Club Runs

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/

Ride Report by Mark M
I arrived at PC to find Neil Mc and about six other cyclists all in their club kit. My first thought was that they were holidaying in the area and were going to join our ride. The reality was much different and our 65 mile ride would have been a warmup for them. They were Velo Club 167 https://vc167.org.uk/ from the Darlington, North Yorks area and were riding an audax down to Ipswich, stopping there for a few hour’s sleep before heading back north. It seems that they took an easterly route down, crossing the Humber and riding through the night for a checkpoint in Sheringham and were having a rest and regrouping at PC after about 250 miles by my reckoning, prior to the 75 mile minimum ride to Ipswich. Depending on their route back, it would be a round trip of at least 640 miles /1000km. Not bad for a weekend ride!

Back to our ride, holidays and injuries meant that it was just two Wheelers, heading off into a south westerly breeze with some ominous black clouds on the way. Our route took us via Holt, Letheringset, Bale, Hindringham, Walsingham, South Creake, Syderstone to Houghton Hall deer park before crossing the A148 and arriving at Biaggio’s. We had managed to avoid the showers and had no more than a few spots of rain a couple of times. We sat outside enjoying a sunny spell as we had a good lunch and excellent cakes.
When we set off again we now had a helpful tail wind. Neil spotted a field of poppies through the hedge, so we stopped for a quick photo as we had failed to take one at lunch.

We stopped at Sculthorpe Mill to look at the river, still higher level than normal but now clear enough to see the bottom. Then it was on to East Barsham, Great Snoring, Thursford Green, where Neil turned for home and an afternoon garden party. So it was a solo ride through Gunthorpe, Hunworth, Edgefield, Plumstead, North Barningham and back to PC.

PC to PC was 64.7 miles at an average of 15.3 mph
Riders: Neil Mc, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 26th June – Heydon Tearooms
Saturday 29th June – Fairhaven, South Walsham – also start of Tour De France in Florence
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
Finally, the day before the summer solstice, a forecast of sunshine and a clear sky. Despite the chilly northerly wind and it being overcast initially we looked forward to completing a ride without getting soaked and having to wash bikes.
Geoff P stopped for a chat at PC, he was on his was to Junction 21. He had hoped to meet us there last Saturday but had been soaked by a shower in Cawston and had headed for home instead. He should have two cakes today to make up for it.
With holidays reducing numbers, Mark and Ian set off via Itteringham for Ingworth to meet Graham. Then it was Aylsham, Buxton, Hainford, Frettenham, across the B1150 Coltishall road and the A1151 Wroxham road to Salhouse and Little Plumstead.
The Walled Garden café is in the grounds of the old Hall, later turned into a hospital. Most of the grounds have become housing, so it is surprising to find this tranquil café and gardens through residential housing. Malcolm came up from St Olaves via Reedham ferry and we all sat outside with a tasty lunch and enjoying the weather and gardens.

After lunch we headed for Woodbastwick with Malcolm turning for Acle, Mautby and Great Yarmouth for a 52mile round trip.
With the sun shining we called into the Woodfords Brewery pub, the Fur and Feather to enjoy a fresh pint in the sunshine, it tasted even better as Ian had bought them, cheers Ian.

Refreshed we headed through a quiet Wroxham, onto Worstead, North Walsham and Antingham, where Graham turned for home. The remaining duo took the familiar route home through Suffield, Aldborough, Barningham Winter, Bodham Hill and home.

PC to PC was 67.2 miles at an average of 15.1 mph
Riders: Ian A, Mark M, Graham A, Malcolm S

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 22nd June – East Rudham
Wednesday 26th June – Heydon Tea Rooms
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
Chris, Clive and Mark met at PC on a very overcast morning. Despite the ominous clouds we convinced ourselves that the forecast would be true and the heavy showers would hold off until lunchtime. At Gresham we picked up Doug and headed south into a light headwind to Aldborough, Ingworth, Itteringham Common and on to Oulton to meet Neil.
With Neil we also found Ian, who was out for a short ride, had already had coffee and cake at Itteringham and was on his way home via Saxthorpe.
So, the group of five continued through Heydon Park, Cawston to Swannington, then west through the Witchinghams to Nowhere Lane. With about four miles left to reach the shelter of the café we kept looking at the darkening sky and pressed a bit harder on the pedals. With less than a mile to go, the first few spots of rain fell but we were able to park the bikes and get inside Junction 21 before the heavy rain started.
Junction 21 now offers a wider range of hot and cold meals than previously and we all tucked into a tasty and filling lunch, with one Wheeler unable to wait for his own order, devouring half of his neighbours lunch! We all found room to have some of the excellent cakes as well.
Unfortunately there had been very little rain while we had lunch, it had waited until we were ready to leave, so we set off in heavy rain, with the forecast of heavy showers for the rest of the day.
The decision was made to shorten the route back, so we headed straight for Guestwick and on to Corpusty. At Corpusty Neil headed for home and as the rain had stopped, the rest headed up the hill to Edgefield.
At Edgefield we took the usual route back to Baconsthorpe and Bodham Hill instead of going via Plumstead and encountered a couple of showers on the way. At Bodham Hill, Clive turned for High Kelling and Blakeney, Chris took the Upper Sheringham route home and at Red Barn Lane, Doug continued on to Gresham and Cromer, leaving Mark to return to PC.
Helpfully there was a spell of sunshine while the bike was washed and put away before the next heavy shower.

