Club Runs

Ride report by Mark M
Chris, Doug and Mark met at PC on a very humid morning with a fairly light south westerly wind and a forecast of showers. It was a relief to get moving and having the breeze cool us down as we went down to Itteringham and then to Oulton to pick up Neil.
The plan was to go through Heydon Park, but the route was closed, so we diverted down the main B1149 to Heydon Road and rejoined our route to Cawston. Then we had some good fast roads down to Felthorpe and across to Attlebridge and the customary stop at the bridge for a breather before crossing the busy A1067 and up the hill to Weston Longville. We went past the old Attlebridge airfield and Hockering Wood to get to the first bridge over the A47, then it was through Mattishall, past a recently permanently closed Tabnabs and on to South Green Park to the café. South Green Park is a small business centre run by Poultec Training, which has meeting rooms, a new gym centre and a large café, with loads of indoor and outside seating, surrounded by grass and a pond.
We initially sat outside and watched a Moorhen family come very close looking for food scraps. We had just been served our drinks, when it started to drizzle and the wind was blowing it under the table parasol, so we bravely retreated into the café for our lunch. There seemed to be a communication problem between the order placed at the till and the information received in the kitchen as they managed to get 50% of the lunch orders wrong. They sorted the orders out though Doug did have to wait a long time for his, not that anyone noticed! Despite the issues we all agreed that it was worthy of another visit in the future.
When we set off we headed through Mattishall and up to North Tuddenham, crossing the A47 by another bridge. We stopped at Dans Farm for some excellent ice cream tubs, kindly bought by Doug. Then with the wind helping us we went through Elsing, up to Sparham then Nowhere Lane to Kerdiston, Thurning and Little London, where Neil turned off for home.
By now there were a lot of very black clouds and the wind had picked up and was swinging around to the north, which didn’t help progress. On the hill up to Edgefield, Chris showed that his form last Saturday was not a fluke, by leading to the top. When we got to the climb to the pylons at Bodham Hill he left me behind again and wasn’t interested in my excuses! It was now cool and drizzling, so Chris went home via Upper Sheringham, at Red Barn lane Doug continued to Cromer and I returned to PC.

PC to PC 59 miles at an average 15.2 mph
Riders: Doug H, Chris S, Neil Mc, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 7th August – Chrysalis Café, Sparham Hill
Saturday 10th August – Norton’s, 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 Chris S

On a warm sunny Wednesday with temperatures reaching over 20 degrees Celsius and no forecast of rain (quite a rarity this year!) three Wheelers, Mark M, Duncan S and Chris S set off from PC. The initial route passed through Gresham, Sustead and Southrepps where Graham A then joined the group.

The route then continued on through North Walsham, Honing, Dilham, Neatishead, Ashmanhaugh before reaching Hoveton Hall Garden Kitchen Café. Here the four were joined by Malcolm S who had cycled up from St Olaves taking the river crossing at Reedham Ferry. A light lunch was enjoyed in the shade before setting off again. Malcolm S headed south leaving the other four Wheelers to head back northwards.

The route followed a short section of the Bure Valley Railway where the group managed to beat the steam locomotive No. 7, Spitfire, to the level crossing and then admire it as it passed with waving holidaymakers. The 15” gauge heritage Bure Valley Railway runs between Wroxham & Aylsham on the old railway bed of the East Norfolk Railway which was originally constructed in 1880 (history lesson over!).

The homeward journey then passed through Tunstead, Worstead, Knapton and Trunch where the group stopped outside the Crown Pub to commiserate with some locals about its recent closure. Sadly the Wheelers will no longer be able to partake in their excellent pies during the winter months!

At Northrepps Graham A turned off to head back to Cromer whilst the remaining Wheelers continued through Felbrigg, Hanworth and Baconsthorpe where Duncan S turned off toward Holt. This left only two Wheelers to ride through the Beckhams (West & East not to be confused with David and Victoria!) back to PC. No shortcuts this time via Upper Sheringham!

