Club Runs

Ride report by Ian A

With the weather just about warm enough to shed gilets and arm warmers, Mark, Chris and Andy met at PC for the ride out to Reepham. (Though it was later noted that some had stowed gilets ‘just in case’.) The route went up Red Barn Lane to enjoy the descent to Gresham where they collected Doug and Clive at Gresham Church. Just a few minutes earlier Doug had seen Ian who stopped (very briefly!) to say ‘hello and see you at lunch’ as he was on his usual Zone 2 mission at a slightly slower pace.
The route went through Metton where a group of donkeys were seeking attention in a field by the roadside.

Then it was on to Hanworth, Calthorpe, Ingworth and Blickling and south to Cawston. The route then skirted Swannington before turning northwest to Whitwell to arrive at The Dial House around midday. Good timing as Ian had arrived just a couple of minutes earlier and couldn’t decide whether it was warm enough to sit outside. Thankfully the group were more decisive and we seated ourselves at a large round table outside.
The filled baps were good and the chocolate cake for a couple of the fat blokes looked really good. All was soon demolished and the coffee was up to their usual high standard. Andy retold the highlights of the ‘Society Wedding’ he attended in Kent last weekend; free booze all day with both a drinks marquee and a separate cocktail marquee. Sounds like it got a bit messy. Ian mentioned his golf at Royal Worlington and Newmarket Golf Club the previous day (some say the best 9 hole course in the world – Golf Magazine 2020).
Conversation then moved on to family war connections and how Mark’s granddad had inadvertently joined bomb disposal training by getting on the wrong truck. By this point Chris had left us for his normal solo fast run home – he had some brakes on his MX5 to paint before an upcoming trip to Italy in September. He seems to have far too many toys and spends an inordinate amount of time fettling with them rather than actually playing with them!

When it was time for the less time-pressured rest of us to leave, Doug was riding on to Norwich to meet his wife and drive her back after an eye appointment. As Ian wished him a safe ride, Ian slipped on his pedals and nearly fell off. Oh the irony.
The remaining 4 Wheelers continued on through Reepham, and on to Guestwick where Ian started to drift off the back (it’s a Zone 2 thing). The route continued on to Stody where Clive turned off to take a more direct route back to Blakeney. While this was happening, Ian had caught the peloton so that Mark, Andy and Ian were back together by the time they reached Hunworth. Then it was up Hunworth Road to Edgefield where Mark arrived (well) ahead of the other two. Andy turned for Corpusty leaving Mark & Ian to continue on to Hempstead, stopping soon after at Selbrigg Pond.

Still no swans, not even a duck. But a fair-sized pike doing what pikes do best i.e.very little. Despite some goading with a couple of small pebbles we failed to get any sort of a reaction. At the T junction Ian turned left for High Kelling leaving Mark to ride solo back to PC. A good day out in dry, mild conditions with a predominantly light north westerly tailwind out and headwind back.

PC to PC was 52.1 miles at an average speed of 15.1 mph (15.7 Out, 14.5 Back)
Riders: Andy S, Chris S, Clive A, Doug H, Ian A, Mark M.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 25th July – Bircham Mill – choice 67 or 100 miles – 9am Start
Wednesday 29th 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

On a cool, overcast morning with brief showers in the north westerly wind, Chris and Mark met at PC. Chris had decided it was cold enough to wear his autumn long sleeve Wheelers jersey, though that may have been a bit too warm later on. Ian was collected at Gresham and then we went to Hunworth and Metton, crossing the A149 at Felbrigg where Doug joined the group.
Then North and South Repps, Trimingham to Mundesley where a myopic driver reversed into the road nearly taking out Doug and Chris. Then it was Paston, Edingthorpe and to Watsons for around 11:30, in time for the full breakfast menu (served to 11:45) for a change.

Graham A had arrived early and already finished his breakfast and later had a strangely green cake, which fortunately tasted better than it looked.
Mugs of tea and coffee arrived very quickly while we studied the menu, choosing a soup (Chris) and three medium breakfasts, which are identical to the Watsons All Day Breakfast, so no benefit from the breakfast menu. Conversation ranged from Graham’s Spanish lessons to Doug describing the perils of fat loss injections. Chris left first for his training run home, while Mark found time for a second mug of tea.

