Club Runs

With the Wednesday ride postponed to Thursday over fears of showers, only one Wheeler braved the Thursday morning cold.
With a moderate but cold NW wind blowing in dark clouds across the coast, the lone Wheeler headed south and was soon greeted by sunshine. That sunshine remained for most of the ride, only turning to dark clouds and the odd spot of rain close to West Beckham on the return leg.
What was noticeable though as the route headed south of Corpusty was the first frost seen on a club ride this winter. The frost was clearly evident on the goat track (classified as a road) west from Heydon Park, through Norton Corner to Tyby, where the overhanging trees had kept the road wet and covered in mud and leaf mulch, which produced a frosty crunch under the wheels.

Around Foulsham the temperature dropped lower and there was more frost on the verges and some ice on the top of puddles, though the roads themselves were mainly dry and free of mud and frost, which was a relief on the descent down to Bintree Mill.
The route now started to turn into the wind for the next few miles through Gately, Horningtoft, Oxwick to the Tittleshall Road and the fast descent down Beacon Hill to Hempton and to the Garden Centre.

As Thursday is Market Day in Fakenham, the garden centre car park was very busy, so as I was alone, I decided to give lunch a miss and continued on some back lanes around Fakenham to the Thorpland road, Great Snoring, Hindringham, Field Dalling and Saxlingham.
At Saxlingham our route planner for the day, Graham A, had incorporated a track known as Tansy Lane. It was also noted that absent from the day’s ride was Graham A but also Ian A with his gravel bike with 38mm grippy tyres, ideal for such a track.
So for ride report completeness I set off down the track on 25mm Gatorskins. The first part was hard packed stone and water filled holes, not too bad, this then turned to two muddy tractor tracks and water filled holes which offered only occasional traction and a rough grass central strip which provided a little more traction, plus there was no end in sight.
Eventually the end was reached with the bonus that the water filled holes had washed my brakes and mudguards clean of the mud acquired earlier in the ride.

Then it was a long downhill into Letheringset followed by the long uphill to Holt, through Holt to High Kelling and the regular route back to PC.

PC to PC was 53.6 miles at a 13.9mph average. Home by 2:15pm, quick bike wash then plenty of tea and biscuits!
Rider – Mark M

Next week’s ride is to the Old Reading Rooms, Kelling (plenty of tea, hot soup and cakes), 40 miles: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2100957

With a strong easterly wind and rain greeting Wheelers as they awoke, it was a surprise to find that five had ventured out to PC. The rain as forecast had stopped by 10am and we didn’t see any all day, the easterly wind helped us as we headed SW down to Hoe and had eased on the return leg and the sun came out! As we returned to PC we were treated to the sight of the sun setting, squashed between clouds and the moon rising in a clear sky.

Harvey’s route was a fairly direct run through Briston, Foulsham and south of Bintree we met Harvey heading north. So after a quick chat we left Harvey and continued to Billingford, Worthing, Hoe, all ready for a good feed at the Fork.

Alas, the Fork and Corners garden centre has permanently closed, the lease has expired. Who knows what it will become next, probably housing.
So, we decided to re-route to Darbys at Swanton Morley which was just off the planed route and re-join the route further on. Swanton Morley seemed to have grown in size as we approached from the south west, which caused some confusion as to where the pub was, Brian was keen to get into the first pub he saw, but we pressed on downhill and found Darbys.

They had a big party coming in for lunch and were keen for us to order quickly to free the kitchen up, which we were happy to do and then we could enjoy the warmth of the woodburner and general ambience.
We all enjoyed our different meals, though Andrew’s choice of just a starter failed to satisfy him, but the huge wedge of cake that followed seemed to do the trick.

Reluctantly we left the warmth and ventured back out into the cold. Brian, reinvigorated having had his Senior Special fish and chips, was keen to get going so he led the way and took us to Elsing. We stopped at the old Mermaid pub, which is reopening on Dec 14th as the Lemon & Rosemary Yard Café & Deli. We had a quick word with one of the proprietors about their progress and told them we would be back to try out the coffee and cakes.

We continued through Bawdeswell, Foxley, Corpusty, past Mannington Hall, where Brian turned off for home and the rest continued to the next split at Red Barn Lane and back to PC.

Riders were, Brian P, Chris S, Andrew A, Ian A, Mark M.
PC to PC was 53.6 miles at an average speed of 13.7mph
Next week’s ride (10th Dec) is to No.77 Café, Coltishall

Three wheelers met at PC for a ride to the Blickling Hall on a cold but fine autumn morning. The route took us through Gresham, Sustead, Fellbrigg, Crossdale Sreet and Northrepps, where we met up with Graham A as pre-arranged. The four riders then continued through Southrepps, Gimingham, Trunch, Bradfield, Antingham, Felmingham, Banningham and Ingworth. On reaching Blickling Hall we found a good table and enjoyed a good meal in the warmth. Following discussion, it was agreed to change the planned route back as this was on busy roads. Mark therefore led us on a parallel route through Oulton Street, Corputsy, Edgefield Steet, Edgefield, Hemstead and Selbrigg, where Ian left us to make his own way home. The remaining riders the proceeded back to PC with Graham splitting off at the top of Red Barn Lane. Overall a good ride in excellent conditions for late November, with the latter part of the ride in bright sunshine.

PC to PC 43 miles

Average speed 14.1 mph           Total Elevation 1385 ft

Ian, Graham A and Andrew B/Mark leading.

Ride Report by Brian P
A sunny day encouraged more riders out today, 5 in number, including Mark and Graham who, having just recovered from Covid, were keen to stretch their legs again. So much so, that Mark, on the interminable drag from Wighton up to Egmere found himself a mile ahead of us and realised the difficulty in communication before he moderated his pace and joined the light hearted banter of the peloton.
We followed familiar lanes to Great Walsingham, but not before Andrew suffered an unauthorised deflation (rear Gatorskin), but urged us to continue without him, and shortly after, a surprise brief meeting with our regular routemaster Harvey T who told us of tests under way to address his recently diagnosed anaemia.

A more than usual amount of shotgun fire caused us to duck as we rode along the hedgerows. The Great Walsingham Barns, renowned for splendid pies hosted us admirably, despite a shortage of staff and even with a later arrival of a shooting party (the culprits, with an average age exceeding ours! ) speedily served us well.
Andrew B had meanwhile re-joined us, and using the stirrup pump donated to the café by Cycling UK, deflated and re-adjusted the wobbly tyre on his rear wheel. Having eaten, he then excused himself, to get back in time for his sailing club AGM, for, as every sailor knows, the tide waits for no one!

A comfortable return journey with pauses at select gentlemen’s conveniences had us heading towards PC and peeling off in our different homeward directions with lights being necessary in the approaching dusk.

Riders were, Graham A, Andrew B, Mark McV, Brian P and Neil S.
PC to PC 50.6 miles at an average speed of 13.8mph.

Next week’s ride (3rd Dec) is to the Fork Café, Hoe.

Three Wheelers met at PC on a dry, bright and sunny Thursday morning, as Wednesday’s correct forecast of rain all morning meant we had postponed the ride by a day.
Our clockwise route took us through Hanworth and Thorpe Market to Lower Southrepps, where we picked up Graham A, out for his first ride post covid. Then it was a familiar route through Trunch, Knapton and Honing via the Golden Mile and onto Dilham, then back lanes to Tunstead Church, the pedestrian only rail crossing and into Tunstead and the Horse and Groom.

Unfortunately for Andrew B, as soon as he arrived, he had to turn around and head for home for a pre-arranged event. Hope you got back in time and managed to get some food, Andrew.

To fill Andrew’s seat, Malcolm had ridden up from St Olaves to join us for lunch and a chat.
Some Wheelers may well remember the venue as the former Olive Branch café, which Malcolm recalled as being a very good and popular destination.
The pub was taken on and refurbished early this year by a couple that also run the successful Ferry Inn at Stokesby, nr Acle.
We were the only customers and as a sign of the times, the heating was off, so it didn’t have the roaring fire that I had been anticipating. However the menu choice was extensive and we all enjoyed the meals we had.

So, after sending Malcolm off south into a headwind, we headed north west and enjoyed a good following breeze as we made our way through Swanton Abbott, Tuttington, Aylsham to Oulton. At Oulton we turned north to Itteringham, where Graham A turned off for Cromer, then the remaining duo had a wind assisted 5 mile blast up to Bodham Hill, where we split and headed for home.

Ian A was out on his recently purchased Holdsworth carbon gravel bike, with Sram Force 1×12 and 38mm tyres and full mudguards, he is now well prepared for Norfolk’s mud and gravel strewn winter roads! It seemed to go fairly fast as well.

PC to PC was 49 miles at a 14.2mph average speed. Back home shortly after 3pm with time for a quick bike wash before dark.
Andrew B, Ian A, Graham A, Malcolm and Mark leading.

Two Wheelers met at Pretty Corner on a cold but dry autumnal morning for a ride to Watsons cafe following a route provided by Harvey. The route took us through Gresham, Crossdale Street, Northrepps, Overstrand and Sidestrand where we met Harvey who then rode with us for a few miles. We then proceeded through Trimingham, Mundsley, Trunch, Knapton, Edingthorpe and Bacton. At the cafe we both chose the vegetarian all day breakfast option which was excellent. The route back took us through Ridlington, Honing, Worstead, Swanton Abbott, Burgh next Aylsham, Aylsham, Ingworth and Aldborough, where Brian left to make his own way home. The lone rider then proceeded through Gresham before making their way home. An excellent days cycling along a good route in sunny conditions.

PC to PC 50 miles

Andrew B and Brian.

Two wheelers met at PC for a ride to the Old Reading Room, Kelling on a sunny autumn morning. The route took us through East Beckham, Matlaske, Plumstead, Edgfield, Briston, Stody, Brinton, Gunthorpe, Thursford, Hindringham and onto Binham. As it had started to rain by the time we reached Binham and Ian had no waterproof (never trust forecasts!) we decided to stop for coffee and cakes at the Priory Parlour cafe. The cafe was welcoming and the food and drink were excellent. It was still raining slightly when we left the cafe so we decided to head straight back without stopping at Kelling. The route back was through Langham, Wiveton, Kelling and onto High Kelling where Ian left to make is own way home. I then continued back to PC via. Baconsthorpe and West Beckham. A nice ride despite the unscheduled rain.

PC to PC 40 miles

Average speed 14.5 mph           Total Elevation 1500 ft

Ian and Andrew Bassett leading.

Ride Report by Chris S
Once again the weather was surprisingly dry and warm for mid November. However the turn out for the ride was low mainly because a number of the usual group had other commitments and also Mark M had finally succumbed to Covid.
Therefore I found myself to be be the only rider starting from Pretty Corner. Following the route I picked up Ian A in High Kelling at the junction with Cromer Road. We continued along the route when just before Glandford we found Harvey T waiting by the side of the road. After a short chat Harvey joined us for approximately 6-7 miles before peeling off and going his own way. Ian and myself continued to Reepham with some light head winds arriving just before midday.
Departing at around 12.30 after a bite to eat at the Station Cafe we had an enjoyable ride back in sunshine with Ian turning off towards High Kelling shortly before Pretty Corner. I arrived back at Pretty Corner at approximately 1425 hrs having covered some 52 miles at an average speed of 14.7mph.

Four riders left Pretty Corner at the revised time of 10am on route for Wells Beach Cafe. The planned route was somewhat different to begin with as it took riders to Weybourne via Bodham. Holgate Hill warmed us up for the rest of the journey which took in the usual villages of Glandford, Binham and Warham. Rain threatened us at one point but the only evidence was wet roads from Wiveton Downs onwards. After 21 miles and some strong breeze at times the cafe was reached, and light refreshment was enjoyed. We walked up the slope to view the new lifeboat building with glimpses of the newest and fastest lifeboat.

Returning to Wells on Beach Road we met Jane A who was hoping to meet us for lunch. This was rather disappointing for her and for us but there was no immediate remedy only lessons to learn for future meet ups. After a short chat with Jane the four riders continued to Wells S and SW along the Holkham estate wall, fighting a strong headwind. Turning E it was easy going to Wighton, Copys Green and Hindringham. We went via Bale, Sharrington, Brinton and Stody where Neil Mc left for home and the three remaining riders arrived at Hunworth.

We took a steep  idyllic route at Hunworth starting at a ford and through woods bordering Hunworth Common. The track was invisible, being carpeted with leaves but it was firm under our wheels, possibly having a tarmac surface. That was our rough stuff for the day! Then we went to Holt and through the houses to Hempstead Road. Andrew B left after Selbrigg pond and the remaining two of us soon reached Pretty Corner.

PC to PC 49.5 miles

Average speed 13.7 mph

Andrew, Mark, Neil and Graham A leading

Four Wheelers, Chris S, Neil S, Brian and Mark set off from PC in cool and dry conditions, though the overcast sky kept providing a few spits of rain during the day. We picked up Jim H and Chris B in Gresham and set off via some lesser used lanes for Erpingham, then Aylsham’s Dunkirk to Tuttington and Brampton.

It was here that both Chris B and Jim H decided that they were not feeling up to the full ride and would head home, they had of course already completed a good few miles in getting up to Gresham to join us.
So, the remaining four made their way to Coltishall, encountering some light rain on the way. As we arrived, so did Malcolm, having used the Reedham ferry to come up from St Olaves.

No.77 was nicely warm with the usual good food and service. Brian was showing off his new phone, this one can take photos! After we had all featured in Brian’s selfies, it was time to head for home, with Malcolm heading east for Wroxham and the rest going west to Horstead and Frettenham.
From Stratton Strawless we took the long straight road through the woods to the outskirts of Felthorpe, then north through Haveringland, the edge of Swannington airfield to Cawston and beyond.
At Itteringham, as Brian and Neil S turned right to make their way home, Neil Mc appeared, out for a quick ride between house renovation tasks, so he joined us for a couple of miles before making his way back home. Leaving the final two to continue back to PC.

Group: Chris S, Neil S, Brian, Mark, Jim H, Chris B and brief appearance by Neil Mc.

PC to PC 54 miles at an average speed of 14.4 mph.

Next week’s ride (12th) is to The Station Café, Reepham.