Club Runs

Ride report by Mark M
With a forecast for a dry sunny day, it was initially grey and chilly for the five Wheelers meeting at PC. Undeterred and hoping for the best, they headed more or less straight into the south westerly wind to Barningham Winter and Matlaske Gap. Here, Ian took the lead for the run down to Corpusty to meet up with Andy, out for the first time since his epic 190+ mile Coast to Coast walk. Apparently the family walk went very well, with stunning scenery and surprisingly good weather for the most part, but it was hard work and very tiring (who would have thought!).

A couple of miles further along, as we turned into the aptly named Sandy Lane, we came up behind a pony and trap with three kids onboard, trotting along. They were happy and friendly and after a bit were able to pull off the road to let us pass. It was probably the same pony and trap we met near Nethergate in July, there can’t be many in use today.

Making our way to Hindolveston and Swanton Novers and close to the second highest point in Norfolk, Pigg’s Grave at 101m, we crossed the B1354 to Gunthorpe. Crossing the A148 to Hindringham then the downhill run to Great Walsingham, along Scarborough Road to Little Walsingham and Norton’s.

Sitting at a big table outside, we enjoyed a good lunch of Beef and Horseradish sandwiches (very good), jacket potato, huge sausage roll, cake and drinks. The food is always good and arrives quickly, ideal for hungry cyclists and the sun came out as well.

Heading west from Walsingham we cut across to Edgar lane then the climb up to Bunker Hill at Egmeer and then turning east and the long downhill run to Wighton. We now realised that the wind had shifted to south easterly, so would be mainly a cross or cross headwind for the rest of the leg home.
Next was Warham, Binham, up to Cockthorpe, across a breezy airfield to Langham and down to Wiveton, for the last big climb of the day, Bridgefoot Lane. With the wind adding to the gradient, it was a tough climb and as we were nearing the top, close to the Bridge Road junction, Ian emerged from the wheels to sprint to victory. After that excitement and a brief recovery at the top, we made our way to High Kelling, where Ian turned for home, no doubt to bore his wife with tales of his cycling prowess!
Andy, still feeling good after his day out, turned for home at Selbrigg, Doug left us at Red Barn Lane to continue into the wind to Cromer, leaving two to finish at PC.

PC to PC was 51 miles at an average of 15.0 mph
Riders: Doug H, Ian A, Mark M, Andy S, Clive A, Barry

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 10th September, Skeyton Goat
Saturday 13th September, Litcham Deli
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

With yesterday evening’s weather forecast and this morning’s forecast alternating between a bit grim and very grim, most Wednesday Wheelers were watching their phones wondering who was going to blink first and suggest cancelling. Very unexpectedly it was Mark, but Andrew and Ian (surprisingly?) were happy to give it a go.
With Chris on holiday and a well-deserved rest for a coast to coast walker (chapeau Andy!) it was just Mark and Andrew who met at PC in light rain and picked up Ian at Gresham Church for the ride out to the Garden Kitchen Cafe at Hoveton Hall. After a bit of debate, we agreed it was a gutsy and gusty southwesterly that was blowing which meant generally a cross/headwind for the outward leg.
The route took us through Sustead and Aldborough before crossing the Norwich Road and using the usual track to cut off the corner of White Post Road. It was on this track that Ian succumbed to a puncture. Not a tube but 3 puncture holes in the sleeve of his Shakedry jacket courtesy of the brambles. More updates below. Anyway, we then went alongside Gunton Park, waving to the herd of Fallow Deer and then past Corvette Kingdom at Felmingham and on to Swanton Abbot. From here we headed west to Worstead and skirted Smallburgh before going through Ashmanaugh to reach the Garden Kitchen Cafe soon after.
The rain had only been light early on, then held off for the rest of the day so we had only the wind to contend with. A definite ‘best case outcome’ given the forecasts for possible thunderstorms and/or heavy showers. I’m sure Mark will be forever indebted to Andrew and Ian for getting him out…

We received the usual friendly (excited even?) welcome from the staff at the cafe and celebrated our good fortune with tasty meals of sausage, egg & cheese bap, fishcake & chips, and smoked salmon & cream cheese with gherkins on sourdough (excellent but quite rich and nearly reappeared on the homeward leg) all washed down with good coffees and a pot of tea.