As we left, Graham headed for North Walsham them back to Cromer, while we went in the opposite direction to loop around by the church, crossing the North Walsham road at Pollard Street, just behind Graham. We then went down to Worstead and spotting that the coffee van was open at the equestrian centre, we stopped for a very good flat white, well we had done a full 7 miles from Watsons, Chris would have loved it!

Once we reached the Tunstead Road we turned north west and into the wind for the remainder of the ride. Taking turns on the front, we soon made our way to Skeyton, Tuttington, through the hole in the hedge to Dunkirk, Ingworth, Carr Lane (closed to vehicles at Blickling’s Fisherman’s carpark). At Itteringham we put an unsuspecting Doug on the front to tow us uphill into the wind until the road levels at the Little Barningham junction, then it was the direct route home with Doug turning for Cromer at North Barningham, Ian heading for Kelling at Red Barn Lane and Mark to PC.

PC to Pc was 53.6 miles at an average 15.2 mph (15.6 Out, 14.9 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Ian A, Doug H, Graham A lunch

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 22nd July – Dial House, Reepham
Saturday 25th July – Bircham Mill – choice 67 or 100 miles – 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 Mark M

With a longer ride for a Wednesday, Chris, Richard, Mark and new member John W, started from PC at 9am. Ian A was making his own way to meet us at the café. We went down to Baconsthorpe, picking Andy up in Hempstead on our way to Holt and the short run downhill to Letheringsett, the bridge over the ford and up to Sharrington.

Unfortunately, disaster struck Richard as he crossed the bridge, falling off the edge of the path and down the bank onto the concrete apron of the ford. His ride was over and when his wife arrived, we got him and his bike into the car and sent them off to Cromer A&E to get checked out. We don’t know the outcome yet but wish him a quick recovery.

After that drama, it was an uneventful ride through Bale, Hindringham, Walsingham, down to the B1355 at South Creake, then North Creake. Here to make up some time, we stayed on the B1355 to Burnham Market, deviating from the planned route, which was up the hill to Shammer and down Beacon Hill Road to Burnham Market. Ian followed the route and at Shammer, met someone from the Burn Valley Vinyard (which is just off the road) and was invited in for a free tasting, though tempted he declined.

From Burnham, it was just three miles to Deepdale and the café, where Ian was already tucking into his veggie breakfast. We placed our orders, two bacon and scrambled eggs on toast and two breakfast baps plus teas and coffee, and were surprised at how quickly it was all served up. Since our last visit, the café has changed hands and seems both popular and efficient. By coincidence, the last time we visited the café was on July 16th 2025, which was 365 days ago!

Chris set off for home early, getting some TT training in along the way, the rest of us eventually left and headed around Barrow Common towards Docking, before turning east for Burnham Market again. Then it was Burnham Thorpe and up to Holkham South Gate, Wighton, Binham, Saxlingham, Glandford and another bridge over the ford, then to the Bridgefoot Lane climb.

Ian slipped away up the hill while the rest of us talked at the junction, Mark eventually reeled him in on the Holt Road and tried to stay in front to the top, but Ian ignoring his own stay in zone 2 training claims, went well into zone 5 to get ahead and claim the win.
It was a steady run back to drop Ian off at High Kelling, Andy turned off at Selbrigg, leaving John and Mark to return to PC.

PC to PC was 62.6 miles at an average 15.3 mph (16.1 Out, 14.6 Back)
Riders: Chris S, John W, Mark M, Andy S, Ian A, Richard W – wishing Richard a speedy recovery.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 18th July – Watsons, Bacton
Wednesday 22nd July – Dial House, Reepham
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Ride report by Neil M

A bumper turnout of 7 Wheelers met at PC on a cool, dry July morning, a pleasant change from the heat of the preceding week. The start was moved forward to 9am to dodge any potential heat, but as it remained overcast all day we would have got away with the usual time.

The route proceeded out through West Beckham and Bodham to pick Ian up at the A148 crossing at High Kelling. We carried on down the hill to Cley and through Wiveton to Blakeney where Andrew had kindly offered to host us for coffee and biscuits on the patio at his newly-finished bungalow conversion. This was a very pleasant early stop and we all admired the high standard of fit and finish displayed on the subsequent (essential) house tour.

