Ride report by Mark M Mark and Chris met at a damp and misty PC, contrary to the sunny forecast. It was also warm and very humid. We hoped it was a coastal phenomenon and would improve as we headed inland as our route would take us south to the Wensum. We went to Barningham Winter then took the Itteringham road, picking up Jim at the Little Barningham junction, then to Itteringham to pick up Neil and onwards to Cawston. By now, Chris had taken the lead and was dragging us along at high speed to Haveringland and then Swannington and Attlebridge, where we had our customary stop to look at the river. Then an easy crossing of the A1067 and up Marl Hill Road to Morton Lane towards Lyng. Arriving in Lyng we stopped for a breather and saw that we had averaged 16.7 mph. That would soon change as we continued to Fustyweed and then headed uphill to Bawdeswell, Foxley and Themelthorpe. The weather had improved as we headed inland, with the damp mist clearing and the occasional brief sunny spell, it remained very humid, so we decided to sit outside in the garden at Junction 21. It was good to see a number of other people calling in to the café, some out walking, others cycling, as we have been the only people there on some visits. After a very good lunch of quiche, chips and salad, a good wedge of carrot cake and a pot of tea, I was almost ready for the slightly shorter return leg. We set off for Foulsham, Wood Norton, Stibbard, Barney, a loop around Thursford church then to Gunthorpe. Here we went via Sharrington to Brinton, to avoid the muddy potholed section of road into Brinton. Then it was Stody and Briston, where Jim turned for home and the rest continued to Edgefield, Baconsthorpe and Bodham Hill. Chris headed for home via Upper Sheringham, Neil turned for Corpusty at Red Barn Lane and I finished the loop at PC.
PC to PC was 56.5 miles at an average of 15.6 mph Riders: Chris S, Jim H, Neil Mc, Mark M
Ride report by Andrew B Three riders met at PC for a ride to Coltishall on a warm and sunny late summer morning. With Mark leading, the three set off at a good pace on the planned route through East Beckham, Gresham, Sustead, Hanworth, Thorpe Market, Lower Street, Bradfield, Swafield, North Walsham, Meeting House Hill, Lyngate, Worstead and Cowgate Common. On arrival at the Rising Sun we decided it was warm enough to sit outside and found a good table for observing the various water activities. Stand Up Paddleboards seemed to be the favourite choice, although most people were kneeling! We were too early to order lunch but enjoyed drinks before we could order food at 12:00pm. Malcolm then arrived and was able to order as well. The food arrived quickly, and we all enjoyed a good lunch and for some, a second coffee! There was much discussion of old men’s ailments, with possibly too much detail!
Enjoying lunch at The Rising Sun, Coltishall, 4th Sept 2024. L-R Andrew B, Chris S, Malcolm S, Mark M camera
As the sun had disappeared as we finished lunch, we decided to hit the road again. The route back took us through Little Hautbois, Lamas, Buxton, Oxnead, Burgh, Aylsham, Drabblegate, Erpingham, Calthorpe, Matlaske and up to Hill Farm where I departed for home. The two remaining riders then made their way back to PC. The route did involve some walking to avoid a flooded section of road (Lodge Lane, Erpingham) as Mark had decided that there was no chance that it would be flooded! However, overall, an excellent route and a good day’s cycling.
PC to PC 47 miles – Malcolm beat us today with a solid 60 miles. Average speed 14.5 mph Total Elevation 1500 ft
Ride reports by Mark M & Chris S The planned ride for today was a testing 104 mile loop with an 8am start from PC. As the day of departure drew closer it was clear that only Chris and Doug were prepared to be tested. So an alternative 60 mile loop was added which would include the original route as far as the first coffee stop at the Old Dairy, Stanfield. This familiar ride distance was the route of choice for Mark, Neil Mc and Graham A. So four met at PC at 8am with Neil joining at Corpusty. It was a lovely morning with little traffic, sunshine and a fairly strong north easterly wind which was also a little cool. So we set off for Gresham, Bessingham, Thurgarton and as we turned for Wickmere we had the wind fully behind us as we sped along to Mannington and Corpusty, picking up Neil. Then it was Guestwick, Foulsham and a photo stop at Bintree Mill, then Broom Green, Brisley and a short ride along the B1145 to the Old Dairy at 26 miles.
