Club Runs

Ride report by Ian A

Four Wheelers met at PC. The mood was sombre. It was cold and it was raining. Why hadn’t Mr. Sensible cancelled the ride? Best guess is it was Ian’s fault. His message the previous evening said he’d join the peloton at Gresham Church so if conditions were OK for Ian nobody would want to show weakness and cancel! So the Damp Four set off and duly picked up Ian at said church, a couple of minutes late, apparently due to Chris adjusting his new head gear. Picture below…

The route took us on very wet and very muddy lanes via Sustead, Metton, Northrepps, Trunch, Bradfield, crossing the Norwich line at Antingham, then swinging south soon after and (via Tuttington) meeting the Norwich Road just south of Aylsham. It was then just a short way up the cycle track alongside the busy road to reach the welcome site of our lunch stop.
Apart from the last 30 minutes or so we’d cycled in constant light rain (plus a headwind most of the way too) so we definitely needed hot drinks and food. The cafe at the garden centre was busy but we were quickly seated, and the hot drinks and sandwiches, panini, soup and a salad for the lady arrived promptly which was very welcome. As usual, the conversation was wide ranging: progress on Andrew’s new build, wardrobe angst, how to slice your thumb off using a log splitter and why Ian probably doesn’t need (and according to Sue, can’t be trusted with), a chainsaw. A bow saw was recommended by the group as a more cost-effective option for cutting up a few small trees into logs and Mark even showed Ian a fine example in the shop.
After lunch was done there was a moment’s pause as we debated whether we should stay in the cafe until we’d dried out or just crack on. So we cracked on. The better news was that it wasn’t raining any more and we had a dry run back with mainly a tailwind to boot.
The post lunch route went via the back streets of Aylsham to emerge onto the Heydon Road via Sandy Lane. At Abel Heath we swung onto the Aylsham Road to Oulton Street then shortly after turned north to Itteringham. We waved Andy off at the Mannington Hall turning to make his way back to Corpusty. Then we took a short detour to avoid the even filthier roads of Little Barningham to take the Matlaske Road to Plumstead and on towards Hempstead. At the Marlpit Lane junction Ian followed the route as the most direct way back to High Kelling via Hempstead and Selbrigg Pond while the remaining trio went back to PC via Baconsthorpe and West Beckham.
Footnote: There was the customary sprint to the mast at Bodham Hill. Chris set off but Andrew gave chase and won by a few lengths. Although allegedly in the process his flying elbows nearly put Mark in a hedge! Clearly it’s getting serious…..

PC to PC was 43.8 miles at an average speed of 13.9 mph
Riders: Andrew B, Andy S, Chris S, Ian A, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 24th January – Goat Inn, Skeyton
Wednesday 28th January – Natural Surroundings, Glandford
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Ride report by Neil M

Five Wheelers met at PC on a misty winter morning. It was neither cold, raining or windy, which makes a pleasant change after the preceding fortnight’s weather. The roads were very wet and muddy though with the sugar beet mudfest in full swing.

The planned route had been revised due to the two-week closure of the Holt road and the impact on all the little lanes we normally use, so the outward route was via Baconsthorpe and Plumstead and then down the Matlaske road to Saxthorpe. We caught Harvey T out for a ride near Baconsthorpe and he rode along with us until we turned off at Plumstead to head toward Barningham. He was looking fit & well and had been getting the miles in with solo rides which also meant he hadn’t fitted the extended mudguard flap that is essential for group riding, so we all got a good splattering!

From Saxthorpe and Corpusty we carried on down the flooded Blackwater Lane to Thurning, Guestwick, Themelthorpe and across the Reepham road via Jordan Green to join Nowhere Lane. From here it was only a short ride to our lunch stop, the Chrysalis cafe at Bugz.

The cafe was quiet when we arrived, but we could see a long table set out for a children’s party, so we sat at a safe distance! As usual, the food was hot, excellent value and served very speedily, so it is always a good option for a winter lunch stop. Lunches ordered seemed rather lighter than usual with everyone obviously compensating for Xmas excess. I’m sure normal Full-English service will be resumed soon.