Richard left us to get back to his house move (also to Blakeney) as we departed with Andrew, so our record turnout of 9 dropped back to 8 again for the rest of the ride. From Blakeney the route went via Langham, Field Dalling, Bale, Little Snoring and across the A148 to pick up the A1067 for the short (and slightly hairy) run in to Pensthorpe, our lunch stop.

We were initially confused by the appearance of extra tables in the courtyard right where we usually park our bikes, but this was quickly overcome and a couple of tables pulled together outside under the canopy. Fortunately it was not too busy and food was quickly ordered and delivered. There was some disappointment that the normally huge (excellent) scones had been reduced to less than half the size, but there were two teabags in the teapots at least, so the shrinkflation wasn’t affecting everything.

The usual wide-ranging conversation included Chinese electric cars, chicken farming, horse vet bills, camper van trips and the now-obligatory mention of Ian’s helmet (pursued by a duck this time rather than a large friendly dog).

Chris departed early to get some time-trial training in and the remaining 7 again braved the A1067 briefly before turning off toward Kettlestone. From Kettlestone the route continued to Fulmodeston, Stibbard and across the Holt road to Wood Norton. Doug almost managed to tangle himself up while attempting to take his gillet off on the move in Le Tour-style approaching Wood Norton village, but disaster was narrowly averted.

After Wood Norton the route continued on via Guist Road to Foulsham, Guestwick and Thurning and Blackwater lane where Neil and Andy split off to head to Corpusty and home. The remaining 5 carried on to Briston, Edgefield and Hempstead where Ian left for High Kelling. The remaining group carried on through Baconsthorpe to North Barningham where Doug split for Gresham and on to Cromer and home. At Red Barn Lane, Andrew headed back to Blakeney, leaving Phil and Mark to finish at PC.

Ed’s Note: Phil B led us through Briston and up towards Edgefield, oblivious to the imminent race to the top. Obviously the rest knew and were happy to be towed along, including Mark for a change. Ian jumped first with Mark managing to get on his wheel, then Andrew sped past them both towards victory, however he started to fade (claimed to be easing off!) and Mark could see the gap closing, so he pushed harder and got ahead with just yards to go. Result!

PC to PC was 56.8 miles at an average 15.0 mph (15.4 Out, 14.7 Back)
Wheelers: Mark M, Neil M, Richard W, Phil B, Doug H, Andy S, Chris S, Andrew B, Ian A.

P.S. Richard W was back from the Maratona Dles Dolomites, the Italian gran fondo/sportive on closed roads. Saying it was spectacular scenery but very challenging.
Here is the official post event 3 min video: https://youtu.be/TuS2i84XtAE?si=6avplFdl91St3_rT – spot the guy with one leg!

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 15th July – Nest Café, Burnham Deepdale – 9am Start
Saturday 18th July – 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/

Ride report by Andy S

With the threat of the heatwave striking yet again and temperatures reaching the high 20’s , the ride was brought forward to start at 9.00am. Three members met at P.C. ( Mark, Andrew and Andy). The weather at this point was cloudy and very pleasant and we were wondering what all the fuss was about.

We set off towards Gresham through the lanes onto Wickmere, Ingworth and Blickling. By this point the cloud had dispersed and the heat was building with a slight north westerly wind. We were making good progress heading southwesterly towards Cawston, Reepham and across the Fakenham/Norwich Road. At this point we turned west to follow the River Wensum along some lovely quiet country lanes. We stopped and tried to admire the Billingford lakes but we could only catch glimpses of this impressive lake system due to the tree cover.
There is a better view in the winter when less leaves are about.

Soon after Billingford we arrived at Bintree and Algy’s cafe. As it was only 11am this ensured breakfast was still in full swing. Here we met Ian who had made his own way, having just arrived and bagged a good table in the shade. Three members went all healthy with poached eggs and green stuff on toast leaving me (Andy) to have the unhealthy option of a fry up in a roll. “Yum! “

Conversation over Brunch was very varied as usual from playing golf at Sheringham and bottom brackets to what standard of biscuits people from Blakeney partake with their coffee.

