through the hole in the hedge to Dunkirk, Ingworth, Carr Lane (closed to vehicles at Blickling’s Fisherman’s carpark). At Itteringham we put an unsuspecting Doug on the front to tow us uphill into the wind until the road levels at the Little Barningham junction, then it was the direct route home with Doug turning for Cromer at North Barningham, Ian heading for Kelling at Red Barn Lane and Mark to PC.

PC to Pc was 53.6 miles at an average 15.2 mph (15.6 Out, 14.9 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Ian A, Doug H, Graham A lunch

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 22nd July – Dial House, Reepham
Saturday 25th July – Bircham Mill – choice 67 or 100 miles – 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 Mark M

With a longer ride for a Wednesday, Chris, Richard, Mark and new member John W, started from PC at 9am. Ian A was making his own way to meet us at the café. We went down to Baconsthorpe, picking Andy up in Hempstead on our way to Holt and the short run downhill to Letheringsett, the bridge over the ford and up to Sharrington.

Unfortunately, disaster struck Richard as he crossed the bridge, falling off the edge of the path and down the bank onto the concrete apron of the ford. His ride was over and when his wife arrived, we got him and his bike into the car and sent them off to Cromer A&E to get checked out. We don’t know the outcome yet but wish him a quick recovery.

After that drama, it was an uneventful ride through Bale, Hindringham, Walsingham, down to the B1355 at South Creake, then North Creake. Here to make up some time, we stayed on the B1355 to Burnham Market, deviating from the planned route, which was up the hill to Shammer and down Beacon Hill Road to Burnham Market. Ian followed the route and at Shammer, met someone from the Burn Valley Vinyard (which is just off the road) and was invited in for a free tasting, though tempted he declined.

From Burnham, it was just three miles to Deepdale and the café, where Ian was already tucking into his veggie breakfast. We placed our orders, two bacon and scrambled eggs on toast and two breakfast baps plus teas and coffee, and were surprised at how quickly it was all served up. Since our last visit, the café has changed hands and seems both popular and efficient. By coincidence, the last time we visited the café was on July 16th 2025, which was 365 days ago!

Chris set off for home early, getting some TT training in along the way, the rest of us eventually left and headed around Barrow Common towards Docking, before turning east for Burnham Market again. Then it was Burnham Thorpe and up to Holkham South Gate, Wighton, Binham, Saxlingham, Glandford and another bridge over the ford, then to the Bridgefoot Lane climb.

Ian slipped away up the hill while the rest of us talked at the junction, Mark eventually reeled him in on the Holt Road and tried to stay in front to the top, but Ian ignoring his own stay in zone 2 training claims, went well into zone 5 to get ahead and claim the win.
It was a steady run back to drop Ian off at High Kelling, Andy turned off at Selbrigg, leaving John and Mark to return to PC.

PC to PC was 62.6 miles at an average 15.3 mph (16.1 Out, 14.6 Back)
Riders: Chris S, John W, Mark M, Andy S, Ian A, Richard W – wishing Richard a speedy recovery.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 18th July – Watsons, Bacton
Wednesday 22nd July – Dial House, Reepham
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

A bumper turnout of 7 Wheelers met at PC on a cool, dry July morning, a pleasant change from the heat of the preceding week. The start was moved forward to 9am to dodge any potential heat, but as it remained overcast all day we would have got away with the usual time.

The route proceeded out through West Beckham and Bodham to pick Ian up at the A148 crossing at High Kelling. We carried on down the hill to Cley and through Wiveton to Blakeney where Andrew had kindly offered to host us for coffee and biscuits on the patio at his newly-finished bungalow conversion. This was a very pleasant early stop and we all admired the high standard of fit and finish displayed on the subsequent (essential) house tour.

Richard left us to get back to his house move (also to Blakeney) as we departed with Andrew, so our record turnout of 9 dropped back to 8 again for the rest of the ride. From Blakeney the route went via Langham, Field Dalling, Bale, Little Snoring and across the A148 to pick up the A1067 for the short (and slightly hairy) run in to Pensthorpe, our lunch stop.

We were initially confused by the appearance of extra tables in the courtyard right where we usually park our bikes, but this was quickly overcome and a couple of tables pulled together outside under the canopy. Fortunately it was not too busy and food was quickly ordered and delivered. There was some disappointment that the normally huge (excellent) scones had been reduced to less than half the size, but there were two teabags in the teapots at least, so the shrinkflation wasn’t affecting everything.

The usual wide-ranging conversation included Chinese electric cars, chicken farming, horse vet bills, camper van trips and the now-obligatory mention of Ian’s helmet (pursued by a duck this time rather than a large friendly dog).

Chris departed early to get some time-trial training in and the remaining 7 again braved the A1067 briefly before turning off toward Kettlestone. From Kettlestone the route continued to Fulmodeston, Stibbard and across the Holt road to Wood Norton. Doug almost managed to tangle himself up while attempting to take his gillet off on the move in Le Tour-style approaching Wood Norton village, but disaster was narrowly averted.

After Wood Norton the route continued on via Guist Road to Foulsham, Guestwick and Thurning and Blackwater lane where Neil and Andy split off to head to Corpusty and home. The remaining 5 carried on to Briston, Edgefield and Hempstead where Ian left for High Kelling. The remaining group carried on through Baconsthorpe to North Barningham where Doug split for Gresham and on to Cromer and home. At Red Barn Lane, Andrew headed back to Blakeney, leaving Phil and Mark to finish at PC.

