Report by Ride Leader Andrew B Four riders took part in for a run to Stanfield Old Dairy on a muggy and wet spring day, with two starting from PC and two joining at the Selbrigg pond junction (including the leader!) having started from High Kelling. The route took us through Hempstead, Edgefield, Briston, Craymere Beck, Nethergate, Hindolveston, Wood Norton, Stibbard, Great Ryburgh, Colkrik and Whissonsett. Having arrived rather damp we were a bit concerned about going into the Old Dairy but we were made welcome, quickly shown to a table and orders taken, The drinks and food were excellent, with all but Ian going for cakes as well.
The Old Diary, Stanfield 15-May-2024 L-R Chris S, Andrew B, Ian A, Mark MCake Scoffing at The Old Dairy 15-May-2024 L-R Chris “I’m dieting” S, Andrew B. Ian A camera
After lunch we were pleased to note that it had stopped raining (although this did not last long!) and we made our way back through Brisley, Broom Green, Twyford, Pockthorpe, Foulsham, Bates Moor, Guestwick, Corpusty, Saxthorpe and Little Barningham. Andrew and Ian left the remaining two at Hill Farm to make their way back to PC. There was a further photo opportunity at Bintree Watermill allowing us to prepare for the steep climb out!
Bintree Mill 15-May-2024 L-R Mark M, Andrew B, Chris S. Ian A camera
Overall, a good day’s ride despite the weather, with an excellent lunch stop.
PC to PC 53 miles Average speed 14 mph Total Elevation 1700 ft
Ride Report by Ian A Editor’s note – Mark and Neil had a chat with Geoff P at PC, looking well, he was off to Barningham Crown to enjoy lunch in the sun. Hope you enjoyed it Geoff. Mark and Neil met at PC on an overcast and cool morning and set off in long sleeved jerseys and jackets. However, when they arrived at High Kelling via West Beckham, they found the sun was shining, it was pleasantly warm and Ian was baring all! After a short discussion on the weather-related benefits of living in High Kelling, the threesome set off over the NNR bridge and onto Wiveton and then predominantly eastwards with a gentle tailwind all the way. The route took us through Langham, Binham and then onto Wighton where we stopped to admire the impressive exhibits at the Scarecrow Festival. Little Miss Muffet was a little sinister and there were many excellent other examples.
Little Miss Muffet plus spider, Wighton 11-May-2024 photo Ian A“The Mole Whisperer”, Wighton 11-May-2024 photo Ian AResting Scarecrow? Wighton 11-May-2024 photo Ian A
We continued on some pretty lanes to Burnham Thorpe and then decided to detour into and through (a not too busy) Burnham Market where we encountered our first flood of the day as the River Burn was running high. Ian got wet feet and a wet rear and was bemoaning his decision to remove his mudguards for the ride… We then turned southwest through Docking and Fring and the turn to Great Bircham Windmill. The tearooms were busy but they have an efficient ordering system. We found a table outside in the shade and both the breakfasts and the quiche with salad were very good. (I have to also comment that the road surfaces on the lanes do seem to get better as you move into West Norfolk!)
Preparing to saddle up, Gt. Bircham Windmill 11-May-2024 photo Ian A
Refuelled and refreshed we now faced the prospect of a headwind all the way back to PC. Fortunately the wind wasn’t too strong and the left hand hedges gave us some shelter for much of the way. The return leg went via Syderstone, South Creake and up to North Barsham and Houghton St. Giles where we turned east to Great Snoring. The River Stiffkey was in full-flood at Houghton St. Giles and we had to dismount to walk over the footbridge due to the levels of water and mud. From Great Snoring it was the well-ridden route of Thursford, Gunthorpe, Brinton, Stody, Hunworth and the climb up to Edgefield. Our last wet and muddy encounter was on the Gunthorpe Road up to Brinton which was also a bit unexpected. So yes, dear reader, a bike wash was necessary afterwards. At Edgefield, Neil turned off to head downhill to Corpusty, leaving Ian and Mark to return via Baconsthorpe and Hill Farm at the bottom of New Road, where Ian turned left for home, and Mark continued back to PC and Sheringham. Overall an excellent, pretty route with a few smatterings of wet muddiness.
