Club Runs

Ride Report by Ian A

Due to a late sick note by Doug, it was only Mark and Chris who met at PC on a chilly but dry morning. The 8degC that welcomed them was a particular shock for Chris as he was heard to say (on several occasions) “It was 26degC when I left Spain yesterday”. Needless to say he received little sympathy throughout the day. So the duo set off from PC for the ride to the Chequers pub in Hainford, a new venue. They picked up Ian and Andrew at Gresham Church which saved Ian a couple of miles as he continues to ‘take it easy’ on his injured knee.

The route took us via Aldborough, Calthorpe and onto Colby where we picked up Graham. We were expecting rain on the homeward leg and the rest of us had the de rigeur full mudguards, so it was a surprise to see Graham riding naked in that department… (However, maybe he got it right – more anon!) From Colby we skirted Banningham/Felmingham then via Swanton Abbot and Badersfield and towards Frettenham, before turning north to Hainford and the Chequers pub.

Despite arriving around 11:50am, the pub was open and we received a warm welcome albeit a cold table. But the sandwiches and burger were good and the tea/coffees hot. The Moongazer ale was a treat for a couple of the riders, too.

Mark assured us it was due to rain heavily at 2:45pm so we set a target of leaving the pub by 12:45 (which we nearly achieved) and agreed to lop a couple of miles off the planned return leg too. Whether it was the beer, but Mark couldn’t seem to get his bike computer to work properly after lunch and as we were reliant on him for the ‘sneaky shortcut’ I was frankly a bit concerned.
Anyway, his head and his head unit resolved themselves after a mile or so. From Hainford we headed north to Buxton and Brampton, where Graham left us to head back to Cromer. The remaining 4 riders took the Burgh Road into Aylsham and the Cromer road out. Shortly after leaving Aylsham we found the road closed due to ongoing Hornsea power cable works but we managed to walk our bikes around the immovable barriers via the flattened mud in the field, so we were soon on our way again.
Taking the small lane by the River Bure across Itteringham Common we made good progress to Itteringham and continued north to Matlaske. The skies looked fairly optimistic by now so it seemed we might stay dry after all – good call Graham on the no mudguards set up!
At Matlaske Ian and Andrew said farewell to Mark and Chris, heading to Plumstead to pick up the original route and back to High Kelling via Hempstead and Selbrigg Pond. Mark and Chris continued on to North Barningham and back to Sheringham via PC. Unfortunately Chris managed to get a rear puncture just after the corners at Barningham Winter, so after checking he had a pump & tube, he was abandoned as the black clouds moved in. So, Chris comes back from sunny Spain and straight away snatches the lead in the Puncture Challenge with an impressive 5 flats, Andrew will be mad.
Most of us got back home around 2:30pm just as some very light rain was starting. It rained heavily in High Kelling at exactly 2:45pm. As predicted by Mark…

PC to PC was 42.3 miles @ 14.7mph
Riders: Andrew B, Chris S, Graham A, Ian A, Mark M, with Ian & Andrew covering 47 miles @ 14.3mph

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 16th October – Deepdale Café, Burnham Deepdale
Saturday 19th October – Biagio’s, East 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/

Ride reports by Mark M and Chris S
After a night of heavy showers, wet roads and light drizzle greeted Mark and Andrew S at PC. They set off for Selbrigg Pond, collecting Andrew B and for the first time in an age, Ian A, on the way. Heading through Edgefield, Briston and Craymere Beck, there were periods of showers and sun, resulting in a great rainbow at Nethergate.

At Hindolveston we turned for Wood Norton, Stibbard and Great Ryburgh and the rolling hills up to Colkirk. Here we encountered a long section of roadworks as a new pavement was being laid linking a new development with the village. Negotiating the works without any mishap we continued to Whissonsett and to our destination at Stanfield.
Fortunately they had room inside for the four of us as it would have been damp in the outside courtyard. We were well looked after and enjoyed tasty pannini’s, baguette and sandwich, with two opting for cake as well.

When we finally left we were pleased to see that there were no punctures this week, so set off for Brisley, Bintree Mill and the compulsory photo stop.

Then up the hill to Bintree and Foulsham. Here Ian opted to take a more direct route home, not wanting to overdo things on his first club ride for months. The remaining trio continued to Guestwick, Tyby and Corpusty, where Andrew S turned for home. The final part of the route took us up the Matlaske Road for Barningham Winter and up Bodham Hill to the final split at Hill Farm.

