Club Runs

On a bright sunny morning, tempered by a cool north easterly breeze, four Wheelers set off to collect Jim from High Kelling and proceed to Wiveton. Having crossed the Glaven valley and reached Langham, Graham turned off for Morston and a shorter day out.
The remaining four, crossed the Stiffkey valley at Wighton and were nicely wind assisted up the long drag to the Wells road and the south side of Holkham Park, before the welcome descent to Burnham Thorpe, crossing the river Burn en-route.

We decided to take a detour through the heart of Burnham Market to see what was going on, quickly losing count of the 4×4’s parked everywhere. Still dazzled by the Chelsea tractors the ride leader took the Ringstead Road to Docking instead of the Docking Road, surprisingly it was only half a mile further and we saw a lot of new houses on the way into Docking.
Then we had the long descent to Fring, our most westerly point of the ride and the end of the wind assistance, which was obvious as soon as we turned for the last couple of miles to Bircham Mill.
Bircham Windmill was surprisingly quiet considering how good the weather was, so we were quickly served and sat outside in enough sun to stay warm in the wind.
After a good lunch it was time to face the wind as we headed back east through Syderstone to South Creake and then a tour of the Barshams and the Stiffkey valley again, climbing up to Great Snoring and on to Thursford Castle.
Here Jim opted to take the direct route home, leaving three to continue to Bale, Sharrington and Stody. It was decided to get to Edgefield via Hunworth and avoid the headwind drag from Briston to Edgefield. It also saved half a mile so the route distance was restored. At Edgefield, Neil turned for home leaving the remaining duo to tackle the headwind all the way back to PC.

PC to PC was 69 miles at an average speed of 14.1 mph with 2680ft/817m of climbing
Riders: Chris S, Neil Mc, Graham A, Jim H and Mark M leading.

Upcoming Ride:
Wednesday 24 May – Elsing Cafe
Club Run: 27th May – Lighthouse, Walcott
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

With holidays and hospitals distracting some of the regular Wednesday Wheelers, three met at PC for the longer ride out to the small Cart Shed café in Great Massingham. It was a cool overcast day with a light east wind, though the sun made occasional appearances.

Our fairly direct route took us via Saxthorpe to Foulsham, with a brief stop at Bintree Mill to admire the view. The road up to Gately had just been resurfaced and was so thick with chippings we opted for a 2 mile diversion to avoid it. Then it was on to Whissonsett, Tittleshall, across the A1065 at Weasenham All Saints and into Great Massingham for 12:30.

It was warm enough to sit outside and enjoy a tasty lunch and coffee that was filling enough that even Andrew wasn’t tempted by the great looking cakes.
As we left the sky had become very dark with rain clouds and the east wind had picked up, which helped blow the clouds away but meant a stronger headwind for at least the first 20 miles of the return leg.
So we set off around the north side of Gt Massingham airfield, past West Raynham airfield, East Raynham to Colkirk, Great Ryburgh and up the hill to Stibbard. Once we reached Guestwick we turned north for Briston, swapping the headwind for an easier crosswind.
At Craymere Beck Duncan turned for home leaving two to continue to Edgefield and the regular route back to PC, with Andrew turning off for Hempstead and home.
A good ride though chilly for May and the return leg was fairly hard work.

Riders: Duncan S, Andrew B, Mark M leading
PC to PC with detour 69 miles at a 14.2 mph avg

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 20th – Bircham Windmill
Wednesday 24th – Elsing Cafe 50 miles
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

Waxham Dunes Cafe:- Mark, Malcolm, Harvey, Neil S, Chris B, Chris S, Neil Mc + Ian behind camera.