PC to PC was 66 miles with an average speed of 15.3mph Riders: Ian A, Mark M, Neil M
Report by Mark M Chris and Mark met at PC on a windless though chilly morning, setting off to meet Ian and Andrew at High Kelling. From there it was Cley Newgate, Glandford and the hilly Bayfield route to Letheringsett and Sharrington. By this time the sun was shining, skies were clear and it was getting warm enough to stop and remove gilets and arm warmers. Onwards through Bale, Hindringham to Great Snoring where Ian and Andrew, having other commitments, left us for a shorter 40 mile loop, visiting Norton’s then picking up the return route home. That left two, enjoying the sun and views through the Barshams to Waterden and up to Quarles and Holkham’s Triumphal Arch. The south gates were open and we had an unobstructed view across the park and out to sea. Graham A, having taken a more direct route was waiting for us at a very quiet Courtyard Café, and we enjoyed a good lunch outside in the courtyard. After lunch Graham set off on his own route home, while Chris and I took the east gate out of the park for Burnham Thorpe and the long climb back to the south gate then on to Wighton. Wighton was ready for the annual scarecrow festival and most gardens had a scarecrow or two appearing out of the hedgerow, some were very comical. We went through the Walsinghams, then up to Little Snoring, Thursford Green, Gunthorpe to Sharrington, Thornage, Hunworth and the final long climb of the day, up to Edgefield. The final leg took us through Hempstead, past Selbrigg lake to Bodham and PC.
PC to PC was 68 miles with 925m of climbing at an average of 14.7 mph Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Ian A, Andrew B, Graham A.
Ride Report by Mark M Surprisingly, for the start of a bank holiday weekend the sun came out, the skies were blue and most of the roads had dried up from Friday’s rain. Mark and Ian left from PC to pick up Doug at Gresham Church and Neil M at Aldborough, then through Suffield, Antingham to North Walsham. The Dilham canal bathed in sunshine looked very inviting as we headed to Crostwight, East Ruston Gardens and joined the Sea Palling road at Ingham. It made a change to ride a single road for a few unbroken miles through Sea Palling to Waxham, where we had a detour past Waxham Hall and church before the final 2.5 mile push into the wind to Poppylands. As we arrived Graham A was already tucking into his lunch, having followed the coast road down from Cromer and Malcolm was just ordering lunch having had a wind assisted ride up from St Olaves. Poppylands is a 1940’s themed café and is very popular, with Horsey Gap car park just a short walk away. While we had lunch a group of roadies arrived, all carbon and aero, then a small group of MTB’ers who had found some tracks to ride.
Corned beef hash in a mess tin with a Churchill tea cosy – Poppylands 4th May 2024. L-R Graham A, Malcolm S, Neil M, Mark M cameraKeep Calm and Carry on Eating – L-R Doug H, Ian A Poppylands, Horsey 4th May 2024
After a good lunch and plenty of chat, we all set off for Sea Palling, where Malcolm left us to head for Hickling and home, while the rest took the small lane beside the dunes, past the wooden chalets to Lessingham. We had short tour of Happisburgh, past the lighthouse and down to the car park, where part of the entrance and the route down to the beach has fallen into the sea.
Happisburgh Lighthouse 4th May 2024 Ian A photoHappisburgh car park entrance, now very close to the sea. 4th May 2024. L-R Graham A, Mark M, Neil M, Doug H, Ian A camera
We passed Hill Sixty water tower enroute to Ridlington and Witton, before heading to Knapton, Trunch, South and Northrepps, Ian stopped here to visit the church yard, the rest continued up to the top of Northrepps hill. Graham and Doug headed for Cromer, Mark and Neil for Crossdale Street, Metton and Sustead, where Neil turned for home.
PC to PC was 63 miles at a 15.2 mph average. Ian won the mileage prize with 70+ miles. Riders: Ian A, Mark M, Doug H, Neil M, Graham A, Malcolm S
Report by Mark M It was hard to believe the contrast in weather from last Saturday’s ride, that required winter kit and we were still cold, to today’s summer kit of shorts and exposed legs. We had sunshine and light winds all day, clear blue skies and mainly dry roads. The verges were full of colour which attracted a large number of flies and bugs also out enjoying the warmth. Four Wheelers left PC for Hanworth, Thorpe Market, Bradfield and through North Walsham, Briggate to Honing. Here Ian joined the return route and headed for home, as he would be getting his cake at a 96th birthday party he would be attending in the afternoon. The remaining trio continued to Dilham, looped around to Anchor Street and then a partially flooded and very muddy Church Lane-Knowles Lane before heading down to cross the A1151 Stalham Road. An accident had occurred at the junction and the police had closed the main road while the recovery trucks did their job, but they let us cross the road and continue on our way to Neatishead, Ashmanhaugh and to the café.