After the usual banter over lunch including some new car advice for Andrew, checking progress on his house refurb and confirming he still has funds – clearly he has as he kindly bought the second round of coffees and a piece of cake. After lunch we remounted in sunshine and enjoyed an initial cross/tailwind with Mark setting his usual keen pace through Tunstead, Scottow and back to Swanton Abbot. The route then went via Skeyton, Barningham, Calthorpe, Wickmere and the gradual climb up to Bodham Hill. (Quite a few westerly sections where the wind was certainly not helping.) Andrew took the KoM points today to the mast though he was nearly taken out on the corner by a speeding motorist on the wrong side of the road. The price of trophy hunting? At the foot of New Road Ian turned left for High Kelling and Mark/Andrew turned right to head back to PC and we all got home before a few late afternoon showers. So all in all an excellent day out given the forecast.
[Footnote: (actually more of an ‘arm note’) Ian contacted Sigma Sports where he bought his jacket a few years ago and they recommended Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal permanent rubberised tape to patch up his sleeve. 10cm wide and 3m long so the Club now has a good local supply.]

PC to PC was 50 miles at an average of 15 mph
Riders: Andrew B, Ian A, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 6th September – Norton’s, Walsingham
Wednesday 10th September – 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 Neil Mc
Holidays meant that only one Wheeler, Mark, departed from PC today on a fine, bright early Autumn morning. Neil and Ian (both sickly creatures) joined at Gresham church and then Doug was collected to complete the Peloton at the Hanworth junction on the Metton-Susted road.

The peloton continued through Hanworth, over the A140 and on to Gunton station. From there it was on through the quiet lanes around Bradfield and into North Walsham and out the other side at White Horse Common and on past the North Walsham and Dilham canal basin toward Crostwight. There had been a subtle tail-wind assistance so far and everyone was going well. It was certainly a beautiful morning with a light breeze, blue sky and sunshine.

From Crostwight it was a speedy run through Lessingham past the Star Inn to join the Stalham road into Sea Palling. Mark shot off the front to take the final sprint to Waxham and the Waxham Barn cafe, our lunch stop.

The cafe was fairly quiet when we arrived and we had our choice of tables inside. We bagged a table and after some confusion about whether there were 4 or 5 of us and if Malcolm was expected to appear or not (he didn’t) ordered our lunch. Three out of 4 chose variations of the breakfast baguettes – gluten-free Doug being the exception. His impressively large slice of chocolate cake must have covered any possible disappointment though.

The food quickly arrived and was very good as is usual at this cafe. After a pleasant, leisurely chat we departed back through Sea Palling to Ingham. Doug was having trouble with his front mudguard which was intent on slipping downward at every bump and rubbing on his tyre, but he finally managed to jam it into position where it appeared to stay. The wind had also got up, continued to rise and was definitely against us and remained this way for the rest of the ride.

From Ingham we cut cross-country past East Ruston to Honing and then headed back into North Walsham and out again on Lyngate road toward Antingham. We detoured to cross the railway line at the private crossing on Antingham Hill which cuts off the corner and crosses the A149 to join the Suffield road. From Suffield we took a shortcut through Alby Common to cross the A140 and head to Aldborough and onward to just outside Matlaske where Neil left to make his way down the Matlaske road to Saxthorpe and home.

The remaining trio continued on round the back of Barningham Winter to skirt Baconsthorpe and up the climb past the radio mast to Church road where Ian departed for High Kelling (after a stunning win on the climb despite his sickness, or so he claimed) and Mark and Doug carried on to the final split where Doug headed toward Gresham and Mark carried on to PC and home.