Andrew, Chris S, Harvey, Ian, Mark and Neil S, out from Pretty Corner, picked up Chris B at Bessingham and Neil Mc at Ingworth for this club run to Waxham Great Barn. Unfortunately, Andrew’s new chain failed to mesh in adequately so he turned back from Drabblegate. The remaining bunch of seven enjoyed a fast, generally wind-assisted ride to the refreshment stop, skirting south of Banningham to the Tuttington turn off. From here it was a lot of lanes via Skeyton church, Swanton Abbott, Worstead, Honing, East Ruston Common, Stalham, Sutton, Hickling and Sea Palling. Malcolm arrived almost simultaneously after his ride up from south Norfolk, via Yarmouth and the coast road. With a stiff north easterly wind and overcast skies keeping the temperature down to early March levels, there were no takers for the courtyard tables, so the inside of the cafe was packed, but the Wheelers managed to commandeer a couple of tables.

Following the break, Malcolm didn’t fancy any detours today, so headed south again. The main group tacked in and out of the brisk wind along a shorter return route that took them to Calthorpe Fen, Ingham, Brumstead Common and the east side of East Ruston Common, where Chris B, short of the essential winter and early spring miles, decided that it was sensible to cut across country back to his base in Burgh. Neil S and Harvey thought it prudent to keep him company. This left only four to continue on to Fox Hill, Crostwight, Ridlington Street, Witton, Bacton Wood, Knapton, Trunch, Bradfield, Thorpe Market, Topshill and Hanworth, where Neil Mc headed back the last eight miles to his new base in Corpusty. The Sheringham and High Kelling contingent finished off an invigorating day out by way of Sustead, Lower Gresham and Gibbet Lane.

Distances: 64 miles to 84 miles.

Ride Report by Ian A
PC – Holkham Hall plus bonus extras!
On a sunny and calm day, 4 riders met at PC for the ride to Holkham Hall. It was a pleasant surprise to see Jim, who has been absent for a while due to a focus on his running and a recent 6 week Greek Odyssey in his mobile home looking up Shirley Valentine or some such.
Our route took us down the Barningham Road, then across to Edgefield, through Stody and Gunthorpe (where, coincidentally, the ride leader’s better half was having acupuncture). We then reached Thursford and took the fast and direct Thursford Road to the Walsinghams. Jim bade us farewell at this point for his return to Melton Constable. After the gentle drag out of Little Walsingham the route took the remaining 3 riders down the Wells Road – definitely one to be avoided in the Summer – but only for a mile and a half before turning left for Holkham Park.

Great views in the park as it was warm & sunny and many young goslings were by the lake – Canada and Barnacle Geese were both seen. The cafe wasn’t too busy and we were quickly served with tasty food and decent coffee. There is a handy bike service station outside the cafe with a track pump, basic tools and an even more basic bike stand. But it’s a good thing. Our route out of the NE corner of the Park took us through a field of sheep with numerous very cute young lambs. All say “Aaaahhh”. Then after a few months say “Aah, Bisto! Where’s the mint sauce!”
We detoured in Wells down to the LIfeboat Station, tutted at the smelly old vintage bus that has replaced the train and Mark reminisced about his waterskiing days… After a quick shifty at the Lobster pots down the East End at the other end of Wells, we took the Warham Road and came back to Holt via Binham, Langham and Wiveton.

Duncan, hiding at the back of the bunch for most of the day, took it upon himself to tow the group at a good lick up the climbs of Bridgefoot Lane and the Cley Road into Holt. Admirable stuff. Yet another detour in Holt to view Duncan’s new build – okay, you have to use your imagination for now as it’s still a ‘work in progress’ but we’re sure it will be great for ‘The Big Move In’ next January.
We then crossed the bypass and took the Hempstead Road past the old Mill and said our goodbyes to Duncan who headed back to Corpusty via Hempstead and Edgefield. The remaining 2 riders went past Selbrigg Pond – where they confirmed that the resident swans had hatched 5 cygnets over the last day or two. Still in the nest at this stage. At the top of Selbrigg Road, Ian turned left for High Kelling, leaving Mark to ride solo back to PC

