Club Runs

A strong south westerly and a leaden sky greeted four Wheelers at PC and the forecast sunshine seemed unlikely, though after 30 minutes or so, the sun came out and stayed out for the rest of Andrew’s ride to Gressenhall. Andrew took extreme action to avoid writing the ride report, more on that later.
To cover the miles we had a fairly direct route south and west, taking us through Gresham, Matlask, Itteringham (where the pub is up for lease), Heydon Park, Reepham to the crossing of the A1067 at Sparham.
At Elsing we turned west and into the easier crosswind to our destination at The White Swan. Having arrived just a few minutes after the 12 noon opening we were the first customers through the door and were well looked after by the staff.

With a good selection of food and drinks to choose from, we each managed to have something different and were all pleased with the quality of the meals. Chris even claimed the soup was the best he had tried and his dessert looked very good as well. During our meal, a good few other customers turned up, so it was good to see a pub doing well in the current conditions, where closures seem to be happening almost daily.
So after a very good lunch we set off, knowing that we would have a tailwind all the way home and it did make a big difference.
We went up to Brisley Green, then to Broom Green before a stop at the picturesque Bintree Mill, where we watched a red kite soaring in the wind.

From there it was through Foulsham, Thurning to Saxthorpe and onto the Matlaske road for home. We were enjoying the wind assistance and 20mph+ speeds and shortly after the S bends, Andrew hit a lump in the road, lost control and crashed, Chris fortunately just managed to avoid riding over him. Remarkably Andrew got back to his feet without any apparent major damage and his bike seemed fairly unscathed as well, just requiring some rear mech adjustments to get it working again.
A post ride update from Andrew – he went to Cromer Minor Injuries unit for a check-up and luckily got away with minor cuts and bruises.
After that excitement we re-routed to Plumstead and Baconsthorpe to get Andrew home in the shortest distance.

PC to PC 56 miles at a 14.5 mph avg.
Riders: Ian A (photos), Chris S, Mark M and Andrew B leading

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 25th – Jane’s, East Rudham
Wednesday 29th – Rising Sun, Coltishall
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

Seven Wheelers set off from Pretty Corner to pick up one more around the nine mile mark at Ingworth. The bunch pushed into a fresh S.S.E. wind in mild showery conditions, by way of Banningham, Tuttington, Swanton Hill, Worstead, Honing, Brumstead Common, Ingham and Sea Palling to the Dunes Cafe, where Malcolm was waiting after his ride up from the Broads. The cafe was quieter than usual, which presumably had something to do with a poorish forecast for today succeeded by an excellent forecast for Sunday. During the refreshment break, Ian A took the opportunity to claim his prize as the winner of the recent ‘Spot the Bird’ competition.

To avoid the traffic snarling up behind us, the nine rider bunch split into three bits for the first couple of miles main road section to the turn off north west of Sea Palling. As a consequence of these splits, Malcolm and Neil S failed to see the leaders turn right at Calthorpe Fen, while the duo off the back were unable to whistle/shout them back. After waiting a few minutes for the anticipated return of Neil, Brian and Harvey had to chase him down in order to save him detouring via Acle en route to his Beeston Regis destination. Bidding farewell to the southbound Malcolm, the trio set out to rejoin the planned route at Ingham. It was all plain sailing on a helpful wind until Crostwight, where Neil’s rear mech, which had looked hazardously bent all day, sheared off at the hanger. So, it was split the chain, remove thirteen links**, detach the derailleur, tie the cable to the seat stays, rejoin the chain with a Quick Link, and thereby convert the bike to a 39-25 single gear machine. It was then a shorter route back, dropping off Brian at Alby Common, leaving Harvey to guide Neil to a point where he could shortcut home via Aylmerton and West Runton.

Meanwhile the main group continued on the planned route to Calthorpe Street, Lessingham, Crostwight, Ebridge Mill, White Horse Common, Swafield, Thorpe Market, Hanworth Common and Sustead church to Gresham church. Lone ranger Malcolm completed a circuit by way of Yarmouth, Hemsby, Waxham, Hickling, Potter Heigham, Acle and Halvergate church.

Group: Neil S; Neil Mc; Mark; Ian A; Harvey; Chris S; Brian; Andrew. + Malcolm at the cafe and a few miles of the return route.

Distances: 53 miles to 80 miles.