We timed our departure to perfection with the children’s birthday party just starting to kick off as we left. The rather warmer conditions meant that leaving the lunch stop wasn’t as grisly as is usual for winter and we quickly got under way to retrace our route before turning down Blackwater lane to head toward Great Witchingham and Alderford.

The main excitement of the day occurred just outside Alderford when a large dog burst out of the hedge immediately in front of Mark and Neil. By a miracle we both missed it and it shot back into the hedge heading toward a distant whistling which must have been the owner. It was very fortunate that we weren’t a car as that dog would most likely have been killed. A heart-stopping moment indeed that Mark captured for posterity on his shiny new dashcam. (handlebar cam?)

After that disaster averted, we carried on to Swannington, Brandiston and Cawston then on to Itteringham via Oulton Street. Neil left the group at Itteringham to head for Mannington Hall and home at Corpusty. The remaining riders headed to Aldborough via Wickmere and then on toward Bessingham where Doug carried on to Sustead and home to Cromer. The final three carried on to Gresham, East Beckham and back to PC and home.

A nice day’s riding for winter despite all the mud and water, with even some sunshine when the mist cleared.

Riders: Mark M, Chris S, Andrew B, Doug H, Neil M
PC to PC was 43.6 miles at an average 14.5 mph.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 21st January – Aylsham Garden Centre
Saturday 24th January – Goat Inn, Skeyton
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/

The Spreadsheet of Shame

With the first Club Ride of 2026 being puncture free, let’s take a look back at the last two years to see what is likely to happen this year on our flint and debris strewn lanes.
While this could be seen as educational and a real world test of tyres, in reality it’s an opportunity to once again point at the Puncture Fairy’s hapless victims and snigger, while crossing your fingers and hoping that you are not going to be next.

Special mention to Doug H for his unwavering belief in the benefits of road tubeless, despite our roads providing plenty of contrary evidence. Always seen with his pockets stuffed full of tubeless plugs and the recent addition of an electric pump to “just top up the tyre pressures” mid ride.
We might need another category this year of Tyre Plugs Used.

And now a look back at the 2024 results…

Ride report by Andrew B

Four riders met at PC on a very cold but dry winters morning for a ride to Horstead. The planned route took us through East Beckham, Barningham, Lower Street, Wolterton, Itteringham, Ingworth, Aylsham, Burgh, Oxnead, Stratton Strawless, Waterloo, Hainford and Frettenham. There were some slight tweaks to the route due to concerns of ice but the ride was uneventful and enjoyable once we had warmed up!

On arrival at the pub we found Ian there who had already bagged a table for us. Shortly after we were joined by Graham A who had also made his own way there. Choices ranged from BLT baguets, soup and the old faithful ham, egg and chips. Although expensive, the food was excellent, the portions big and served quickly by the friendly staff. There were some interesting conversations as usual, with Chris telling us of his latest motorbike purchase. Apparently, it’s a rare model BMW which is a homage to the R65, whatever that means!
Andy was presented with his prize for the highest number of punctures (six) last year. A hotly contested competition, with him only pulling away at the very end of the year.

Ian and Graham left us after lunch to make their own way back. The planned route back took us through Coltishall, Lamas, Skeyton, Tuttington, Banningham, Colby, Erpingham, Matlaske, and West Beckham. There was the inevitable sprint towards the end of the ride won by Andrew B, although this was largely uncontested, with Chis claiming to be suffering from cramp!

Overall, a good ride despite the cold weather and the muddy conditions.

PC to PC 46.7 miles
Average speed 14.6 mph
Total Elevation 1718 ft

Riders: Mark, Chris, Andy S, Ian, Graham A and Andrew B.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 17th January – Chrysalis Café, Sparhamhill
Wednesday 21st January – Aylsham Garden Centre
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/

Report by Mark M

After our second consecutive club ride was cancelled due to the icy conditions, Ian (or probably his wife, seeking some peace) suggested we meet up for breakfast. To be fair, our rides are really just an excuse to get to a café and eat!
So, instead of meeting at PC, four Wheelers met at the Streat Boss café in Sheringham for an excellent breakfast and the usual chat and nonsense. Today’s topics included Inheritance Tax, M&S pigs and rats in alternators.