PC to PC was 55.4 miles at 14.3 mph average
Riders: Andrew S, Andrew B, Mark M, Ian A, with Ian covering 48 miles at 14.3 mph.

Chris S again sends us a report from Sunny Spain –
Ride Report – San Jamie to Benissa, North Costa Blanca – Wednesday 9 October 2024

Today’s ride was supposed to be a 33 mile circular route to Gata de Gorges with a total ascent of 768 metres. However with only one wheeler reporting for the ride it turned out to be much shorter.

The ride commenced in San Jamie with a short downhill run followed by a hard climb up to Benissa. Just before Benissa the front of the bike developed a strange wobble. Having checked the forks and front wheel all seemed fine. However on continuing the wobble was still present. It was then discovered the most of the spokes in the rear wheel had become loose. Having had my bike multitool confiscated by customs at Norwich airport the only means of tightening the spokes was by finger.

This left no option but to retrace the route back down to San Jamie stopping to finger tighten the spokes every kilometre or so! Not a particularly enjoyable mountain descent of 400 or so metres with a loose back wheel.
Rider Chris S
Total distance12.6 miles
Average speed 11.43mph
Total ascent 377 metres/total descent 437 metres

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 12th October – Chequers, Hainford
Wednesday 16th October – Deepdale Café, 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/

Ride report by Mark M – Chris S reports below.
With numbers down due to holidays and other activities, Doug and Mark met at PC on a dry, overcast and cool morning for the ride down to Reepham Station Café.
So at a good pace we set off for Baconsthorpe, Edgefield to Briston, where one of Doug’s mudguard bolts went AWOL and we had to make a cable tie repair. Then it was Craymeer Beck, Guestwick, Themelthorpe, Foxley across the A1067 to Billingford, where we turned up the hill to the high point above Billingford Lakes. Here we stopped to take in the view, before dropping down the hill to the Bylaugh Road, taking us all the way to Sparham and then the back way via Mill Road to Reepham.
By now the sun had finally come out and we found Graham already sat at an outside table, Ian had arrived moments before us, so soon there were four enjoying their lunches in the sun.

The good weather had brought out many people and the café was busy.
When it was time to leave, Ian made his own way home and the remaining trio cut out a 10 mile southern loop and instead went via Booton Church to Cawston, picking up the return route there. Then we skirted around the top of Aylsham through Drabblegate to Ingham, Erpingham, Aldborough and up to Thurgarton Church. Here Graham and Doug headed for Cromer and Mark turned for Bessingham, Gresham and PC.

PC to PC was 48.6 miles at an average 15.1mph.
Riders: Doug H, Mark M, Ian A, Graham A.
Ian’s knee and back are getting better, he managed a full round of golf during the week and then 34 miles at 14.9mph average today.

Chris S our Spanish Correspondent reports:
Ride Report – San Javier to Javea, North Costa Blanca – Saturday 5 October 2024

Not surprisingly only one wheeler showed up for today’s ride. The weather was a dry 26 degrees centigrade with blue skies, full sun due to no cloud and a light breeze.
The route which included 8 major climbs started in San Javier, continued along the coast to Moraira and then headed in land to Benitatxell. From there the route passed though Javea – see photos below and then up to Denia passing through the residential suburbs which were a mixture of very rough and steep roads. The roads were so steep at one stage that the rider had no option but to get off and walk!

Once out of Denia the road levelled out and was flat (the only flat part of the ride) to La Xara and Ondara. From here the dreaded climbing began again with the route continuing through Orba, Alcalali, Xalo, Lliber. Seniji and Benissa leaving the last two climbs to be tackled. The final climb around San Jamie Golf course was a muscle breaking 58 metre climb of 8 percent to finally reach the finishing point. Although only 50 miles the ride felt like a 100 mile plus ride in North Norfolk!
Rider: Chris S
Distance: 50 miles
Average speed: 12.88mph
Total Ascent: 1176m

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 9th October – Old Dairy, Stanfield
Saturday 12th October – Chequers, Hainford
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
Three riders met at PC for a ride to Lily’s Tearoom on a windy and damp early autumn morning, including a guest (and hopefully new member) Andrew S. With Mark leading, the three set off on the planned route through East Beckham, Gresham, Felbrigg estate, Cromer, Northrepps, Gimingham, Trunch, Paston Green, Edingthorpe and Spa Common (having picked up Graham A on the way). As there was a strong head wind, and the roads poor due to the heavy rain the night before, the planned loops to Mundesley and around Trunch were missed out.