PC to PC 62.8 miles Average Speed 15.1mph

Riders: Mark M, Chris S, Duncan S, Graham A joined by Malcolm S for lunch

Upcoming Rides – 
Saturday 3rd August – Café Verde, Mattishall
Wednesday 7th August – Chrysalis Café, Sparham Hill
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 an ideal day for cycling, five Wheelers met at PC and went via Baconsthorpe to Edgefield to pick up Neil Mc, before continuing to Briston, Stody and across a busy A148 to Bale. Chris who was complaining about a lack of fitness as he had not been on his bike for a few weeks, kept leaving us all behind, so when we reached Hindringham he went on ahead to get us a shady table at Holkham.
The rest continued to Gt Snoring, down to East Barsham up the steep hill to the church and on to West and North Barsham, Waterden, Quarles and to the Triumphal Arch. With such a clear day, the Triumphal Arch framed a great view to the Obelisk, the sea and distant wind turbines. Holkham Park was busy though the café was fairly quiet and we found Chris finishing his lunch in the shade. We all had a good lunch though remarked that prices had gone up since our last visit.
We left Holkham through the east gate and went through a very busy Wells, heading for Warham, turning at the pub for Copys Green and the Walsinghams. Chris still had energy to burn so he set off to complete the route alone. The rest continued to Gt Snoring, Little Snoring and around the airfield to Thursford Green, Gunthorpe to Sharrington.
From Sharrington the route went to Letheringsett, up the hill to Bayfield Brecks and Glandford, Cley Newgate, up to High Kelling, Bodham Hill and PC.
As I wasn’t feeling very good, I opted to go the slightly easier and shorter route of Thornage, Hunworth Hill, Edgefield, Baconsthorpe, Bodham Hill, PC.
Doug chose to follow the full route, Graham went with him to Letheringsett, then took the main road to Holt. Myself and the two Neils made our way up to Edgefield where Neil Mc turned for home, leaving two to continue to PC.
Both Chris and Doug said the Wiveton loop was tough, especially at the end of an already hill ride. Well done for completing the full route.

PC to PC Full Route 64 miles with 827m climbing
PC to PC shorter route 60 miles with 755m climbing at an average 14.4 mph.

Riders: Graham A, Neil S, Doug H, Chris S, Neil Mc, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 31st July – Hoveton Hall
Saturday 3rd August – Café Verde, Mattishall
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Ride Report by Andrew B
Two riders met at PC for a ride to Wiveton Hall Cafe on a fine and calm summer’s day. With Mark leading, the two set off at a steady pace on the planned route through West Beckham, Baconsthorpe, Plumstead, Edgefield, Ramsgate Street, Thurning Mill, Hindolveston, Fulmodeston, Barney, Thursford, Hindringham, Binham, Langham and onto Wiveton.
On arrival at the Cafe it was good to see that Ian was already there and has bagged a good table outside in the sun. We all enjoyed a good lunch whilst admiring the view of the marshes and the sea (and ignoring the wind turbines!).
The route back took us through Newgate, (where Ian left us to make his own way home), up the hill past Bayfield Brecks, Letheringsett, Hunworth, Stody, Briston, Edgefield, Hempstead and Selbrigg. Mark then carried on back to PC alone (or at least the author assumes so!). A steady pace was again set by Mark with a bit of a head wind. An excellent route and a good day’s cycling in fine weather.

PC to PC 52 miles
Average speed 14.3 mph
Total Elevation 1900 ft

Andrew, Ian and Mark leading.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 27th July – Holkham Hall
Wednesday 31st July – Hoveton Hall
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 an 83 mile route and two stops planned we started at the earlier time of 9am. Neil S, Doug and Mark met at PC on an already warm morning and headed to Edgefield to pick up Neil Mc. The route then took us to Bale, Gt Snoring, West Barsham and Sculthorpe Mill, where we stopped to look at the invitingly cool waters of the Wensum. Then it was Helhoughton and our first stop at 34miles at Gt Massingham Cartshed for a coffee and cake. After a longish stop we set off to cross the A1065 at Weasenham then down to East Lexham church.
Here Neil S had a rear puncture in his pair of new Schwalbe Lugano 2. Finding a shady spot to fix it, it was determined that a stone had nicked the rim and must have also caused the puncture.
To save some time we missed out the West Lexham loop, continued to Gt Dunham and on to Beeston Ploughshare where Graham A had been waiting for us and had already had his lunch. The Ploughshare is a community pub and shop and has many war time photos of the 392 Bomb Group and their B-24 Liberators from nearby RAF Wendling. We enjoyed a good lunch and refreshments sat outside in a shady spot.
After lunch we set off on the lanes towards Dereham and had only got a few miles when Neil S had a front puncture, again we found a shady spot while he changed the tube and we provided encouragement.

With that fixed we continued to Dereham and the golf club, cut through the housing estate to the hospital and continued to Swanton Morley, Elsing, Lyng and Reepham.
Here we stopped at the Co-op for a final cold drink, then as we were about to leave I noticed the tube bulging out of the rear tyre sidewall. It would seem that after 7991 miles the rear tyre had finally worn out with the sidewall detaching from the bead. A section of old toothpaste tube that had been carried for years was finally put into service and was wrapped around the tube, preventing it from escaping from the tyre and getting me back home.
After all the excitement, Graham headed off for home while the rest continued to Corpusty, where Neil Mc turned off, just as we had a light rain shower which helped to cool the air a little. The remaining three continued on the direct route to PC with Doug turning for Cromer at North Barningham.
It should be noted that at last week’s Holkham Pedal Revolution weekend, Doug completed his Saturday 150 mile ride and then completed the 75 mile gravel ride on Sunday. Chapeau Doug!