Hopefully we will be back on bikes on Saturday, though that will probably depend on the effects of Storm Goretti.

Diners: Ian A, Andrew B, Andy S, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 10th January – Algy’s, Bintree
Wednesday 14th January – Recruiting Sergeant, Horstead
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 bright sunny morning greeted Andrew, Mark and guest Joe at PC. Surprised that a couple more regulars were missing, it transpired that Andy heading to PC from Corpusty had encountered a lot of black ice and had sent out a warning email and headed home. Chris and Ian had seen the email prior to leaving home and decided to stay indoors. The PC trio, bathed in sun and unable to see any ice, continued on regardless and collected Doug and Clive at Gresham Church.

Heading from Bessingham towards Matlaske, we saw the first ice on a few puddles and then past Wickmere, the road was in the shade and had the wind blowing straight down it and that had a lot of frost and ice along the edges. From Itteringham we stayed on the larger road instead of looping around via the common, then went to Oulton and into Heydon Park, which was open again (thanks Graham for the heads up).

Stopping in the quiet Heydon village to admire the view and get a photo, we noted that the Earle Arms has temporarily closed until April as the prior landlord of 26 years has decided to move on.

It was a short run through Salle, into Reepham and the market place to find the Dial House open and busy, also very warm which was most welcome. Filled rolls, sausage rolls, custard tarts and good coffee were enjoyed by all, though Doug had to settle for the pre-packaged gluten free quiche and a banana to go with his coffee.

The downside of a warm café is that it feels even colder than before, when you leave, plus we headed into the cold wind along Kerdiston Road towards Guestwick. As we turned for Wood Dalling the wind was behind us, unfortunately it had also stopped the road from thawing and we had a long section that was iced over the whole road width. With a bit of care we all got through without any drama, though we decided to divert along Blackwater Lane to Briston and up to Edgefield instead of heading to Little London and Andy’s icy lanes, to Edgefield.

Unfortunately, somewhere around Corpusty Road/Blackwater Lane we lost Joe. When we realised he was missing we headed back and Clive went back to the Corpusty Road junction, but nothing. We assume he followed the planned route to Little London and somehow missed our diversion, sorry Joe!

Anyway, the rest of us stayed on the better road to Briston and up to Edgefield, where Clive turned for Hunworth and Blakeney, leaving us to continue on the regular route to Baconsthorpe, Red Barn Lane (Doug heading for Cromer) and PC.

PC to PC was 37.5 miles at an average 14.2mph
Riders: Andrew B, Mark M, Doug H, Clive A and guest Joe.

Happy New Year!

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 3rd January – Norton’s, Walsingham
Wednesday 7th January – Lily’s, 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 Andy S

Three members (Mark, Chris and Doug) met at P.C. on the post Christmas Saturday ride. The weather being dull with a north easterly wind making it feel cold and fresh.

The group left for Holkham Hall heading towards Baconsthorpe, picking up Ian at the Rectory Rd junction and onto Edgefield where Andy met the group. Now a group of five, the route took them through Stody, Sharrington, across the main Holt Rd onto Binham and Wighton. Heading towards Holkham along the lanes we encountered a flock of geese (pink footed I think) grazing on a lifted sugar beet field. It was an impressive site as they took to the sky in vast numbers. Shortly after going over the Wells Rd we turned right, through the heavy hand gate into Holkham Hall grounds.

Holkham Hall Cafe was busy with people enjoying the Holkham grounds, no doubt walking off their Christmas dinners. Sausage/bacon baps and soup seemed to be the order of the day with hot coffee and tea. The conversation had a range of Christmas stories today ranging from Rev Ian spending more time in church this holiday than round the dinner table, to the amount of deer getting around the Norfolk countryside with muntjac being everywhere. Chris and Mark had a close encounter last week with a herd of red deer crossing the road near Bacton.

The journey home took us through Wells, with a photo shoot on Wells Quay by the Christmas tree. Hopefully the Christmas tree looks better in the dark.