After all the banter Ian left to get back for family arriving. The remaining three set off towards Foulsham, Guestwick, Hindolveston and up towards Melton Constable where we passed a lovely old church in Melton Park.

The route took us towards Stody, Hunworth and up to the long drag to Edgefield. As normal Andrew drew away from the rest of the group but as it was so hot now nobody was really trying , just surviving the heat. At this point Andy S turned off towards Corpusty leaving Mark and Andrew to make their way back to P.C. via Baconsthorpe.

A great day out in the sunshine today , with the ride taking in Norfolk’s lovely lanes , providing shade and sunshine in equal measures.

PC to PC was 51.0 miles at an average 14.9 mph

P.S. – Drama at the Bodham Hill pylon. Police, ambulance and two fire engines plus a drone worked to rescue someone from about 3/4 of the way up the communication tower. We think it was an engineer who had climbed up in the heat and had a health issue, requiring assistance.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 11th July – Pensthorpe – Possible 9am Start
Wednesday 15th July – Nest Café, Deepdale – 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 Doug H

Ian, Andrew, Neil, Mark and Doug set off on a lovely warm Saturday into a headwind from PC towards Barningham Hall, through Itteringham, Cawston, Alderford, on to Bawdeswell, Foxley and Themelthorpe. Along the route we ran into Harvey, who was in fine form, and said goodbye to Neil, who could only join us for a short spin this week.

At our lunch stop at Junction 21, we were delighted to see Graham, who was also in fine form. The weather is clearly having a positive impact on us all. We ordered our food, and those with follicles sat in the midday sun while those struggling with follicles took shelter inside. As ever, the food was excellent, good value, and we set about putting the world to rights.
Once we had finished, we bid farewell to Graham and set off once again into the headwind, knowing it would soon be behind us.
We headed to Wood Norton, Thursford and then enjoyed a tailwind through Gunthorpe to Sharrington and Thornage.

With the Ramsgate Street climb ahead of us, Andrew made a break for it. We had all forgotten—or perhaps he had kept quiet about—his recent training event in the Peak District. With that, he launched an attack and the rest of us were left struggling behind. Only Ian mounted an admirable defence, but even he was eventually undone.
At the top of the hill we said farewell to Andy, who headed home. The peloton continued to Baconsthorpe, with Andrew producing yet another burst of sprinting power to take first place once again. That said, the rest of us were simply watching in admiration of this feat.
We then said goodbye to Ian, and at Gresham Doug headed back to Cromer. Mark and Andrew completed the last little climb back to PC.
A very warm and thoroughly enjoyable day’s riding.

PC to PC was 54.5 miles at an average 15.1 mph (15.5 Out, 14.6 Back)
Riders: Neil M, Andy S, Andrew B, Ian A, Mark M, Doug H, Graham A at lunch

PS. Tour de France highlights on channel 5, 7-8pm daily

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 8th July – Algy’s, Bintree
Saturday 11th July – Pensthorpe
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

It was a pleasantly warm morning with a light north westerly wind that greeted Mark at PC. Due to various reasons it was just Mark at PC, but numbers soon doubled when he collected Doug at Gresham church. Yes, our one gainfully employed club rider had (yet another) day off as his US-based employers were marking some historic skirmish or other on 4 July and had generously given all employees a couple of days off in the run up. Ian was also out but making his own way along the route to Coltishall at his ‘Wednesday pace’.
The forecast had changed overnight to include the possibility of light or even heavy showers during the late morning/early afternoon so jackets were stowed. The route went south through Bessingham, skirted Aldborough and crossed the Cromer Road to emerge at the corner of Gunton Park, then Suffield, Felmingham (having a quick look inside Corvette Kingdom – no photos this week) and on to Swanton Abbot. From there the route swung east across the main line to Worstead, and south to Ashmanhaugh before crossing the railway line again, and shortly after the Bure Valley narrow gauge line too. No trains in sight.