PC to PC was 49.6 miles (instead of the planned 54 miles) at an average of 14.9 mph
Riders: Chris S, Clive A, Doug H, Neil Mc, Mark M with Ian A briefly.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 19th June – Walled Garden, Little Plumstead
Saturday 22nd June – East Rudham Deli or Biagio’s
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
Morning rain and an overcast sky, meant that Andrew and Mark had wet roads and chilly conditions as they headed south via Gresham and Ingworth to Cawston. The roads were drier by the time we reached Swannington and as a result it also felt a little warmer, which was welcomed. After the usual stop at Attlebridge to look at the Wensum, it was on to Weston Longville, Primrose Green and Elsing.
It was too cold to sit outside in the rear garden, so we found a table indoors and placed our orders. At that point Chris unexpectedly arrived. He had almost joined us at PC when he realised that he had a slow puncture, so he headed downhill back home to get another bike and set off back to PC.
To make his life a little easier he took a more direct route to Elsing, but then had to take to a field to avoid a cable corridor road closure on the Sparham-Elsing road.
So we had a good lunch and then cake and more coffee as we discussed house renovations and summer snow road closures in the Dolomites.
We had decided over lunch to make the route home shorter than planned and we took the Lyng road to cross the A1067. At this point it started raining and the black sky looked as if it may last, so we stopped to don rain jackets, prior to heading for Themelthorpe and Guestwick. By Guestwick the rain had passed and it was getting warmer, with the odd glimpse of sun.
We followed the planned route to Hindolveston and Melton Constable, where we abandoned it to head to Briston and the regular Edgefield, Baconsthorpe route home. Andrew left us at Bodham Hill and Chris and I went home through Upper Sheringham, meeting three buses on the bends in the village!

PC to home was 56.6 miles at an average speed of 14.5 mph
Riders: Andrew B, Mark M and Chris S, chapeau Chris for the bike change and making the effort to join us.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 15th June – Junction 21, Themelthorpe
Wednesday 19th June – Walled Garden, Little Plumstead
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
Another cool morning with a westerly wind greeted Doug, Mark and guest rider Phil at PC. We set off to pick up Ian at High Kelling, who had previously seen a field of poppies along Bridge Road near Lowes Farm. We found the field and stopped to admire them and to add more colour to the view we took a photo of the new club kit.

We then went to Wiveton and on to Blakeney quay, where we found Graham J sat on a bench admiring the view. He had been riding with the steady group of Graham A, Neil S and Jim H, and a recent ear infection meant that he was only out for a short ride. We also saw Andrew B returning home from his sailing.
The sky had become very black so we all put on rain jackets for the imminent rain. The forecast was for a band of rain to pass over from 11am to 12noon and for once it was very accurate and the rain was heavy, starting as we left Blakeney for Langham.
We dropped down to Stiffkey and as we climbed the hill back to the Warham road, we met a number of classic cars off to an event somewhere. We splashed through Warham to Wells, where the rain was so heavy it pointless visiting the quay for the view, so we continued into Holkham Park through the East Gate and exited from the West Gate towards Burnham Market, by now the rain had eased off, just leaving rivers in the road.
As we approached the crossroads at Leith House we became caught up in a cycling event heading to Burnham Overy Staithe, also on our route. As we approached the village, there were many people on the side of the road cheering and waving, finally the recognition we deserved!
Alas, it was not for us but for the competitors in the annual Norfolk Superhero event, which takes place in the village and consists of a 1mile swim, 4mile kayak, 45mile cycle and 8mile marsh and beach run.
Norfolk Superhero: https://www.norfolksuperhero.co.uk
After that excitement it was a short ride through the Burnhams (Overy, Market, Thorpe) to North Creake Abbey and the Barn Café, which has recently reopened. We were in no rush and happy to enjoy a tasty panini and coffee, followed by cake and coffee as we warmed up and dried out.

There was no sign of the steady group, they must have found food and refuge from the rain elsewhere.
By now the clouds had gone and the sky was clear and the sun was drying the roads, again as forecast. Not only that but we would be heading east with a tail wind most of the way home. From North Creake it was Waterden, the Barshams, Great and Little Snoring, Thursford Green, through the hole in the hedge to Barney and Fulmodestone. Then the run to Hindolveston, Thurning, Little London, Edgefield, Hempstead, Selbrigg to drop Ian off at the High Kelling junction, Bodham to Red Barn Lane where Doug continued to Cromer and Phil and I continued to PC.

PC to PC was 68 miles at an average speed of 15.2mph
Doug gets today’s mileage award, his extra miles from Cromer and back would have been a total of around 80 miles.
Riders: Doug H, Ian A, Mark M and guest Phil from Milton Keynes

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 12th June – Lemon & Rosemary Yard, Elsing
Saturday 15th 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/