Riders: Duncan, Ian (leading), Jim and Mark
PC to PC was 53 miles

Upcoming Club Run: Saturday 13th – Waxham Barn
Wednesday Ride: 17th – Great Massingham
Routes for club runs and rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

For a few years now, the circulation of downloadable route files has enabled the club run bunch to split naturally on the road into a keen vanguard group and a more senior steady riding rearguard. With two of the regulars currently undergoing courses of medical treatment, the need for sensibly regulated effort from the poursuivants has become more critical. So, the carefully considered plan today was for six steady, but sustained, riders to join the plotted route at the 4.6 miles mark, allow the anticipated five hard riders to sweep them up, then follow the route for some time before splitting, in order to head for two separate destinations for the refuelling break.

Problem: only three of the hard riders turned out today and one of them (Ian) was going only as far as Reepham before turning for his home base in High Kelling. Consequence: only Mark and Chris completed the scheduled club run, riding by way of Corpusty, Reepham, Whitwell, Lyng, Cadder’s Hill, East Tuddenham, Welborne, Barnham Broom and the stiff climb up to Colton church to a quiet Goat Shed Cafe to the south of Honingham, where they enjoyed substantial refreshments, while watching the new season’s kids enjoying the mild spring weather. The return route took them round the back of Mattishall, the A47 bridge, Elsing Hall, Sparham, Kerdiston and the quiet lanes via Briston, Edgefield and Baconsthorpe. A good solid ride of 63 miles.

Meanwhile, the touring element stuck to a lot of lanes, climbing over to Peaseland Green and Primrose Green before descending to the quiet cafe at Lyng Stores. The return ride climbed again to the high plains before crossing the Wensum and keeping on the back lanes through Swannington, Brandiston, Cawston, Itteringham, Wolterton, Wickmere, Matlaske, Bessingham and Gresham. Just south of Swannington, Neil S suffered a front tyre sidewall blowout, which required careful patching. Three of the bunch assumed that the explosive noise emanated from a misfiring passing motor bike, before they realised that something was amiss. The damage resulted from improperly balanced vintage brakes causing the 13.6 mm deep cuboid Mafac blocks to rub along the side of the tyre.

This secondary (larger) group, consisting of Brian, Graham A, Graham J, Neil S and Harvey, covered distances ranging from 52 miles to 60 miles.

Five Wheelers met at PC on a dry, sunny morning, though a cold easterly wind kept the temperatures fairly low all day.
We took a direct route to Itteringham and then looped via Heydon Park to Cawston and on to Swannington. Then we headed west to Alderford and the lanes around Great Witchingham, reaching our destination at the insect zoo: https://www.bugzuk.com/parc/ after 23 miles.
The café was quiet and we had the option of seating both outside and in, we chose inside. The menu had plenty of choice and the prices were very reasonable. The only insects on display in the café are some excellent photos displayed on the walls.

After lunch we crossed the A1067 and headed down to Lyng, then up Cadders Hill, past the motocross circuit and back across the A1067 at Attlebridge. Then a pleasant ride through the woods to Felthorpe, before turning north for Cawston and Oulton Street, where Duncan turned for home.
The remaining four continued on to Blickling, Ingworth, across Scarrow Beck to Wickmere and on to Sustead Church. Here Graham turned for home and a little later at Gresham, Andrew did the same, leaving two to return to PC.

PC to PC was 52.5 miles at an average of 14.2 mph
Riders: Andrew B, Duncan S, Chris S, Graham A and Mark M leading.

Upcoming Club Runs and Rides –
Saturday 6th – The Goat Shed at Honingham
Wednesday 10th – Holkham Hall
Routes for club runs and Wednesday rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

Neil Mc, Mark & Andrew at the Mardler’s Rest. (Off camera – Ian, Chris, Neil S, Harvey & Graham A).