Shortly afterwards we arrived at the Rising Sun. Ian got there about 2 minutes before the other pair and had bagged a shady table.
It was fairly quiet then but soon got quite busy, Service was typically friendly and efficient and it was beers all round! Well, one proper beer, one alcohol free and a cider. Mark and Ian opted for the baguettes which were generously filled and came with a substantial salad and coleslaw. Doug was more ambitious and his ham eggs and chips was enormous. We debated if the chips actually were chips – sort of batter coated potato puffs in a kind of chip shape but it was all tasty. Ian had stayed dry all the way, but Mark & Doug, although only a couple of minutes behind, had copped a brief but heavy shower. The conversation was typically rambling and topics covered included lube and waxing. A very large and friendly hairy dog was doing the rounds saying hello and Ian remarked that it seemed taken with his sweaty helmet. Doug found this hilarious for some reason… Drinks finished and bills paid we set off for the return leg together.

Taking the well-used back lanes out of Coltishall we soon met a very curious Shire horse being led down a lane which stopped to check us out so we very sensibly waited for it to be guided off the lane! Apparently it was just a young one but its feet were the size of dinner plates. A magnificent beast. When we reached Badersfield, Ian took a shortcut to head directly north to Skeyton to rejoin the route while Mark & Doug followed the route to Skeyton via Swanton Abbot. After Skeyton the route went via Tuttington, Banningham, Ingworth, Itteringham, Little Barningham, Plumstead and skirted Baconsthorpe (where Ian raced himself to the pylon and managed a very credible podium finish). At the foot of New Road Ian turned left to head back to High Kelling. Craving company, Mark deviated slightly from the planned route to maximise his time with Doug and instead of turning for Little Barningham and Plumstead, the pair continued north to the Matlaske junction. Doug turned for Gresham at North Barningham leaving Mark to head back to PC. Fortunately we all stayed dry on the return leg.

PC to PC was 50.8 miles at an average 15.6mph (16.5 Out, 14.7 Back)
Riders: Doug H, Mark M, Ian A

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 4th July – Junction 21, Themelthorpe
Wednesday 8th July – Algy’s, Bintree
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 high temperatures forecast, the Club Ride start time was brought forward an hour to 9am and Andy, Chris, Richard and Mark met at PC, with Ian planning on meeting us for lunch.
Without a cloud in the sky, the sun was fierce, though the hedges and trees on many of the small lanes provided welcome shade and as long as forward momentum was maintained the resulting breeze made it fairly comfortable.

Our route took us through Gresham, Sustead, Hanworth, Alby Hill to Town Green, then a loop around Thwaite Common to Erpingham, across to Colby and down towards Felmingham, with a quick stop to admire the cars at Corvette Kingdom.

Then it was Tuttington, down to Burgh, across the A140 roundabout and through Aylsham to Purdy’s at Woodgate Nursery. Chris turned for home in Aylsham as he had things to do. Ian had already arrived and had bagged the big table under the tree and was enjoying his scone and jam.
The earlier time and possibly the heat seemed to result in diminished appetites, with scones being the choice of the day, Mark bucked the trend with a well filled bacon sandwich, lovely.
Ian took over from Chris and set off for home early, leaving three to enjoy more shade before finally heading back into the sun and the ride home.

We headed west towards Corpusty and as we approached the Oulton Airfield memorial crossroads, a group of a dozen or more cyclists went passed towards Cawston, I spotted one Iceni Velo jersey as they went past. We dropped Andy off in Corpusty and instead of looping around via Briston for Edgefield, we took the more direct route via Ramsgate Street. At Hempstead, Richard turned for Holt and Cley, leaving Mark to continue to Selbrigg Pond, Bodham and PC.

PC to PC was 44.8 miles at an average 14.8 mph (15.3 Out. 14.3 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Andy S, Richard W, Mark M, Ian A

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 27th June – Junction 21, Themelthorpe (cancellation likely due to heat)
Wednesday 1st July – Rising Sun, Coltishall
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

With temperatures climbing to a high of 24 degrees C, light winds and a strong possibility of rain in the afternoon Mark, Chris and Andy set off from PC.

At Gresham the three were joined by Ian, Doug, Neil and Clive. After Gresham the route passed through Bessingham and Hanworth Common where a herd of Jersey cows had obviously taken note of the weather forecast and were lying down in anticipation of rain. After Hanworth the peloton continued onto Suffield and past the impressive Gunton Park where unusually there was not a deer in sight.