The café had recently reopened for the season and they had moved the kitchen and ordering point to the opposite end of the barn which provided more room for them and their customers. We sat outside and enjoyed a good leisurely lunch in glorious weather.
Sunshine at Hoveton Hall cafe, 1st May 2024
L-R Graham A, Chris S, Mark M camera
Our return leg took us to Worstead and back to Honing, then through the currently closed to vehicles Old Hall Road to Bacton Wood. Then it was the familiar route of Knapton, Trunch, South and Northrepps, where Graham turned for Cromer. Chris and myself had a hard and fast last few miles through Metton, Gresham and back to PC.
PC to PC was 56.5 miles at an average of 15.3 mph. Ian’s shortened ride from PC to home was a good 39 miles at 14.6 mph average. Riders: Graham A, Chris S, Ian A, Mark M
Ride Report by Neil M Three Wheelers met at PC on a cold, windy, drizzly morning which felt more like early February than late April. Chris was out again and raring to go despite his painful hip, so thoughts of feet up in the warm and a nice pot of tea were cast aside in the face of such determination.
We set off down the hill through East Beckham and on to Gresham, Susted and Hanworth to cross the A140 and head North of Gunton Park toward Thorpe Market. Following a brief section of the Cromer road we were back into the lanes past Gunton Station, Trunch, Knapton and Edingthorpe to the outskirts of Bacton.
In best getting-the-miles-in tradition the easy route to Walcott was ignored and we turned inland again to head South through Witton and past East Ruston Vicarage gardens to skirt Happisburgh. It is always good so see the iconic lighthouse on a ride and that was our cue to turn North to Ostend and then up the coast road to the other Lighthouse; the pub this time.
We had been avoiding the Lighthouse over the winter due to the heating not being on; surely it would have warmed up by late April? Well, it was such a cold day that it wasn’t exactly warm in the pub – apart from the radiator in the Gents, which was roasting! It was fine though, warm enough to be welcoming after the ride.
We were pleased to see 3 more Wheelers had already arrived and bagged a table for us all. Neil S, Graham A and Graham J had taken a more direct route and were well ensconced with hot drinks when we arrived. Oddly the three early arrivals all ordered sandwiches and the three later ones all ordered baked potatoes, so the grim weather must have got us thinking alike. The food arrived very quickly and was much appreciated after the cold ride.
Enjoying a good lunch at The Lighthouse Inn, Walcott, 27th April 2024. L-R Mark M, Chris S, Neil S, Graham A, Graham J, Neil M camera.
After lunch Neil S and the two Grahams decided to take the coast road back toward Cromer as they all wanted to get back quickly. The remaining three set out on the return route inland heading down to Honing then through Worstead and round the lanes North of Swanton Abbot. Mark then suggested an alternative to avoid carrying on to Tuttington and re-treading the route of the previous Saturday’s diversion which went through Aylsham. We agreed with this, so turned North through Felmingham and Colby to cross the A140 at Erpingham and pick up the planned route again at Calthorpe.
Neil M left the group just past The Saracen’s Head at Wolterton to head for home via Mannington Hall. The remaining pair carried on through Matlaske and then decided to head direct to Sheringham via Barningham Winter and Red Barn lane, missing out the original route which was to head via Baconsthorpe, Hempstead and Bodham.
All in all, a chilly damp ride, but a nice lunch and no incidents, punctures or mechanicals.