Ed’s Note: Phil B led us through Briston and up towards Edgefield, oblivious to the imminent race to the top. Obviously the rest knew and were happy to be towed along, including Mark for a change. Ian jumped first with Mark managing to get on his wheel, then Andrew sped past them both towards victory, however he started to fade (claimed to be easing off!) and Mark could see the gap closing, so he pushed harder and got ahead with just yards to go. Result!

PC to PC was 56.8 miles at an average 15.0 mph (15.4 Out, 14.7 Back)
Wheelers: Mark M, Neil M, Richard W, Phil B, Doug H, Andy S, Chris S, Andrew B, Ian A.

P.S. Richard W was back from the Maratona Dles Dolomites, the Italian gran fondo/sportive on closed roads. Saying it was spectacular scenery but very challenging.
Here is the official post event 3 min video: https://youtu.be/TuS2i84XtAE?si=6avplFdl91St3_rT – spot the guy with one leg!

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 15th July – Nest Café, Burnham Deepdale – 9am Start
Saturday 18th July – 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 Andy S

With the threat of the heatwave striking yet again and temperatures reaching the high 20’s , the ride was brought forward to start at 9.00am. Three members met at P.C. ( Mark, Andrew and Andy). The weather at this point was cloudy and very pleasant and we were wondering what all the fuss was about.

We set off towards Gresham through the lanes onto Wickmere, Ingworth and Blickling. By this point the cloud had dispersed and the heat was building with a slight north westerly wind. We were making good progress heading southwesterly towards Cawston, Reepham and across the Fakenham/Norwich Road. At this point we turned west to follow the River Wensum along some lovely quiet country lanes. We stopped and tried to admire the Billingford lakes but we could only catch glimpses of this impressive lake system due to the tree cover.
There is a better view in the winter when less leaves are about.

Soon after Billingford we arrived at Bintree and Algy’s cafe. As it was only 11am this ensured breakfast was still in full swing. Here we met Ian who had made his own way, having just arrived and bagged a good table in the shade. Three members went all healthy with poached eggs and green stuff on toast leaving me (Andy) to have the unhealthy option of a fry up in a roll. “Yum! “

Conversation over Brunch was very varied as usual from playing golf at Sheringham and bottom brackets to what standard of biscuits people from Blakeney partake with their coffee.

After all the banter Ian left to get back for family arriving. The remaining three set off towards Foulsham, Guestwick, Hindolveston and up towards Melton Constable where we passed a lovely old church in Melton Park.

The route took us towards Stody, Hunworth and up to the long drag to Edgefield. As normal Andrew drew away from the rest of the group but as it was so hot now nobody was really trying , just surviving the heat. At this point Andy S turned off towards Corpusty leaving Mark and Andrew to make their way back to P.C. via Baconsthorpe.

A great day out in the sunshine today , with the ride taking in Norfolk’s lovely lanes , providing shade and sunshine in equal measures.

PC to PC was 51.0 miles at an average 14.9 mph

P.S. – Drama at the Bodham Hill pylon. Police, ambulance and two fire engines plus a drone worked to rescue someone from about 3/4 of the way up the communication tower. We think it was an engineer who had climbed up in the heat and had a health issue, requiring assistance.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 11th July – Pensthorpe – Possible 9am Start
Wednesday 15th July – Nest Café, Deepdale – 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 Doug H

Ian, Andrew, Neil, Mark and Doug set off on a lovely warm Saturday into a headwind from PC towards Barningham Hall, through Itteringham, Cawston, Alderford, on to Bawdeswell, Foxley and Themelthorpe. Along the route we ran into Harvey, who was in fine form, and said goodbye to Neil, who could only join us for a short spin this week.

At our lunch stop at Junction 21, we were delighted to see Graham, who was also in fine form. The weather is clearly having a positive impact on us all. We ordered our food, and those with follicles sat in the midday sun while those struggling with follicles took shelter inside. As ever, the food was excellent, good value, and we set about putting the world to rights.
Once we had finished, we bid farewell to Graham and set off once again into the headwind, knowing it would soon be behind us.
We headed to Wood Norton, Thursford and then enjoyed a tailwind through Gunthorpe to Sharrington and Thornage.

With the Ramsgate Street climb ahead of us, Andrew made a break for it. We had all forgotten—or perhaps he had kept quiet about—his recent training event in the Peak District. With that, he launched an attack and the rest of us were left struggling behind. Only Ian mounted an admirable defence, but even he was eventually undone.
At the top of the hill we said farewell to Andy, who headed home. The peloton continued to Baconsthorpe, with Andrew producing yet another burst of sprinting power to take first place once again. That said, the rest of us were simply watching in admiration of this feat.
We then said goodbye to Ian, and at Gresham Doug headed back to Cromer. Mark and Andrew completed the last little climb back to PC.
A very warm and thoroughly enjoyable day’s riding.

PC to PC was 54.5 miles at an average 15.1 mph (15.5 Out, 14.6 Back)
Riders: Neil M, Andy S, Andrew B, Ian A, Mark M, Doug H, Graham A at lunch

PS. Tour de France highlights on channel 5, 7-8pm daily

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 8th July – Algy’s, Bintree
Saturday 11th July – Pensthorpe
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/