Leaving Wells we went onto Warham, Binham, Langham and Wiveton. From here we started up the long drag up towards High Kelling, with Mark leading the peloton, the rest of us sitting behind like pent up springs. Just past the Cley junction Ian, Chris and Doug made their move for the top with Ian taking first position. I had a job to see as I was going backwards and they were a long way away. Well done Ian, two weeks on the trot for King of the Mountains.

At High Kelling Ian dropped off for home, with Andy turning off through Hempstead towards home. The remaining three continued to Red Barn Lane, with Doug heading for Cromer and the remaining duo returning to PC.

A good ride out today being a good blow out after our Christmas excesses. Apart from the geese taking off and Ian winning the K.O.M. the main event was the not having any PUNCTURES !!

PC to PC was 46.7 miles at an average 14.7mph
Riders: Chris S, Doug H, Mark M, Ian A, Andy S

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 31st December -Dial House, Reepham
Saturday 3rd January – 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

The day started out cold with low visibility due to mist. However, by about 11am the sun started to break through resulting in a rise in the temperature. Mark, Chris, Doug, Andrew and Andy gathered at PC for the start of the ride. Doug much to his dismay discovered that he had a rear puncture. Luckily it was quickly resolved as he had had tubeless self-sealing tyres. However perhaps this was an ill omen as the ride turned out to be punctuated by punctures!

At the junction of Red Barn Lane and Mill Road Ian joined the ride. However, as the first five miles of the ride were completed the puncture demon made his presence felt with both Chris and Andy puncturing simultaneously resulting in a pit stop to repair rear punctures by the roadside.

Meanwhile Neil was waiting patiently at Itteringham for the peloton to arrive. Having waited for 15 minutes he concluded that maybe the peloton had been slightly earlier than expected and therefore decided to continue hoping to catch up.

As the ride continued to Aylsham the puncture demon struck again. This time it was Doug who experienced his second puncture of the day, this time in the front tyre, which didn’t self-seal. After two attempts at plugging the tyre and much noise from the electric pump, the group were on their way again.

Already well delayed with Neil miles ahead the main group arrived at the railway crossing just south of North Walsham. Having crossed the railway line Chris then realised that his rear tyre was losing air. With Mark to the rescue the tyre was pumped up hoping that it would last until Bacton. Unfortunately it was not to be. Just before Witton Chris started to lose pace as the tyre deflated again. It was decided that the main peloton would continue to Bacton whilst Chris and Mark fixed the puncture. The cause turned out to be a small flint embedded in the tyre.

With some five miles to go Mark and Chris set off again only to almost be wiped out by a herd of some 50 odd deer flying through the hedge and across the road immediately in front of them without any warning. Not a pleasant experience!

On arrival at Watsons café, Neil and the main peloton were already sitting down having ordered drinks and food. The majority tucked into Watson’s all day breakfast. As it was Andrew’s birthday on the previous day he kindly bought a round of cakes for everyone.

Unsurprisingly the main topic of conversation was punctures and who topped the league table for the year. According to Mark, Andy held the record for the most punctures during the year with Mark experiencing none despite using the same tyres!

The return ride was far less eventful passing through Paston, Trunch and alongside Gunton Park (home to more deer). At Aldborough, Andy and Neil turned left to head back to Corpusty whilst Doug turned right towards Sustead and subsequently Cromer. The rest of the group headed straight on dropping Ian off at the junction of Mill Road and Rectory Road. This left Mark, Andrew and Chris to return to PC.

A Happy Christmas and New Year to all.

Total Distance 46.9 miles
Average Speed 14.5 mph
Riders: Mark M, Chris S, Andy S, Doug H, Andrew B, Neil M, Andrew B.
Punctures: 4

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 24th December -No Ride
Saturday 27th December – 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

Four riders met at PC on a very cold but dry winters morning for a ride to Blickling. Duncan was sporty his new Trek Gravel bike with its all black livery. The planned route took us through East Beckham, Lower Gresham, Sustead, Hanworth, Alby Hill, Alby, Erpingham, Colby, Felmingham, Tuttington, Aylsham and onto Blickling. Chris set a good pace on the front and we soon caught up with Ian who was making his own way (and pace) to Blickling. However, after a pee stop he caught us up again! We were also slowed by two horses.