PC to PC was 79 miles at 14.7 mph
Riders: Neil S, Doug H, Neil Mc, Graham A, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 24th July – Wiveton Hall Cafe
Saturday 27th July – Holkham Hall
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
Two riders met at PC for a ride to the Skeyton Goat on a fine summer’s day (at last!). After a short postponement caused by both riders taking calls, the two set of via East Beckham, Gresham, Bessingham, Sustead and Hunworth, where we met Graham A as prearranged (he had phoned us to see what was keeping us!). The three then carried on through Suffield, Felmingham and onto Skeyton Corner. At this point we encountered a number of road closures that caused the leader to become lost and divert from the planned route (no change there then!). We therefore made our way through Westwick, Swanton Abbott, Worstead and Baderfield. As this had taken about five miles off the route we arrived ten minutes before the pub opened. However, we were able to sit in the lovely garden in the sun. Having ordered as soon as the pub opened, we were served very quickly and all enjoyed an excellent lunch sitting outside for a change.
The route back took us through Tuttington, Aylsham, Ingworth and Itteringham, where Graham left us to make his own way back home. The remaining two then went through Little Barningham, Edgefield and Hempstead, where Duncan split off for home. A great day’s cycling in beautiful sunny weather for a change. It was good to see Graham back to a good level of fitness again.

PC to PC 48 miles
Average speed 14 mph
Total Elevation 1600 ft
Riders: Duncan, Graham A and Andrew leading

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 20th July – Beeston Ploughshare – 9am Start
Wednesday 24th July – Wiveton Hall Cafe
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 night of rain, it was a cool, damp grey morning at PC for Neil, Chris and Mark. They were all sporting overshoes and warm clothing, though Chris was still in shorts. Undeterred they set off eastwards through Gresham, Metton, Felbrigg, crossing the A149 at Crossdale Street. Heading up Northrepps Hill they encountered a flood the size of a small lake under the railway bridge, with two cars on the opposite side trying to decide to risk it or not. Mark tried to freewheel through with his feet out of the pedals but the water slowed him almost to a standstill before reaching halfway, so he was forced to pedal through, with the inevitable sensation of water seeping into his shoes. Neil and Chris followed through and we stopped a little further up the road to allow Neil to wring out his socks, the two cars having seen us indicate the water depth, turned around and took another route.
We did have the northwesterly breeze helping us as we continued to Trimmingham, Knapton, White Horse Common to Honing. The bridge at Honing Common has finally been rebuilt and the road reopened. As the drizzle continued, we decided to save a few miles and continued on through East Ruston and picked up the route again at Happisburgh Common, then past the Hill Sixty water tower on to Walcott and the pub. The Lighthouse pub has been repainted from its distinctive blue to a cream colour. Instead of a sunny summer’s afternoon in the garden, we were all pleased to get indoors and all ordered hot and filling jacket spuds.
We left in more drizzle and decided to miss out the loop to Barton Turf and at Honing turned for Worstead and picked up the route again at Swanton Abbott. We continued into the wind to Aylsham and Oulton, where Neil turned for home, leaving two to head north for Itteringham, Matlaske and back to PC.

Doug H is camping at the Pedal Revolution Holkham sportive weekend and he was tackling the appropriately named Insanity 150 mile ride on Sat followed by a 75 mile road/gravel ride on Sun. At least heatstroke won’t be a problem though trench foot might.

PC to PC was 57.5 miles at 15.1 mph instead of the planned 71 miles.
Riders: Neil Mc, Chris S, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 17th July – Skeyton Goat
Saturday 20th July – Beeston Ploughshare – 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 Ian A.
On a very mild, dry and bright morning with a moderate but warm southwesterly four Wheelers met at PC, all resplendent in their matching club kit.

The route went via Gresham where they were joined by Doug then onto Aylmerton, Felbrigg Park, the customary jiggle through Cromer and onto Northrepps where Graham further swelled the group.
The six Wheelers then continued via Trunch, Bradfield, Colby and onto Alby via Erpingham. The cafe was bustling as usual and Ian, who had ridden there via a much shorter route, was already seated and finishing his first coffee. (Ian was also in his new club kit, nicely accessorised by some new yellow mitts. (I dunno, ride photographer and now fashionista!) The others were just a few minutes late due to some apparently dodgy navigating by Mark. Food and drinks were ordered and as ever, all was good and served with a smile. Doug was enthusiastically welcomed by one of the female staff. Tennis Club connections he alleged.