All smiles at Bintree Mill after 20miles. L-R Graham A, Neil Mc and our 100+ milers Chris S, Doug H. 31st Aug 2024
Chris and Doug, keen to get more miles under their wheels before lunch, just had coffee and sausage roll/cake, before setting off again. Their adventures will be reported later. The remaining three, had a leisurely breakfast and can report that the Eggs Benedict with bacon was excellent. I somehow managed to order extra bacon and my breakfast came with an extra three crispy rashers, marvellous! When we finally set off again, we headed generally north, through Whissonsett, Oxwick to Pudding Norton where we crossed the A1065 for Shereford and Sculthorpe Mill. As usual we stopped on the bridge and enjoyed the water and surroundings for a few minutes before crossing the very busy A148 on our way around Cranmer Hall and on to West and East Barsham. As we were now heading east, we realised just how strong the wind was and fleetingly thought of Chris and Doug who would be heading east from Burnham Market. Once we reached Great Snoring, we had a few miles on flatter ground, through Thursford Green, Gunthorpe to Stody. Then we had a short uphill section on the way to Briston and then the familiar route back to Edgefield, Baconsthorpe (where we encountered huge tractors in both directions), up Bodham Hill and to Red Barn Lane. Neil turned south for Corpusty, I turned north for PC and Graham continued into the wind for Cromer.
PC to PC via Stanfield was 59.7 miles at an average of 14.6 mph, with 695m / 2280ft of climbing. Though that doesn’t tell the whole story as the wind assisted leg to Stanfield was at 15.9 mph and the leg back with about 20 miles into the wind was at 13.6 mph. Riders: Graham A, Neil Mc, Mark M
Now, Chris S gives his report; After leaving Mark M, Graham A and Neil Mc to enjoy their leisurely breakfast, Chris S And Doug H, who had opted for the full 104 mile route continued onwards making good progress due to the tail wind. The two Wheelers passed Tittleshall, West Acre, Grimston and Roydon. Rather than stopping at West Acre for refreshments the pair decided to deviate from the planned route at West Newton and headed to Sandringham adding a few extra miles. Progress to Sandringham had been good with an average of 15.9mph from the start of the ride. A quick lunch of sandwiches and cake was enjoyed outside at the café on the Sandringham estate whilst fighting off an unusually high number of royal wasps! On leaving Sandringham Chris and Doug immediately hit the very strong head on wind which was virtually constant for the remainder of the ride. The route took the riders through Sherborne, Fring, Docking and then Burham Market where a particularly long and steep gradient into the wind almost brought the riders to a standstill. However not daunted by this they battled on through North Creake and Wighton. At Walsinghan they stopped at Nortons café for a well earned beverage. They then continued on through the three Barshams (North B, West B and East B) up yet another long steep hill into the prevailing wind. The ride which was by then testing the stamina of the duo passed through Hindringham, Bale, Hunworth and Baconsthorpe. At West Beckham Chris cheerfully waved goodbye to Doug in the knowledge that he had the shorter route home as Doug still had to ride back to Cromer and the wind had not eased at all. The return ride from Sandringham brought the overall average speed down to 14.82mph. Chris covered a total distance of 110 miles whilst Doug covered even more!
PC to PC via Stanfield and Sandringham was 108 miles at an average of 14.82 mph, with 1175m / 3854ft of climbing. Riders: Chris S and Doug H
Ride report by Chris S Due to holidays, injuries, hospital appointments and other excuses only one wheeler, Chris S, turned up at PC for the official start. Having waited until one minute to 10 on the unlikely off chance that someone else might turn up Chris (alias ‘Billy No Mates’) set off. The weather was good with a high of 25 degrees Celsius forecast . Although the wind was forecast to be south westerly it was more like a north westerly wind heading back making the return journey quite hard work.
The outward leg which was also predominantly downhill went through Hempstead, Plumstead, Itteringham, Aylsham, past Buxton Mill, skirting Coltishall to the north, Ashmanhaugh and onto Smallburgh.
Arriving at The Crown just before 11.45am Chris found Graham A and Ian A had just arrived, Graham having ridden directly from Cromer whilst Ian had ridden to Sheringham then taken the train to North Walsham and ridden from there. Whilst the pub was not particularly busy the food was reasonably priced and the service was good. However both Graham and Ian thought that the mustard had been overdone on their ham ciabattas. Just as the three were finishing lunch Malcolm S arrived having ridden from St Olaves. After a brief chat Graham stayed to chat with him whilst Ian and Chris departed – Ian taking a shorter route back to High Kelling whilst Chris followed the route.
Lunch at Smallburgh Crown 28th Aug 2024 L-R, Malcolm S, Chris S, Graham A (with hat), Ian A
The return journey was harder work due to a predominately head wind and being generally uphill. The route took in Worstead, Swanton Abbot, Felmingham, Banningham, Ingworth, Plumstead and Hempstead. At West Beckham Chris opted for the slightly easier route through Upper Sheringham cutting out PC.
Total mileage (Chris only) 63.6 miles Average MPH 16.22 Total Ascent 731 metres Total Descent 721 metres
Ride report by Mark M As the forecasts for Saturday improved from torrential rain all day to just rain all day, together with light winds, there was no reason to cancel the ride. Though Chris sent out an email which could have been interpreted as looking for an excuse to stay home and dry, though I’m sure was just checking on numbers riding to see if we needed to book a table! Surprisingly only three Wheelers turned out, Chris and myself at PC during a rare dry spell and then Doug at Gresham Church. Within a few minutes the rain started again, fairly light but persistent for the whole out leg, at this stage the roads were not too wet and puddles could be easily avoided. We passed Aldborough school on the way to Town Green, past Brian’s (Hi Brian), across the A149 and the lane to the railway crossing. Through North Walsham and on to Honing and past John’s (Hi John) and then to Lessingham, where we went through Hempstead and the Dunes road past the holiday shacks into Sea Palling. From there it was just a few miles to Waxham and Horsey Corner. As we were nearly as wet inside our jackets as outside, we had a table inside, in the upstairs section that I’d not seen before. Amongst the tables were old radio sets and the ceiling was covered in old Ordnance Survey maps. Whilst we slowly steamed dry, we reminisced about our earliest electrical appliances, as they say, nostalgia is not what it used to be.
Drying out upstairs at Poppylands, Horsey. 24th Aug 2024. L-R, Chris S, Doug H, Mark M camera.
The café was busy with people escaping the weather, but we were soon digging into our mess tins of corned beef hash and enjoying copious tea and strong coffee. This visits tea cosy first appeared to be a drunken sailor as his head kept falling to the side but on closer inspection he was covered in tea stains, so naturally was part of Capt Pugwash’s crew, Seaman Staines.
Always fun tea cosies at Poppylands, Horsey. 24th Aug 2024
After finishing all the tea, it was time to pull on wet gloves and head off into the rain again. We had barely turned the pedals when Doug went into a narrow pothole and punctured both tyres on the sidewall. As they are tubeless, he quickly stuck a plug into them, pumped them back up and set off again. On the Puncture Leaderboard, Doug is now tying first place with Graham A at 4 each! Unfortunately the rain on the homeward leg was no longer light and the roads were now soaked, so our plan to see if more of Happisburgh’s car park had fallen into the sea was abandoned and our focus was on getting home. So after Happisburgh we headed for Riddlington, Bacton Wood, Knapton, Trunch and Southrepps. Here the route headed out towards Sidestrand and Hungry Hill to Northrepps, we chose to take the more direct route via Frogshall to Northrepps. Here we sent Doug up Northrepps hill to Cromer, while we again took the direct route to Crossdale Street. By the time we had got up the hill to Felbrigg, I was running on empty and it was a fairly slow ride through Metton, Sustead, Gresham and back to PC, with Chris giving me encouragement and making sure I got back.
PC to PC was 59.5 miles instead of the planned 61m, so we didn’t save much. At an average of 14.4 mph Riders: Chris S, Doug H, Mark M
Ride report by Mark M On another ideal cycling day, Duncan, Graham A, Mark and Graham J met up for the ride to Purdy’s. It was good to see Graham J joining us again and out on his recently acquired very smart Ridley. With a good west, south westerly breeze blowing, it helped more than hindered as we headed south east through Sustead, Hanworth, Thwaite, Erpingham, Colby, Hyltons Crossways to our most easterly point at Lodge Farm, Felmingham. Then heading into the wind we made our way to Tuttington, turned in the woods for Burgh and over the roundabout into a very busy Aylsham. As we headed down the Cawston road to our destination, we met Ian, who with his still dodgy knee had taken a shorter route which included a track through Blickling Park, to join us.