On arrival at the cafe we all selected our choices for lunch, with soup being the front runner. The food was good and served quickly by the friendly staff. However, being a former stable block it was a little cold

Thanks to the high pace and relatively short distance we left the cafe not long after midday. As Ian remarked we sometimes don’t arrive at the lunch stop until this time.

The planned route back took us through Silvergate, Oulton, Corputsy, Ramsgate Street, Hempstead, Sellbrig, Bodham and West Beckham. Unfortunately, about half way back Duncan succumbed to the dreaded new bike syndrome with a rear puncture. In Mark’s absence it was left to Andrew and Chris to assist with the repair. Ian departed at this point with Duncan’s blessing.

Chris again set a fast pace with Duncan and Andrew trying to hang on. Duncan left us for home at Hempstead leaving Andrew trying (and failing!) to keep up with Chris.

Overall, a good ride despite the cold weather and the muddy conditions.

PC to PC 42.3 miles
Average speed 15 mph
Total Elevation 1670 ft

Riders: Chris S, Duncan S, Andy S, Ian A, Andrew B.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 20th December – Watsons, bacton
Wednesday 24th December – No Ride
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Ride report by Neil M

Five Wheelers met at PC on a chilly, dry, but sunny December morning. At last the pattern of nice Fridays, but horrible wet Saturdays had been broken after a month of gloom.

We set off toward Baconsthorpe, picking Ian up at the Rectory Road/New Road junction and carrying on through Baconsthorpe, Plumstead and Edgefield to descend through Edgefield Street and across the Melton road to Town Close where we met Andy at the bottom of Heath Road. From here we made our way to Thurning and via the Hindolveston road to Guestwick.

The road from Guestwick to Foulsham was the setting for the first puncture of the day with Andy the unfortunate victim. The culprit proved to be a sizeable flint, but with the assistance of Mark and his proper pump, the deflation was quickly sorted.

Fortunately, there were no further issues as the ride continued through Foulsham to Themelthorpe and the Junction 21 Cafe on Marriot’s way, our lunch stop. Graham was there to meet us and it was nice to see him out and looking fit.

Lunch was quickly ordered, most opting for something fairly light – plus the inevitable cake. Mark bucked the trend by going Full English which looked very tasty. As part of the usual wide-ranging chat Andrew produced the snapped-off tip of his tyre lever, which Mark broke in the process of assisting with the repair of Andrew’s puncture some weeks before and had remained inside the tyre and caused a further puncture a week later. This very unusual occurrence triggered a debate as to who’s yearly total the second puncture should be added – Andrew’s or Mark’s? I think this one will run and run…

Given the nice weather, we left the cafe with less reluctance than usual and bid farewell to Graham who was making his own way back to Cromer. From Themelthorpe we proceeded through the lanes via Jordan Lane, Nowhere Lane and Blackwater Lane to Great Witchingham, Little Witchingham and a brief section on the Reepham Road before turning off toward Brandiston.

From Brandiston we carried on through Cawston toward Oulton where the second puncture of the day arrived. Again, Andy was the unhappy victim, but this time he insisted that we leave him to it as he was close to home and had all the equipment to fix it. Since the conditions were good and he had things well in hand, we said our goodbyes and then carried on to Oulton and Itteringham where Neil turned off to Mannington Hall and back home to Corpusty.

The remaining group carried on through Wickmere and Bessingham to Gresham where Ian and Doug left for home in High Kelling and Cromer respectively. The remaining three carried on through East Beckham back to PC and Home.

A very pleasant winter day’s ride only slightly marred by very muddy roads and punctures.

Editor’s note – Determined to take the Puncture Challenge lead, Andy’s removal of his tyre liners, ensured his double rear punctures pushed him to the top of the leaderboard. With just a few rides left, will he hold on until the year end?

Riders: Andrew B, Mark M, Chris S, Doug H, Ian A, Andy S, Neil Mc and Graham A at cafe.
Distance: 44.6 miles
Average: 14.6 mph

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 17th December -Stables Café, Blickling
Saturday 20th December – Watsons, Bacton
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/