PC to PC was 56.3 miles at an average 15.5mph
Riders: Mark M, Ian A, Doug H, Neil M

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 3rd September, Hoveton Hall
Saturday 6th September, Norton’s, Walsingham
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 Chris S

Due to holidays, coast to coast walks and a variety of other excuses the number of wheelers turning out was down to a bare minimum of two, Chris and Mark.

They set off facing a moderate to strong wind for the best part of the morning’s ride although on the plus side it was warm (around 20 degrees C) and the sun was shining.

The route took the pair through Plumstead, Saxthorpe, Thurning, Hindolveston, Swanton Novers, Gunthorpe and onto Norton’s at Little Walsingham.

Arriving just after 11.30am the two wheelers had just been beaten to the café by a coach load of pensioners so service was a little on the slow side (not helped by the fact that the café was also short staffed). Notwithstanding this Chris and Mark enjoyed some excellent sandwiches whilst sitting outside.

The two wheelers benefited from a predominantly tail wind on the return leg which took them through Wighton, Warham, Binham, Langham and Wiveton. This was followed by the 40m climb up Bridgeford Lane which was made easier by the following wind, with Chris surging forward in the final meters for the win.

The final push through High Kelling was then met with a slight diversion around Lower Bodham due to road closure for cable laying. It was then onto Bodham and West Beckham. Just after this Chris made a breakaway with a sprint back to PC with Mark coming in second.

PC to PC was 51.4 miles at an average of 16.2mph (fastest club ride of the year)
Riders: Mark M, Chris S

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 30th August – Waxham Barn
Wednesday 3rd September – TBA
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 Doug H
Earlier than normal, three Wheelers met at PC on an overcast and slightly less warm than expected morning, with a long day of 100 miles of riding ahead of them. Mark, Chris and Doug set off towards Bodham and on to High Kelling where we collected Neil in cold weather gear and double socked. We all adjusted our outfits and began again towards Wiveton, through Langham, Binham, New Holkham, skirting Burnham Market which was rammed, along to Docking, Fring and then on to Bircham Windmill for lunch. Where we ate a hearty lunch and Doug went on and on about his long lost camping holidays at Bircham Mill campsite.

As quick as a flash we were on our way, may be Doug over did the reminisce. We went through Great Bircham, Syderstone, South Creake, Houghton St Giles, Great Snoring, Thursford, Gunthorpe, and Stody. We then commenced the climb up Ramsgate Street hill. Which was well fought by Chris and Neil with Neil the victor. However, as this was where Neil left, the three continued the ride with some 50 miles to go. It did feel slightly that some of us were holding back, as there was still a long way to go.

The three remaining headed on to Briston, Hindolveston, Foulsham with the final stop for the day at Junction 21 at Themelthorpe. Where a troop of bike packers had stopped on their route from Stansted to North Walsham. After a cake and beverage we continued on.

Then just before Whitwell we spotted three young lads at the side of the road with quite the mechanical disaster. A rear wheel had become detached and had put a loop into the chain. They were ‘cooked’ as one of them said. Not wanting to be confused for ‘out of touch old folk’ we pretended to understand the lingo. Then out of nowhere Mark, blue surgical gloves in situ, jumped into action. In no time at all the chain was removed, separated, the brake calliper readjusted, wheel installed, chain threaded and reconnected, job done. With the faces of astounded young people who obviously were delighted, we moved on, smugly in the knowledge that we still can do stuff young people can’t.

Our place in the universe confirmed, we continued up to Reepham, Cawston, skirting Itteringham, on to Ingworth, Erpingham, Aldborough, Hanworth. Then at Metton, Doug went back to Cromer and the final two continued to back to PC. A great day of riding and 100 miles done.