On arrival at Lily’s Tearoom which is part of Hadfields Nursery, we found Ian had bagged a table having made his own way there which was lucky as it was very busy. We all enjoyed a good lunch and plenty of tea and coffee. The generous cakes servings were appreciated by all. This was a new venue for us and we will visit again, I’m sure.

As we prepared to leave Andrew S discovered a flat tyre which was unfortunate as he had been extolling the benefits of tubules tyres! However, he was able to pump the tyre up quickly as it self-sealed, although he had to add more air several times on the way back.
The route back took us through Withergate, Worstead, Swanton Abbott, Felmingham (were Graham A left to make his own way home), Colby, Aldburgh (were Andrew S left us to make his way home), Barningham and up to Hill Farm. Again, the route was shortened from the planned 54 miles due to the strong wind. Andrew B then left to make his way back home leaving Mark to ride back to PC. Overall, a good day’s cycling and amazingly a mainly dry one.

PC to PC 47 miles
Average speed 14.0 mph
Total Elevation 2000 ft
Riders: Andrew B, Andrew S (Guest), Graham A, Mark M, Ian A. Ian made his own way to and from the café, for a 34 mile total and 14mph average.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 5th October – Station Café, Reepham
Wednesday 9th October – 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
After a very wet and windy Friday, Saturday was as forecast, dry, sunny, cold and with a noticeable north westerly wind.
Andrew, Mark and guest Ian met at PC before heading through Baconsthorpe to Edgefield to pick up Neil. Then it was Briston, Stody, Bale and Hindringham, where Ian left us to continue his loop back to Holt. From Hindringham we went to Little Walsingham and then a hard slog up to Egmeer, followed by an easier ride down to South Creake. Then the work started again with the climb up Bloodgate Hill, past the Iron Age Fort to Syderstone, then more climbing through Coxford Wood before the road levelled out at the wind turbines. From here it was easier going as we skirted the east side of Hougton Park, up to Great Bircham and a busy Bircham Windmill.
Andrew managed to bag a table on the sunny side of the sheltered courtyard, where we enjoyed both the warm sun and the good food.

As it was the final weekend of the season for Bircham Mill, Mark felt he should have one last Big Breakfast and it didn’t disappoint.

There were a number of other cyclists at the Mill and out on the roads, making the most of the great weather.
Heading back via Little Barwick to Stanhoe, turning for North Creake and enjoying the long descent into the village, before the long climb out of the village up to Holkham’s Triumphal Arch. Then to Wighton, Binham and Langham. On the road to Wiveton Mark’s front tyre became very soft and we had to stop to add some air, which got him back to PC. So according to Mark, that doesn’t count as a puncture as no tire was removed or had to be plugged!
From Wiveton it was straight up the hill to Salthouse Heath, the wind may have been behind us but it was still hard work. Then an easy run to High Kelling where Andrew turned for home while Neil and Mark continued to the final split at Red Barn Lane.

PC to PC was 65.5 miles at an average 14.8 mph
Riders: Andrew B, Neil Mc, Mark M and Guest Ian.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 2nd October – Lily’s Tea Room, North Walsham
Saturday 5th October – Station Café, 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/

On a dry, cool morning with a very light south wind, three Wheelers met at PC for the ride down to Badersfield / Coltishall Airfield / Scottow Enterprise Park. Many names but just one good value café and coffee roasters on the airfield, which now has a decommissioned Jaguar jet stationed at the end of the building, more on that later.
First we had to get there and there was some initial confusion as only one of the three had the correct route on their head unit, by Bodham Hill that improved to a max of two.
So, it was Plumstead, Itteringham. Oulton, Aylsham, Dunkirk and through the hole in the hedge across the A140 to Tuttington. Then to Brampton, Buxton, past the closed Mayton tip to Little Hautbois and up to Badersfield and the airfield.
Making our way past the old buildings and huge hangers to Java Bean, arriving at the same time as about a dozen motorcyclists. Fortunately they were ordering food for later so once our orders were taken we didn’t have long to wait and it was tasty and great value. I had a breakfast bap, mug of good coffee (naturally) and a slice of cake for just under £10.
Ian A joined us for lunch, making his own way there and back. His knee is improving and he was pleased to be able to increase his mileage without any adverse effects.

On leaving we went to investigate the Jaguar at the end of the building and found a couple of guys working on it. One of them came over for a chat and told us that the RAF had donated the decommissioned plane and they were in the process of tidying it up and fitting a few lost panels. Coltishall was a Jaguar base from around 1974 to its closure in 2006.