** PS – The Chain Length Calculator reckons 100 links for 39-25 on 410 mm chain stays.

Ride Report by Ride Leader Ian A
On a chilly but sunny day with lightish winds, 5 Wheelers met at PC for a modest 44 mile loop via the Artisan Cafe at Alby. It was good to see Kevin H out after a prolonged absence.
The route took us on the familiar lanes to Saxthorpe via Baconsthorpe, then skirting Heydon and south to Southgate (which seemed apt). The ride leader had recce’d the original route and subsequently tweaked it in a couple of places to avoid some main road stretches, before having it loaded to the Club website. Unfortunately he had omitted to update his own version, so a couple of slightly confusing navigational moments were rescued by a gentle hand on the tiller by the ever helpful (if slightly smug) Mark…

From Oulton Street we went through the pretty village of Silvergate which took us to the magnificent frontage of Blickling Hall, joining the ‘normally a bit busier’ main(ish) road and turning for Ingworth and Erpingham and onto the cafe at Alby Arts & Crafts Centre. The welcome was zealous to say the least! But overall the staff were very friendly and efficient and the general consensus was that the food (and coffee) was very good. Graham’s soup was, unfortunately, not quite up to scratch. But then again, plus ca change…

After a brief gentle descent down the grassy & moist (OK, muddy) Blacksmith’s Lane beside the cafe, Graham had collected quite a clod between mudguard and front wheel. After much fettling with several sticks of various lengths and thicknesses (true in all walks of life) plus some helpful advice from comrades, the wheel refused to free itself. So off it came and the problem was finally sorted. Ian asked what he should do with the stick he was still holding? No comment. Or certainly nothing printable.
After Thwaite Common, we turned East to Suffield then via Antingham and north to Southrepps (slightly less apt). More gentle tiller work from Mark at Antingham… Then onto Northrepps where Graham turned for Cromer, and the remaining 4 took the usual route via Metton to Gresham Church where Duncan headed back to Corpusty and Kevin headed back via West Beckham and Upper Sheringham. The remaining 2 Wheelers went on to East Beckham where Mark headed back to PC and Ian turned for home via West Beckham.

PC to PC 44 miles
5 Riders: Ian A(leading & photos), Duncan S, Graham A, Kevin H & Mark M.

Editor’s Comment – Many thanks to Ian for leading his first Wheelers ride, hopefully the experience didn’t put him off and he will lead more rides in the future.

With sub-zero overnight temperatures following Friday’s snow and sleet and a yellow warning for ice on wet roads, this week’s club run was postponed until Sunday. Many of the more shaded lanes were indeed icy until at least 11.00.

At least three potential riders were abroad this week and two more were committed to family affairs, so only four Wheelers met at Pretty Corner for the run to the Courtyard Cafe. It was a hard slog out into the strong W.S.W. wind, over the heaths and Wiveton Downs to Langham and Binham, then via Walsingham ford, Bunker’s Hill, Blunt’s Corner and the long descent to North Creake, where, after 24 miles, the small group turned first north and then east to pick up a strong tailwind from Burnham Thorpe up the long climb to South Holkham and the descent to the refreshment stop. After a comfortable break dominated by discussions about curly Hetchins and the relative merits of 52/42, 53/39 and 50/34 chainsets, it was out through the East Lodge gate and a wind-assisted ride back by way of Wells, Warham, Binham, Field Dalling, Saxlingham, Sharrington, Brinton, Stody, Briston, Edgefield, Plumstead and North Barningham.

Group: Graham A; Harvey; Mark; Neil S. – Brian fitted in a couple of hours on the sunny Saturday afternoon.

Distances: 60 miles to 72 miles.

Three Wheelers braved the cold conditions to meet at PC. With a lot less frost and ice than forecast and the start delayed to 10:30am, the roads were dry and clear. The cold easterly wind meant temperatures stayed around 4C, with the occasional light snow flurry for good measure.
The route out was south westerly and mainly wind assisted, through Edgefield, Wood Dalling, Foulsham, Billingford and up the Dereham Road to Hamptons Cafe.

Hamptons was very warm, had a great choice of food and cake options, so it was not too surprising that it was busy.
We were given a table so long as we were finished within an hour as it was booked. With our order taken quickly and the food arriving promptly, we had time for sandwiches, jacket potato and then after some deliberation, cake and 2nd coffees, all with time to spare.

It felt a lot colder when we ventured back outside. We soon crossed the A1067 through the hole in the hedge to continue through Bawdeswell and along the Reepham Road to Jordan Green. Then on to Whitwell, past Booton Church and on to Cawston, where Duncan turned for home. The remaining duo continued through Ingworth, Wickmere, Hanworth, Sustead, avoided the crowds as they left Gresham school and back to PC.
All in all a much better day than forecast, with dry roads and no showers.

PC to PC, 51 miles at an average speed of 14.5 mph
Riders: Chris S, Duncan S and Mark M leading.