PC to PC 102 miles at an average 15.4mph
Climbing 3608ft / 1100m
Calories Burnt 3,876
Riders: Doug H, Chris S, Mark M, Neil Mc-70miles

Note – Vuelta Espana – Highlights on Quest 7pm each evening.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 27th August – Norton’s, Little Walsingham
Saturday 30th August – Waxham Barn
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

Five riders met at PC with a chill in the air from the strong northerly wind, for a ride to Little Plumstead. Unfortunately Ian was not one of them as he had succumbed to ‘man flu’, so the plans for stopping to see the Red Arrows at Cromer were abandoned much to the disappointment of Chris!
The planned route took us through East Beckham, Baconsthorpe, Plumstead, Little Barningham, Itteringham, Oulton Street, Aylsham, Burgh, Oxnead, Frettenham, Crostwick and Salhouse. Good time was made with the northerly wind on our backs.
On arrival at Little Plumstead we found Graham, who had already bagged a large table in the walled garden which was sheltered from the cold wind. We all enjoyed a good lunch with generous portions and of course most went for cake as well!

Chris decided to cycle back home on his own to get more practice for time trials having been encouraged by beating his previous time the night before despite the wind and rain. The remaining five riders then proceeded back to PC via. Woodbastwick, Wroxham (a nightmare in the traffic), Hoveton, Tunstead, Swanton Abbot, Skeyton, Felmingham, Suffield, Aldborough, Barningham, and West Beckham.
Graham left us at Swanton Abbott and Duncan just before Baconsthorpe to make their own way home.

The sun managed to make an appearance towards the end of the ride, although the wind remained strong which made it hard going even though Mark did most of the work! Overall a good ride with an excellent route.

PC to PC 63.2 miles at an average of 15.4mph (Chris door to door avg 16mph)
Riders: Duncan S, Clive A, Andrew B, Chris S, Mark M, Graham A

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 23rd August – Bircham Mill – 9am Start
Wednesday 27th August – Norton’s, Little Walsingham
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
It was a cooler and overcast morning that greeted Ian, Mark and guest Ben at PC, with a number of Wheelers enjoying themselves elsewhere. We were expecting Chris to join us, but at 10am we set off anyway. Through Gresham, Bessingham to Aldborough School, stopping when Ian received a phone call, thinking it might be Chris, it wasn’t, then Chris arrived anyway, having been delayed by a number of issues and now keen to keep going.
So with a good northerly wind behind us we continued south to Ingworth, Itteringham Common, Oulton, Cawston and Swannington, turning west for the Witchinghams and Blackwater Lane.
As we started to climb Nowhere Lane from Whitwell Common, we saw Harvey T heading towards us, so we all stopped and had a quick chat, Harvey is looking fit and well, then continued on our way to Jordan Green, Foxley Wood and then Junction 21.
By now the sun was out and it was warm in the sheltered garden, so we claimed an outside table and ordered lunch.

One of the other lunchees was a chap heading for Norwich on the Marriott Way, having bikepacked the 250 miles of the Rebellion Way on his new Fairlight Secan (Andrew take note).
Guest rider Ben, mid twenties, recently out of the Army, riding a very nice Enve Melee that he had been using for Army Cycling races around the country, helped reduce the average age of the group. Though I don’t think he was ever tested during our ride.

After lunch it was time to head north and into the wind via Foulsham, Guestwick, Craymere Beck, Thurning Mill, Little London and the always contested KOM up Ramsgate Street hill to the old White Horse. Early on (too early) Chris came past with Ian in tow, then as Chris faded, Ian took the lead. Ben realising that a race was happening, accelerated past me, rapidly closing the gap to Ian before heading into the distance to claim his win. Ian contested the win on the grounds that Ben is not a Wheeler and his name is not Ian!
After getting our breath back, we made our way to Plumstead, Barningham Winter, turning for New Road and the pylon, where Chris coming from a long way back, took the win. Ian and Ben turned for High Kelling and home leaving Mark and Chris to head back to PC.

PC to PC was 52.6 miles at an average 15.8mph
Riders: Ian A, