Club Runs

Another overcast day with a cool north easterly wind greeted two Wheelers at Pretty Corner, for the ride to the recently reopened Darby’s pub in Swanton Morley.
The wind assisted outward and longer leg took us south via Aldborough, Blickling, Cawston, Attlebridge to Weston Longville. Just as we turned on to the Weston Longville road we spotted a tall bush completely covered in webbing, possibly created by Ermine Moth caterpillars (thanks Ian)
Here we headed west past the café at Elsing and on to Swanton Morley at around 29 miles and ready for lunch.

The pub was fairly busy with most people eating and we found a good sized table in front of an old cooking range built into the chimney. The menu had a good selection from sandwiches, light lunches to full meals and was reasonably priced. They no longer have a selection of cakes though. If the sun had been out we would probably have sat at one of the many tables outside, some of which were sheltered under a marquee.
As we set off for home, the sun made a very brief appearance, not long enough to improve the temperature though. We went to Billingford, Foxley and north via Craymere Beck to Briston. Just before Craymere Beck we came across a field full of bright red poppies which were worthy of a photo stop.

After Edgefield we took the scenic Pond Hills Road to Hempstead, where Ian continued for home and I turned for Baconsthorpe. As I passed the solar farm at the top of Bodham Hill, three escapee sheep ran off down the road, pursued by a shepherdess in a truck. I stopped to help block the road for a few minutes to see if they could be rounded up, but they had found better things to eat and wouldn’t budge, so she said she would come back for them later.

PC to PC 54 miles at an average speed of 13.1 mph
Riders: Ian A, Mark M leading

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 10th – Holkham Hall
Wednesday 14th – All Things Nice, Cawston
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

June sunshine at the Chrysalis Cafe.

It is a shame that only Mark and Ian could make it to PC on a day of welcome warm sunshine and fresh north easterly breeze. This duo were however joined by Ian Fletcher for a while. The route to the excellent Chrysalis Cafe, located on the BugzUK site at Sparhamhill, was by way of Itteringham, Cawston, Swannington, Attlebridge, Ringland, Merry Hill, Telegraph Hill, Weston Green, Frans Green, Collin Green, Primrose Green, Peaseland Green, Elsing, Fustyweed (where some selfish so ‘n’ so has nicked the village sign), Lyng and Pockthorpe. On arrival at the Chrysalis, the two Wheelers were surprised to see Harvey sitting in the sun sipping a large beaker of tea. After an extended refreshment break, with extra cake and beverages, three riders headed over the ridge to Sparham Hole on the Wensum, climbed up to Bawdeswell, skirted the Fakenham road through Foxley village, shedding one rider at Themelthorpe, then pushed the fresh wind home via Hindolveston, Burgh Parva, Briningham, Stody, Hunworth, Starling’s Hill, the edge of Edgefield, over the Range to Plumstead Green, Baconsthorpe church, Up Wood and Bodham Hill.

The basic route from PC to PC was 60 miles.

Next week, Holkham Courtyard via North Creake. Link to route file on website.

Ride Report by Andrew B
Two riders met at Pretty Corner on an unseasonably cold summers day for a run to Reepham Station.
The planned route took us through East Beckham, Bessingham, Matlaske, Calthorpe, Ingworth, Blickling, Oulton Street and Cawston. Unfortunately, on arrival at the Station Cafe it was closed due to staff shortages, so we diverted to V’s Cafe in the village centre.

The food and drink were good and we had just ordered a second coffee when Brian arrived with his off-road group.
As the cafe was full by then we let them have our table and eventually were able to join them for a chat when another table came free. After lunch we made our way back through Themelthorpe, Foulsham, Hindolveston, Briston, Hunworth and Holt. Andrew made his way home from Selbrigg Pond with Mark continuing back to PC.

PC to PC 44 miles at an average speed of 14.7 mph
Total Elevation 1550ft
Riders: Andrew B leading and Mark.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 3rd – Chrysalis Café, Sparham
Wednesday 7th – Darby’s, Swanton Morley
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

Neil S, Scott, Neil Mc, Mark, Malcolm, Andrew, David, Harvey, Graham J, Heather.

Ian (camera), Sue A (off camera).

This was a ride in memory of Bruce, who thoroughly enjoyed his club runs, be they long, short or middling. For example, he was one of only two riders to complete the runs to Goodies, near Pulham Market in south Norfolk, Wortham in Suffolk and the Sandringham, Gayton, Castle Acre 100 miler.

Eight North Norfolk Wheelers departed from Pretty Corner on a twelve mile first leg to meet others at Felmingham, where it was discovered that Neil S’s square taper crankset was working loose and that he had brought the wrong toolkit. Neil therefore decided to head for home and he was accompanied on the ride back north by Scott and Dave, who had ridden down from Cromer for the Felmingham meet. Malcolm made the group back up to seven riders for the trip down to the Lighthouse Inn to the south of Walcott. After a chat with Heather, a devious route was followed, avoiding any hint of sunny Whitsuntide holiday traffic. Some good quality food and drink was enjoyed in the sunny beer garden, although, unaccountably, the conversation focused on accidents and injuries.

Lots more little lanes were followed on the way back, maintaining a strong pace round the back of Ridlington, up to Witton and Bacton churches, Knapton, Trunch, Gimingham, Trimingham, Clapham Dams, Hungry Hill, Northrepps, Toll Hill, Metton, Hanworth, Bessingham and Gresham.

Distances: 51 miles to 76 miles.

Ride report by Chris S
Five riders started out from Pretty Corner on a warm sunny but breezy Wednesday morning.
Shortly after the start Jim joined the ride but left the ride just before Elsing to return early via Bawdeswell.
The outward route took the group through Plumstead, Saxthorpe, Cawston, Brandiston and Lyng. The group passed Neil Mc going the other way just outside Cawston.
A stop for refreshments was made at the Lemon & Rosemary Yard Café at Elsing after 24 miles. The weather was warm enough to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine.

The return journey was somewhat slower due to a moderate north easterly breeze and passed through Swanton Morley, Billingford, Bintree, Foulsham, Briston and Baconsthorpe. A slight detour was made at Bintree along the main Norwich to Fakenham Road due to encountering very loose gravel as a result of resurfacing on the intended route.
Andrew B & Ian A left the ride at the New Road/Rectory Road junction to head back to High Kelling whilst Chris S, Mark Mc and Graham A continued to Pretty Corner.

The total ride was 51.1 miles at an average of 12.8 mph.
Riders: Andrew B, Graham A, Ian A, Mark Mc, Jim H with the ride being led by Chris S (well for most of the way!!!)

PS. On behalf of NNW’s we all wish Graham A well on Saturday and a speedy recovery.

Saturday 27th – Club Run to the Lighthouse, Walcott
Wednesday 31st – Ride down to Reepham Station Cafe

Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/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/