Riders: Mark M, Chris S, Neil M, Neil S, Graham A, Graham J Miles: 53 to 58 miles at an average 15.2 mph
Report by Ride Leader Mark M After a three week injury enforced absence, Chris decided to ease himself back into cycling on a day with a particularly strong and cold northerly wind and over a very hilly route. Fortunately the route was mainly an east to west circuit, so the full on headwind sections were generally fairly short. From PC we went to Bodham, then dropped down to Weybourne, where we met Clive. Then it was uphill past the garden centre and on to Holt and down the A148 to Letheringsett Mill, across the ford bridge and up to Sharrington. On the way to Sharrington, Clive had a rear tubeless puncture, luckily his full mudguard caught the resulting latex spray. On investigation the hole was too small to take a plug, yet the sealant (Stans) failed to fulfil the makers claims. After some time the sealant flow reduced, either due to it finally working or all having been lost. The tyre was pumped up and we continued on with fingers crossed. At Gunthorpe we had to pump up the tyre again and that lasted all the way to the café. On to Thursford and Great Snoring, (missing out the Little Snoring airfield loop), then across the badly eroded footpath and bridge at Houghton St Giles to North Barsham and our most westerly point, South Creake. Then we went via Quarles and saw Holkham’s Triumphal Arch before turning for Egmeer and Little Walsingham, arriving at Norton’s after 34 miles. Arriving later than usual, the café was busy but we were happy to be in the warm and dry while we waited for our lunches, having had a few showers including hail on the way. After lunch we topped up the tyre again and set off for Great Walsingham, Hindringham, Bale, Field Dalling and Saxlingham, where Clive headed back to Blakeney. That left two to enjoy the descent down to Glandford, before the climb up Hurdle Lane to Bayfield. Here we took the road through the barns down to the Holt Road and across to Bridge road. Here we took our second shortcut and instead of going down to Kelling and back up to High Kelling, we stayed on Bridge Road to High Kelling, then West Beckham and home via Upper Sheringham.
PC to PC was 55.5 miles instead of the planned 59 miles, with a 13.9 mph average. Riders: Chris S, Clive A, Mark M leading
Report by Mark M Another ride on a dry day, with a cold and strong northerly wind. Ideal for the mainly southerly route, though less so for the return journey home. Mark left PC for the short ride to Gresham to meet Doug and then it was down to Aldborough, Erpingham and Ingworth to meet Neil Mc. Across the A140 to Banningham and then south to Brampton, Hainford and Spixworth. From here we turned east, crossing the busy Coltishall then Wroxham roads before getting onto the rolling road through Woodbastwick, Ranworth, where we had a stop to view the boats, then on to South Walsham and Fairhaven Water Gardens and tearoom.
Ducks, geese and boats at a windy Ranworth. 20th April 2024
With the wind assistance we had made good time, getting into the café at noon. We had just ordered our lunches when Malcolm arrived, he had faced the headwind from St Olaves and across the Reedham ferry to join us. Lunchtime topics included how his broken femur had been fixed with a titanium rod being hammered down the centre of it. After a good value lunch, Malcolm got to enjoy the tailwind as he headed for Acle and Stokesby on his circular route back. We now headed west on a fairly busy road for Little Plumstead and Salhouse. Just before Little Plumstead, Doug’s rear tubeless tyre that he had plugged previously, started leaking air and sealant from the same now failing plug. Once again it didn’t take long to stick in another plug and add a bit more air, though I remain a tubeless sceptic.
When the plug fails, stick another one in the hole. Doug H, 20th April 2024
Once we got going again, it was back across the Wroxham road and then to Crostwick to cross the Coltishall road and on to more familiar roads through Frettenham, Little Hautbois to Badersfield. At the Skeyton Goat, the navigator missed the turn and went to Tuttington instead of Felmingham and then changed the route to reduce the miles into the headwind. So we then went via Dunkirk to Ingworth and took the lane across Scarrow Beck (huge holes in the road at the ford) up to Calthorpe. Here Neil turned for Mannington Hall and home, leaving two to head for Wickmere, Thurgarton and the final split at Sustead.
PC to PC was 60.6 miles instead of the planned 64m with an average speed of 14.9mph, helped by a very fast 16.4mph downwind leg. Riders: Doug H, Neil Mc, Mark M, Malcolm S.
Report by Ride Leader Ian A With ongoing injuries and holidays, just two Wheelers met at PC on a cold and windy morning, but at least the heavy rain and hail storms had passed through and we had a dry ride. Possibly due to the ride leader’s excitement at having managed to get new Hunt wheels ordered on Sunday, delivered and fitted to his workhorse gravel bike after bashing beyond repair the old rear wheel, he forgot to check whether the cafe at Hoveton Hall was open. But Mark had. And it wasn’t. Opens next Sunday. So we decided to detour to the nearby Courtyard Cafe at Wroxham Barns, Hoveton which was pretty much on the route anyway. The route took us through East Beckham and the familiar lanes via Lower Gresham, Sustead, Aldborough and on to Alby Common. We called in on Brian P to see how he was – much improved and hoping to be riding before Summer is out, which will be a brilliant recovery, but still frustrated at not being able to walk far or do much. But apparently he CAN manage the washing up… Declining the offer of coffee (and after admiring Elizabeths’s impressive running medal collection!) we pressed on west to Suffield then south skirting Felmingham and on to Swanton Abbot, Sloley and through Tunstead to reach Wroxham Barns.
A rare pink cow at Wroxham Barns, 17th April 2024. Ian A camera.
So that leg had been downwind and downhill. A hearty lunch was therefore required to fuel up for the return leg. Mark opted for what appeared to be a Sunday Roast Pork dinner in a baguette plus a large brownie, while Ian had a brie and cranberry toasted ciabatta sandwich with a biscotti cookie. All was tasty, served up quickly and the coffee was good. It got busy while we were eating and it appeared that it was chucking out time at a local nursery judging by the volume (in all senses) of 3 & 4 year olds suddenly.
After lunch we deviated from the planned route for the first few miles to explore the off-road lane round the ‘other side’ of the old RAF Coltishall airfield. A further workout and shakedown for the new wheels. At Badersfield we rejoined the planned route and went through Skeyton then on to Tuttingham, Banningham, Ingworth, Matlaske and up to the familiar radio mast and down to the Rectory Road junction by Hill Farm where Ian turned left for High Kelling and Mark turned right to head back to PC and Sheringham. And yes it was much harder work in the afternoon and Mark’s diesel engine was as useful as ever.
PC to PC was 48 miles at an average speed of 14mph Riders: Mark M and Ian A leading (kind of)
Report by Mark M With injury and holidays depleting numbers, three Wheelers met at PC on a breezy and cool morning. With the forecast suggesting a balmy 20 degrees later in the day, all three were feeling a little underdressed and hoped the sun would soon warm the day up. With the south westerly wind helping us along as we headed east through Gresham, Metton, Northrepps to Mundesley where we had arranged to pick up Doug. Doug was collecting his bike from Woods Cycles of Mundesley after a bottom bracket replacement and timed it so he could join us and test out the new BB. As a Wheeler he was also pleased to receive a 10% discount on parts and labour from Woods Cycles.
We crossed the golf course on the way to Trunch and Knapton, then through Bacton Wood to Old Hall Road which is still closed to vehicles, though walkers and cyclists can limbo under the barriers at each end to get through. Then it was Crostwight, Ridlington and up to Bacton to a surprisingly quiet Watsons.
Watson’s café, Bacton 13th-April-2024 L-R Graham A, Neil S, Neil Mc, Mark M, Doug H. Ian A camera.
Early arrivals at the café were Graham A and Neil S, who had taken a similar though slightly more direct route and had time to have their lunch before we arrived. Neil S showed us a video clip of Brian P looking very well and happy, pedalling away on a stationary bicycle that he had helped to organise. Brian has just started to take some short walks and the bike will help him regain some strength and mobility. Just as we were thinking of leaving, Malcolm arrived, so I saw that as an excuse for more tea and a piece of cake, while we had a chat and discussed options for new wheels for Ian. Once outside again, of the five bikes remaining, three were titanium, gleaming in the sun, I will admit to having Ti envy! So we sent Malcolm off to complete his 70ish mile circuit to home, while we headed into a stiff headwind to Spa Common, then down to Worstead, across to Skeyton and up to Colby and across to Calthorpe. Here Doug turned for Aldborough and onwards to Cromer and at Wickmere Neil Mc continued on for Corpusty, leaving two to head for Matlaske and the final split at Red Barn Lane.
PC to PC was 57 miles at a 15.5mph average Riders: Neil Mc, Ian A, Mark M, Graham A, Neil S, Malcolm S
North Norfolk Wheelers 