After a leisurely lunch the group of seven took the grassy Blacksmith’s Lane and went back to Erpingham and down to Ingworth (detouring slightly to avoid a probably very wet and muddy narrow lane). Skirting Blickling and on towards Itteringham, Andrew’s front Gatorskin punctured, removing a piece of flint the size of a small prehistoric axe head and the tyre went flat within seconds. (Question: Is a front Gatorskin the same as a fore….? Probably not.) Ian assisted with the retubing and the rest of the group kindly waited a mile or so down the road. (Whilst fixing the puncture a group of walkers asked if they could help, but when we suggested yes, they could take over with the pump they declined…)
From Itteringham it was north to Wickmere, then round to Matlaske where Doug and Graham turned for Cromer, leaving the remaining five to carry on to Plumstead and Hempstead, where Duncan turned for Holt, leaving the others to continue past Selbrigg Pond (no new cygnets this year it seems).
At the top of Selbrigg Road, Ian and Andrew turned for High Kelling, leaving Mark and Chris to make their way back to Sheringham via PC.

PC to PC was 50 miles at an average speed of 14.7mph
Riders: Andrew B, Chris S, Doug H, Duncan S, Graham A, Ian A, Mark M.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 13th July – The Lighthouse, Walcott
Wednesday 17th 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
Continued holidays and injuries meant that one rider left PC on probably the hottest ride day so far this year. Neil was picked up at Aldborough School with Jim joining the group at the top of the hill at Town Green. We continued to North Walsham via Antingham and Lyngate, where Graham joined the group. After a tour of North Walsham and past the Sandy Hill refuse site, we crossed the A149 and headed down to Worstead, Ashmanhaugh and Wroxham.
Wroxham was fairly busy, though the traffic kept moving so we were soon over the bridge and turned off through a boat yard onto the quieter Avenue. We then turned for Woodbastwick with a quick stop to view the broad at Ranworth before the final couple of miles to Fairhaven.
As we arrived we met Malcolm still getting off his bike, having taken the Reedham ferry.
We found a small outside table with a large parasol, so claimed that and managed to get most of the lunches and drinks onto it while we enjoyed the shade.
After lunch Malcolm headed for Acle and a return trip on Reedham ferry for a round trip of about 40 miles. The rest headed to Panxworth, Little Plumstead and Salhouse, turning onto quieter roads to Crostwick, Frettenham, Hainford, Buxton and Brampton. As we turned west for Aylsham and Graham continued north for Cromer we noticed the wind had changed from north east to south west, making progress a little harder. We went to Able Heath and Oulton, where Jim took the Irmingland road to Corpusty and the lanes to Briston and home for a total ride of 67 miles. This left Neil and myself to head to Itteringham and Neil’s turn off for Mannington Hall. By now the wind had turned again and was now back to north east, so a headwind again for the last few miles to Barningham Winter, Red Barn Lane and PC.

PC to PC was a hot 63.7 miles at an average of 15.1 mph
Riders: Neil Mc, Jim H, Graham A, Mark M, Malcolm S

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 3rd July – Warham Horseshoes
Saturday 6th July – Chrysalis Café, Sparhamhill
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
Although three riders took part in a ride to the Heydon Tea Rooms, only one (Mark) started on time from PC, as Andrew (the author of this report) was late starting, and Ian took a more direct route due to an injury. Although it was a warm day the start of the ride was marred by a sea fret. However, this lifted as the route headed in land to reveal the fine weather forecast. The route took us through Gresham, Aldborough, Barningham Green, Briston, Hindolveston, Wood Norton, Guestwick, Themelthorpe and Wood Dalling.

On arrival at the Tea Rooms there was no sign of any bikes, however a quick phone call established that the other two were already ensconced in the garden at the back. We all enjoyed a good lunch of sandwiches/salads in the sun-drenched garden with large quantities of tea/coffee and water to quench our thirsts. Much to my disappointment cakes were ruled out but a promise was made for a further stop on the route home.

Ian made his way home separately leaving Mark and Andrew to continue the planned route through Salle, Southgate and Oulton Street. It was then decided to shorten the route in deference to my lack of cycling fitness through Silvergate, Blickling, Ingworth and on to Itteringham were we made the promised stop. Ice-creams were the order of the day with us having to seek shade to stop them melting too fast! We then returned to PC via Plumstead. A great day’s cycling in beautiful sunny weather for a change.

PC to PC 54 miles
Average speed 14.6 mph
Total Elevation 1750 ft
Riders: Mark, Ian and Andrew.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 29th June – Fairhaven, South Walsham
Wednesday3rd July – Warham Horseshoes
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/