Upcoming Club Runs –
Saturday 11th – Courtyard Café, Holkham
Wednesday 15th – Artisans Café, Alby
Routes for club runs and Wednesday rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

Six riders out from Pretty Corner picked up one more at the five mile marker, but one Wheeler was forced by the effects of an old back injury to turn for home from Cawston. Aided by a stiff north westerly, the group of six continued south via Swannington, the old Wensum bridge at Attlebridge, Marl Hill, the long descent to Ringland, the steep climb to Merryhill and onto Telegraph Hill, Weston Green, Lenwade and the steeply undulating lanes through Great Witchingham to a busy Reepham Station Cafe, where a fit-looking Geoff was waiting after following the traditional route from Sheringham. The bunch of seven Wheelers managed to commandeer two small tables in the side room for some good quality nourishment.

While Geoff headed directly back, the bunch set out initially southwards before turning north and north west by way of Whitwell Hall, Jordan Green, Themelthorpe and Foulsham. The more north easterly direction of travel from Skitfield Lane gave the bunch welcome relief from the nagging headwind en route to Thurning, where Neil Mc turned for his last few miles home while the remaining five looped round by Rookery Farm into Briston, where the leading trio didn’t like the look of Mack’s Loke after the recent rains, so continued north east on the more conventional ways to The Old White Horse, Hempstead, Baconsthorpe and West Beckham. Meanwhile Brian had stopped to chat to NNW timekeeper John C., after which the rearguard pair decided that it would be fruitless to pursue the vanguard, so stuck to the planned route along the Mack’s Loke shortcut, Roper’s Farm (inexplicably serious flooding), a fast mile on the B1354 and up Ramsgate Street to five lane ends, where Brian turned for Barningham Green, Erpingham and home.

On another cold day of mainly light showers, the only heavier spell of rain was over the couple of miles between Telegraph Hill and Weston Green.

Group: Neil Mc; Mark; Ian A; Harvey; Chris; Brian. + Neil S (Beeston Regis to Cawston and back) and Geoff (direct routes to and from the cafe).

Distances (main group): 60 miles to 68 miles (Brian).

Despite the wet start to the day, four Wheelers braved the weather and met at PC for the ride to Junction 21.
With a moderate NE wind and showers forecast, the riders were prepared with rain jackets and warm clothing. The showers started as soon as we did and continued throughout the day, some were heavy and prolonged and were often followed by blue sky and warm sunshine, so our spirits rose and fell together with the temperature.
Our route to the café would be a wind assisted, long and meandering 32 miles. The first section took us via Erpingham to Ingworth then past the scene of Graham A’s icy crash to Itteringham Common and on to Heydon Park. Here Graham A had a front puncture (Vittoria), fortunately this was one of the sunny periods, so it was warm and peaceful in the park while we watched Graham and offered helpful advice.
Just a mile further on it started to rain heavily as we made our through Cawston, past the church to Booton House (childhood home of Stephen Fry), Brandiston, Swannington and the Witchinghams.
With stomachs rumbling and fingers crossed that the café would be open we set off for the last few miles down Nowhere Lane to Jordan Green and Themelthorpe.

As we arrived we saw Geoff P waving to us from inside. We soon joined Geoff in the warmth, he had seen we were going to Junction 21 and thought he would meet us and we had a good chat as we waited for our lunch. Geoff set off for home as we had our lunch, which was followed by more coffee and cake for some.
It felt cold when we ventured back outside, pulling on wet gloves and setting off for the shorter leg home. Foulsham, Guestwick, Thurning were passed in a mix of rain or sunshine, to Duncan’s turn off point at Town Close. While the remaining three continued to Edgefield, Plumstead, Barningham Winter where Graham turned off, up to Bodham Hill and back to PC.

PC to PC 55 miles at an average speed of 13.2 mph
Riders: Graham A, Chris S, Duncan S, Mark M leading

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 4th – Reepham Station
Wednesday 8th – Hamptons, Bawdeswell
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

Five Wheelers met at PC for Harvey’s ride to Pensthorpe, with both Graham A and Graham J only going to ride part of the route.
With showers forecast and a cold and strong NNE wind, Harvey’s figure of eight route minimised the amount of headwind miles, though it was still a tough day out and my legs were pleased to reach the end.
The first 21 miles were easy and downwind and when the sun came out it was very warm. We went on the familiar route to Briston and picked Harvey up around Craymere Beck, then continued through Guestwick. Near the end of Peddlars Turnpike, Graham J had a puncture (Gatorskin), here the group split in two, with the Grahams going to leave the route at Foxley and go to Bawdeswell for coffee anyway and Harvey stopping to assist and then make his own way back home, leaving three to continue to Pensthorpe.
Between Billingford and N Elmham, Chris S decided to stretch his legs and left his companions in his dust. Regrouping in N Elmham we now headed north into the wind to Gately, Great Ryburgh and the testing bergs of Little Ryburgh before joining the main road for the last mile to the cafe.
Despite the wind and the cold, Pensthorpe and the café were fairly busy, though we found a table indoors with the sun streaming in through the window. I think the menu has changed since I last visited and I can recommend the Breakfast Bloomer, we all enjoyed our much needed lunches, knowing it would be harder work getting home. After a photo op in front of a plastic woolly mammoth it was time to head off.