The Wheelers continued to North Walsham, East Ruston, Ingham and onto Sea Palling where Chris decided to make a breakaway with a two-and-a-half-mile sprint along the main coastal road to the lunch stop café. Unfortunately, he misjudged this as Doug had been in training and after a while passed him. Chris then found Ian snapping at his heels. Just before the café Mark suddenly took the lead passing both Chris and Doug! Neil and the rest of the peloton were also close behind.

Although Poppylands café was unusually quiet for the time of year the group enjoyed a light lunch and the usual banter. Graham had arrived just before the group having used the train and partly cycled from Cromer. Shortly after Malcolm arrived having cycled from St Olaves. All in all it was probably the best turn out of the year so far. The only thing that marred the lunch was a plague of small flies.

After lunch Doug left early due to commitments in the afternoon whilst the remainder of the group retraced their steps with Neil initially leading to Sea Palling and then turning inland to Lessingham, Knapton, Trunch and passing The Sutton Arms at Thorpe Market which appeared to be doing a good trade.

As the riders passed through Hanworth common again the cows had decided that it wasn’t going to rain after all and were wandering across the road. Shortly after Neil and Andy left the route to return to Corpusty. At Baconsthorpe Clive headed off toward Holt and Blakeney. This left Chris, Mark and Ian to continue onto New Road/Rectory Road with another impromptu sprint won by Ian (just!). Ian then headed back to High Kelling leaving Mark and Chris to complete the whole route. Luckily the forecasted rain did not materialise.

PC to PC was 61.4 miles at an average 16.0 mph (16.7 Out, 15.3 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Neil M, Andy S, Doug H, Ian A, Clive A. Graham A and Malcolm S

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 24th June – Purdy’s, Aylsham – Poss 9am Start
Saturday 27th June – Junction 21, Themelthorpe
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

Four members met at P.C. on a damp overcast morning . The forecast was for showers all morning, clearing out for the afternoon. Mark M , Chris S, Richard W and Andy S set off heading west, the route taking us through West Beckham, to turn left past Selbrigg Lake and up towards Hempstead and onto Holt, Hunworth, Stody, Gunthorpe, across the Holt Rd to Thursford Green, Great Snoring and Fakenham. Mark proceeded to take us on a mystery tour of the back streets of Fakenham coming out in Hempton.

As a special request from Chris we stopped at the river bridge (Gogg’s Mill) to admire the river Wensum. After dragging Chris away we were back on the road heading to Whissonsett, Stanfield and ending up at East Bilney Lakes for lunch. The morning route was mainly into a head wind that had felt surprisingly strong. Well done Mark for taking the front spot all morning.

At lunch we were seated under the veranda with a view over the fishing lakes. Lunch consisted of three fry ups and a pancake with bacon which were all excellent and soon polished off. The chat was about Richard doing a famous sportive in the Dolomites and getting his bike ready for the ups and downs of the mountains which will naturally require spending lots of money on equipment.

Time was getting on and Chris was getting itchy feet so he left us to get a bit of time trial training in on the way home. This basically meant going a lot faster than the rest of the group. On paying it turned out that the lady (Lisa) who runs the cafe is John Wilson’s daughter. He was the famous local fisherman who made TV programmes in the 80 and 90’s and had the shop John’s Tackle Den in Norwich.

The homeward journey was with a tail wind so good progress was made with a quick stop at Bintree Mill to look at the Wensum again and for a picture stop. Then onto Foulsham, Guestwick and Corpusty where we bumped into Neil M and his wife walking their dogs. A quick chat was had and then Andy S split off for home leaving Mark and Richard to head to Plumstead and Baconsthorpe where Richard turned off towards Holt and home. Mark carried on to Bodham Hill and PC.

Apart from the keen wind the day stayed dry and not too hot. A good day out.

PC to PC was 58.8 miles at an average 14.9 mph (14.9 Out, 15.0 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Richard W, Andy S

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 20th June – Poppylands, Horsey
Wednesday 24th June – Purdy’s, Aylsham
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/