Ian A at Blickling Hall en route to Purdy’s, 21-August-2024.
We found a table outside shaded by a large tree where we enjoyed good sandwiches, cakes and drinks while we put the world to rights.
Purdy’s Tearoom, 21-August-2024. L-R: Graham A, Duncan A, Graham J Mark M. Ian A camera.
For the return journey, Ian had planned another direct route home, though this involved more tracks on the way to Blickling as well as the route back through the park to Itteringham Common. Graham J keen for a more direct route himself joined Ian for a spot of gravel riding through Blickling, Itteringham to the Mannington turn where, Ian turned for home and Graham continued north for Sheringham. The remaining trio stayed on tarmac and headed for Able Heath, Oulton, Irmingland and Corpusty, where Graham A turned north for Cromer. We then continued to Little London and the lanes to Briston, Edgefield and Hempstead, where Duncan turned for home. I continued to Selbrigg Pond where I stopped to look at the swans, no sign of any new swans this year, though the three from last year seem to be refusing to leave home. Then Bodham and back to PC.
You will have seen the email from Nigel Walsh that he is shortly moving to Nottingham. On Wednesday evening he was buying the beers/saying goodbye at the Lobster in Sheringham. Naturally I wanted to represent the Club Rides, so headed off to enjoy free beer and wish Nigel well for the future. While there it was obvious than Mike Padfield had broken his right collarbone, apparently crashing through High Kelling on Tuesday evening’s time trial. Get well soon Mike.
PC to PC 48 miles at an average 14.9 mph Riders: Duncan S, Graham A, Graham J, Mark M, Ian A
PS. Chris S was unavailable for the Wednesday ride, but not wanting to miss out, rode the route Monday morning at an impressive 16.6 mph average.
Ride report by Mark M On a warm, dry morning with a light north wind, Chris, Neil Mc, Andrew and Mark met at PC to head to Gresham Church to pick up Doug and Jim before heading for Metton, Felbrigg and Northrepps Hill where Graham was waiting for us. So now as a group of seven we went to Northrepps, Hungry Hill and the lanes to the edge of Gimmingham and on to the road through Mundesley golf course, then Trunch and Knapton. Then we had a southern loop through Bacton Woods, Crostwight and Ridlington before entering Bacton from the east. We must have benefited from the northerly wind as we arrived at Watsons at 11:45 and found an outside table sheltered from the wind. We didn’t have long to wait before we were all enjoying a tasty and good value lunch and the café was fairly busy as well. Chris received a call to fix a shower door in his holiday let before the next guests were due later in the afternoon. Not wanting to miss out on the miles, he set off for home early, following the route. A later update said that he had fixed the door with 10 minutes to spare and had the ridden 62.6 miles door to door at an average speed of 15.8 mph, so he was pushing hard to get home. Andrew also needed to get home early, so he opted for a shorter more direct route home. That left five to ride through Edingthorpe, White Horse Common, Briggate to Worstead. Then it was Swanton Abbott to Skeyton Church, up to Hyltons Crossways, Corvette Kingdom and Suffield Church. Here Graham continued on for Antingham and Cromer, while we turned for Colby and Erpingham, Wickmere and Matlaske. At the crossroads, Neil continued for Corpusty, Jim headed for Plumstead, Edgefield and home. That left Mark and Doug to head back towards PC with Doug turning for Gresham and back to Cromer.
PC to PC was 57 miles at an average of 15.3 mph Long distance award goes to Jim with 70.4 miles at 15.2mph average, door to door from Melton Constable. Riders: Neil Mc, Chris S, Andrew B, Jim H, Doug H, Graham A, Mark M. With the latest deliveries of Club Kit, five riders sported Wheelers tops today.
Ride report by Andrew B Four riders met at PC for a ride to Bayfield Hall on a slightly overcast and breezy, but warm summer’s day. With Mark leading, the four set off at a steady pace on the planned route through East Beckham, Bessingham, Thurgarton, Wickmere, Wolterton, Itteringham, Corpusty, Thurning, Nethergate, Hindolveston, Melton Constable, Briningham, Brinton, Sharrington and Letheringsett. On arrival at the Natural Surrounds Cafe, Ian had already arrived and had bagged a table, which was fortunate as it was busy. The drinks and some of the food arrived fairly promptly.