He also told us that Lotus were temporarily storing cars destined for Canada on the airfield, so we went to have a look as a transport lorry had just arrived with another ten cars. There were hundreds of cars parked up, each car with a white protective wrapper that had a roll up door section and the wheels had individual covers too.
As we left, Ian headed for Skeyton and the direct route home, including the flooded Lodge Lane south of Erpingham, while the rest went via Swanton Abbott to North Walsham, crossing the A149 and heading for Antingham. Then it was Suffield, Hanworth, Sustead, Gresham, where Duncan headed for Holt and Chris and I returned to PC.

PC to PC was 45 miles at an average of 14.9 mph
Riders: Chris S, Duncan S, Mark M and Ian A
Ian is definitely improving as his route was 38 miles at an average 13.8mph and no train assistance today!

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 28th September – Bircham Mill
Wednesday 2nd October – Lily’s Tea Room, 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 Mark M
On a glorious sunny day with a light east wind, Mark and Neil met at PC. Other regular Wheelers were away or sidelined by ailments.
The duo set off for Barningham Winter, Itteringham then Itteringham Common to Ingworth, where we met Graham who was chatting to a lady cyclist from Holt who was on her way to Happisburgh.
We continued on to Aylsham and across the roundabout to the Burgh road. A little way down Neil turned for Marsham and home as he was on dog minding duty for the day.
Graham and I decided to see if the path from Burgh Church to Brampton was bike friendly. It was a well worn path through the churchyard and across a cow field, fine in the dry but there were two bridges to cross, the first had steps each end, the second also required lifting the bike on and off the bridge, plus there were two gates to get through. So, passable in the dry but it won’t be incorporated into a route, it was shorter than continuing through Burgh to Oxnead and Brampton but probably took as long.
We then continued through Stratton Strawless, Hainford, Frettenham and through the back lanes to Salhouse and down to the café at Little Plumstead.

On arrival we saw that Malcolm had cycled up from St Olaves to join us and was already enjoying his lunch, Graham and I had ordered lunch when appearing around the corner was Ian A.
Keen to get out for some cycling in the sun despite his continued knee pain, he had cycled to Sheringham and caught the train to Norwich, then cycled out to the café, retracing his steps to get back home later on.
Now as a table of four there was plenty to chat about, while we enjoyed a tasty lunch. With a train to catch, Ian set off first and we followed a little later.
With Malcolm joining us, we headed for Woodbastwick, Wroxham, Hoveton, then to the Ashmanhaugh junction, where Malcolm turned for Horning, Potter Heigham and home.
Graham and I continued to Worstead, where he decided to go directly to North Walsham and up to Cromer, while I continued via Meeting Hill to North Walsham. Then it was out towards Antingham, Suffield, Aldborough, Gresham and back to PC.

PC to PC was 63.5 miles at an average 14.8 mph
Riders: Neil Mc, Mark M, Graham A, Malcolm S, Ian A

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 25th September – Java Bean, Coltishall Airfield
Saturday 28th September – Bircham Mill
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
Three riders met at PC for a ride to Hickling on a windy but warm late summer morning. With Mark leading, the three set off at a good pace on the planned route through East Beckham, Gresham, Bessingham, Aldborough, Alby, Suffield and Felmingham were we picked up Graham (after a delay due to some confusion regarding the location!).
The four then proceeded through Skeyton, Swanton Abbot, Frankfort, Ashmanhaugh and onto Horning to view Chris’s boat. On arrival at the marina we found Chris (who had gone ahead to do some work on his boat), repairing another rear puncture, putting him equal at four punctures with, Graham A, Doug H and Andrew B.

After admiring the boat we then continued on through Upper Street, Ludham Bridge, Hall Common, Ludham, Potter Heigham and Hickling. On arrival at the pub the sun was out and we found a table in the garden where we could observe the boating activities on the broad. We all enjoyed a good lunch, which was served quickly (although Graham’s a little late) and the staff were very friendly. The Pleasure Boat Inn has recently reopened and is owned by Norfolk Wildlife Trust.

After lunch we made our way back against a northly wind which slowed progress a little, with the route taking us through Ingham, Lessingham, Happisburgh Common, Crostwight, Spa Common, North Walsham, Swafield, Bradfield, Lower Street, Thorpe market, Hanworth and Lower Gresham. Graham leaving us part way to make his own way home. Overall, an excellent route and a good day’s cycling.