Eight North Norfolk Wheelers headed out from PC to enjoy some ideal spring weather on the road to Gressenhall Museum. The 29.4 miles (from PC) outward route went by way of Plumstead Green, over the Range to Edgefield, descended to Briston, over the Craymere ford, Burnthouse, Guestwick, Foxley, Bawdeswell and Elsing Lane (Graham A departed from the bunch here to refuel at Elsing before completing his planned 55 miles ride for the day. Everyone wishes him well for his upcoming course of treatment). The remaining seven then followed the valleys of the Wensum and the Blackwater through Bylaugh, Worthing and Gorgate to the Mardler’s Rest cafe, where they are still managing to peg prices back to pre-‘cost of living crisis’ levels.

The rather longer homeward leg progressed in mesmerising spring weather, featuring a genuine warmth not experienced since early October. After the rolling roads through Hoe, Swanton Morley and Elsing, it was along some of the lower stretches of the Wensum, as far as the old bridge at Attlebridge, before climbing over to Upgate and Swannington, a detour to Haveringland church and the Ratcatcher’s and then a straight run back to PC via Cawston and Itteringham.

Distances: 64 miles to 74 miles.

Ride Report by first time ride leader Chris S
Three riders met at PC for a ride to Stables Café, at Blickling Hall. The weather was somewhat cold for late April with the temperature struggling to get into double digits. However, despite being cold there was little breeze and only a few very light rain showers. The outward route took in Gresham, Sustead (where Graham joined the ride), Hanworth, Erpingham, Tuttington, Aylsham and Blickling. Arrival at the café was just before midday and the lunchtime rush. Service was very prompt and efficient.
The return journey was equally cold passing through Oulton, Corpusty, Briston, Selbrigg (where Andrew left the group) and back to PC.

The distance covered was 47.9 miles in 3 hours 24 minutes.
Riders: Chris S Leading, Mark M, Andrew B and Graham A.
Editor’s Comment – Many thanks to Chris for leading his first Wheelers ride. A great route, no one got lost and at lunch he “volunteered” to lead a ride in May!

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 29th – Club Run to Gressenhall
Wednesday 3rd – TBA
Routes for club runs & rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

Eight riders met at Pretty Corner on a cool spring morning for the weekend club run to No.77 Cafe at the back of Coltishall Red Lion. The route down to the north east sector of the Broads went by way of Gresham, Bessingham, Alby Hill, Suffield, little used lanes through to Swanton Abbott, Sloley, Tunstead, Crowgate, Beeston St. Lawrence, Neatishead, Irstead (three malingerers cut off 1.5 miles here by nipping round the back of Threehammer Common), Hoveton Hall and Belaugh Green. The cafe was busy as usual, but two inside tables were available. Over the refuelling break the conversation ranged from coronations to the Cisco Kid.

Increasing warm sunshine made for a pleasant ride back, starting off round the back of St. James to Hautbois, through a couple of Saturday rat runs to get back onto quieter lanes around Hainford and Stratton Strawless, the edge of Buxton, Dudwick and Botany Bay to Cawston (Neil Mc’s point of departure), Heydon Park, Oulton, Irmingland (the malingering trio cut out the loop here to get back ahead of the lead bunch), Corpusty and a direct eight miles back to PC.

Group: Neil S; Neil Mc; Mark; Ian; Harvey; Chris; Brian + Clive from Chester.

Distances: 62 miles to 77 miles.

Somewhere en route today one rider passed the 50,000 miles mark on NNW weekend club runs (plus an unspecified number of the Wednesday rides back in the days when CJ and Maggie K, as well as two Geoff Ps were regular participants). This cumulative distance includes eleven rides of 100 miles or more, either solely as club run or club run with extras.

During this period, other past and present Wheelers who have completed one or more century rides on a club run or club run plus are: – Ben M; Brian P; Bruce Mac; Duncan E; Duncan O; Guy T; Ian S; John H; Luke M; Neil S; Paul B.

L-R: – Clive, Neil Mc, Chris, Neil S, Brian, A.N. Other + Mark (out the back) & Ian (camera)