Natural Surroundings 14-Aug-2024, L-R Chris S, Clive aka “The Sausage Pirate”, Mark M, Andrew B. Ian A camera.
However, it transpired that the cheese toasty which was already being eaten was intended for another table! There was then a delay for the rest of the food, which was unfortunate, but good when it arrived. The Bray’s pork pie, made locally at Bayfield Brecks, was excellent.
Bray’s Pork Pies HQ, Bayfield Estate
A tactical error was then made by the author in ordering more drinks and a cake which also took a while. Ian therefore decided to depart having arrived before us and eaten first, as he had always intended to make his own way back. The route back took us through Saxlingham, Sharrington, Bale, Field Dalling, Langham and Blakeney, where Clive left us for home. The remaining three then proceeded via. Wiveton, Newgate, and up to High Kelling where I departed for home. This left the two riders to make the way back to PC. An excellent route and a good day’s cycling.
PC to PC 50 miles Average speed 14.9 mph Total Elevation 1900 ft
Ride Report by Mark M Five Wheelers met at PC on an already hot and humid morning. Fortunately it was overcast which helped keep the temperature down and there was a fairly strong westerly wind. While we were waiting, Geoff P cycled past and stopped for a chat, he was also on his way to Norton’s, so we would meet there later. So we set off for High Kelling and Cley and after 6 miles at the junction of the Kelling and Holt Weybourne road we came across a two vehicle collision that had just happened, leaving a VW camper van on its side. As I called the police, the others helped get the family out of the van, getting them to kick out the windscreen and getting the rear door open. Remarkably other than being a bit dazed and confused, nobody in the either vehicle was injured, the only injury sustained was to Neil S who hurt his back getting the rear door open and had to head home shortly after. With the ok from the police we set off again for Cley Newgate, Glandford, where we came across four old Landrovers having just crossed the ford, one of them in great condition had a pre-suffix registration, meaning that it was pre 1963. Then Saxlingham, Binham, Hindringham, Thursford Castle (where Graham headed direct to Walsingham) Gt Snoring, the Barshams, Waterden, Egmere and into Little Walsingham after 32 windy and hilly miles. We were pleased to see that Graham had claimed a large table in a shady spot as Norton’s was busy with tourists and other cyclists. We met up with Geoff again though he didn’t stop for long, I don’t think he even had a cake! After a good lunch we set of for Great Walsingham and a splash through the shallow ford, then Hindringham, where Graham turned for home, while the rest headed south for Gunthorpe and Swanton Novers. Then we turned for Hindolveston, Thurning Mill and Little London where Neil turned off, up the hill to Edgefield where Chris took great delight in having to wait for me at the top, then Baconsfield and PC.
PC to PC 59.3 miles at an average 15.2 mph Riders: Neil Mc, Graham A, Chris S, Neil S, Mark M and Geoff P
Ride report by Mark M With numbers greatly reduced by holidays and other commitments, it was apparent that a Tuesday ride would suit those available. So Mark and Chris set off from PC on another hot and humid morning, with potential showers forecast. We set off into a headwind for Hempstead, Briston, Hindolveston, Wood Norton and Great Ryburgh. Here we turned for North Elmham, finally losing the headwind. After Elmham we turned off at Worthing and followed the Wensum, crossing it at Mill Street then turned for Bylaugh and up to Sparham before the final hill up to the café at 34 miles. Graham was already sitting at an outside table having taken a more direct route down from Cromer. The café was the busiest that I’ve seen it, with many families making the most of the school holidays to visit the Bug Park. We had a little bit longer wait for our food than normal but it was good and tasty as usual.
Chris S and Graham A enjoying lunch in the sun at Chrysalis Cafe, Sparham Hill. 6th August 2024Bugs at the Bug Park, Sparham Hill. 6th August 2024
Refreshed and refuelled the three of us set off again, this time passing the Witchingham’s before heading up to Cawston, Able Heath, Blickling and Ingworth. At Ingworth Graham turned for Erpingham and a more direct route home, leaving two to take the lanes to Calthorpe, Wickmere and Thurgarton. Then it was up to Sustead church, Gresham and the final push back to PC. We made the full trip without anything more than a few spots of rain, though it did rain steadily an hour or so after getting home.
PC to PC 56.4 miles at an average of 15.4 mph Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Graham A.
North Norfolk Wheelers 