PC to PC 60 miles
Average speed 14.3 mph
Total Elevation 1500 ft

Andrew, Chris, Graham A and Mark leading.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 21st September – Walled Garden, Little Plumstead
Wednesday 25th September – Java Bean, Coltishall Airfield
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, Andrew and Neil Mc were the only Wheelers at PC today, with ailments and family commitments reducing the numbers. The day started with sunshine and it continued all day, though the SW wind kept the temperature down.
As Neil had to be home early, and he wanted to get the miles in, he had cycled from Corpusty to PC even though he would be shortly retracing his route.
So from Corpusty we headed via Guestwick to Foulsham then Bintree Mill and the obligatory photo stop.

Then Broom Green, Brisley, East Bilney and through Gressenhall village to the museum and café.
The café courtyard was sheltered from the wind and was bathed in sun, so we sat outside and all enjoyed the excellent quiche, chips and beans, plus cake of course. Despite the headwind we had made good progress to the café, so we were able to have a leisurely lunch and enjoy the weather.
Our return leg was with the wind but after a good lunch the pace was slower, we went through Hoe and then around the Robertson Barracks at Swanton Morley, which is due to close permanently in 2029. Then we took the lumpy Bylaugh Road up to Sparham.
Neil then dragged us north up Nowhere Lane, through Kerdiston to Wood Dalling, where he turned for home. This meant that Andrew and I could continue at a more sedate pace to Briston and the regular route home through Edgefield, Baconsthorpe, Bodham Hill and PC, with Andrew turning off for Hempstead and home.

PC to PC was 55.2 miles at an average of 15.3 mph
Riders; Andrew B, Neil Mc, Mark M

Robertson Barracks: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robertson_Barracks,_Swanton_Morley

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 18th September – Pleasure Boat Inn, Hickling
Saturday 21st September – Walled Garden, Little Plumstead
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 cold morning with a strong westerly wind greeted Chris and Mark at PC. They knew it was going to be a hard slog mainly following the coast to the most westerly point at Burnham Market after 28 miles. At least the journey home should be easier.
Setting off via Bodham for High Kelling, we picked up Andrew (Ian is currently out of action, hopefully back soon) and continued on to Wiveton where Clive was waiting. The group of four continued to Blakeney quay where stopped to admire the view and watch a couple of harbour boats heading up the creek as the tide was in.
Then it was up the hill to Langham and across a very exposed airfield to Cockthorpe and down the hill to Stiffkey, followed by the tight left turn and immediate hill to Choosley Farm and on to the Warham road. Here we stopped for a breather before pushing into the wind again, this time for Warham and then Wells quay. Here we had another stop and watched the restored ex lifeboat and Dunkirk little ship, the Lucy Lavers manoeuvring.
Then it was through a still fairly busy Holkham Park, in through the East gate and out of the West gate, onto the Burnham road, taking a right at the crossroads to Burnham Overy Staithe. Here we had our final quay stop, looking at a nicely restored Sharpie sailing boat. We then turned inland for Burnham Overy, Burnham Market, Burnham Thorpe, passed Nelsons birthplace and finally to the Barn Café at North Creake Abbey.
It was too windy to sit outside, so we found a table indoors and ordered lunch. Between us we had sandwiches, toasties and pannini, we were all impressed how well filled and tasty they were, though two of the group found room for cake as well.
Refreshed we set off for the easier ride home, regrouping at the main road we realised that Chris was missing, so we headed back down to the café, to find Chris fixing a rear puncture (Schwalbe Marathon Plus). He hadn’t even got out of the car park, but had fortunately found shelter from the wind behind a barn, so we didn’t freeze while giving him advice.

Once fixed we went through North Creake and Waterden and crossed the Wells road and had a long descent almost into North Barsham, when we realised that Andrew was missing. Retracing our route back up the hill we found Andrew fixing a flat in the farmyard near the crossroads. (rear Conti Gatorskin). As with Chris’ puncture there was no obvious cause, so a new tube went in and we set off again.

Through the Barshams, up to Great Snoring, Hindringham, Bale, Sharrington and Thornage. Here Clive turned for Letheringsett and Blakeney while the rest continued to Hunworth and up the hill to Edgefield which was a struggle for me, though I finally made it. Then instead of going via Hempstead and Selbrigg, we sent Andrew home that way, while Chris and I went through Baconsthorpe and Upper Sheringham to home.
We have a three way battle in the Puncture Challenge with Andrew B, Doug H and Graham A all at four punctures each!

PC to PC was 61 miles at an average 14.4 mph
A hilly route with 830m / 2723ft of climbing
Riders: Chris S, Andrew B, Clive A, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 14th September – Mardler’s Rest, Gressenhall
Wednesday 18th September – 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/