These and more photos can be found here:
https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

An initial uphill headwind section to Kettlestone was followed by a relatively easy 10 miles of crosswinds through Hindolveston, Thurning to Heydon Park, were we negotiated suicidal sheep before turning north east. This was the hardest leg with hedges providing some shelter from the wind but with the added bonus of being uphill from Itteringham, through Wickmere, Thurgarton, Sustead to Gresham.

As we recovered outside Gresham church, Ian asked about the grasshopper on the village sign, unable to receive a sensible answer from his companions, he said he would undertake painstaking research when he got home.
Three seconds of Google searching later he had fulfilled his quest:

“In 1571, the Royal Exchange opened in London. The building (or rather its Victorian replacement) still bears a golden grasshopper, the emblem of the Exchange’s founder Thomas Gresham. He chose this to commemorate one of his ancestors, who as an illegitimate baby was abandoned in a Norfolk field.”
https://londonist.com/london/secret/why-is-there-a-giant-grasshopper-on-the-royal-exchange

PC to PC was 57 miles at an average speed of 14.3 mph
Riders; Chris S, Ian A, Graham A, Graham J, Harvey, Mark M.

Upcoming Runs –
Wednesday 1st March – Junction 21, Themelthorpe
Saturday 4th March – Reepham Station
Routes for club runs and Wednesday rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

With five Wheelers away with other commitments, Ian A and Mark thought they were the group, so they were surprised and pleased to see Graham J roll up. With Graham not having been on a club ride since October he planned to ride part of the route before heading back but wanted to say hello and let us know he was fit and well and would be joining us for future rides as time permitted.
Unfortunately the first hour of the ride was a lot wetter than forecast with rain and drizzle soaking the roads and requiring rain jackets. As the day progressed and we headed further south, it became dryer and brighter and the roads were mainly dry for the remainder of the ride.
Our route took us to Hanworth, Lower Street, Felmingham and then some different roads through Westwick, up the B1150 to Heath Road, across the A149, Yarmouth Road to Sandy Hills to cross the A149 again.
It was here in the trees that we had another surprise, John S was waiting for us. We had not seen John since our December mince pie feast at the Lighthouse, Walcott, so it was great to see him out as well.
So we headed south through Worstead to Anchor Street to join the busy but wide A1151/A149 for about a mile to Vera’s at Meales Garden Centre. Vera’s didn’t look that busy but many of the tables were booked, though we were found a table that was vacant for the next hour.
Meales is a big garden centre and the café is large and obviously busy and the staff were friendly and efficient but the food and coffee we had was nothing special, it was filling and reasonably priced, so it did the job.
Leaving Vera’s we had another mile on the main road and B1159 before turning onto quieter lanes for East Ruston. Here we deviated from the route to go to Honing Long Lane (the golden mile) to view the daffodils as we had seen patches of daffs in full bloom. Alas the golden mile was only green, we were probably a week too early. So we continued to Witton, where we re-joined the route and at Bacton Wood, John headed for home while we continued on the familiar route north west through Knapton, Trunch, Northrepps, Metton to Gresham for the final split.

PC to PC 52 miles at an average speed of 13.9 mph
Riders: Ian A, Graham J, John S and Mark leading

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 25th – Pensthorpe
Wednesday 1st March – Junction 21, Themelthorpe
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/

Only five Wheelers assembled at Pretty Corner, but they soon collected one more at Gresham church. So a group of six headed off to No.77 Cafe in the Red Lion at Coltishall. The first half of the outward leg was fairly conventional before diving into the web of lanes around Sloley, Frankfort and Anchor Street. After crossing the A1151 to Neatishead, there were more hidden lanes to negotiate over Workhouse Common and Threehammer Common, before turning into the strong westerly through Cangate, Ashmanaugh and Belaugh Green to Coltishall village.

No.77 was busy but welcoming and served up some good refreshments. Malcolm rode up from his retirement cottage to meet us at the refuelling break and then joined the bunch for the first four miles home before heading south down Granny Bard’s Lane to circle home via Ranworth, South Walsham, Acle and Yarmouth. The very strong, gusty wind subsided considerably during the afternoon, although the Wheelers were able to avoid a lot of potential headwind sections anyway and even enjoyed long stretches of cross tailwind on their cunningly devised route back north west via Heggatt Hall, Frettenham, Hainford, Stratton Strawless, Buxton, Brampton, Botany Bay, Eastgate (Neil Mc’s point of departure), Cawston, Itteringham (from where Brian headed off home) and points north, with only three staying the course to PC.

A mild and windy February day with light showers both early and late.

Group: Brian; Chris; Harvey; Mark; Neil Mc; Neil S +Malcolm at Coltishall.

Distances: 60 miles (Malcolm) to 67 miles.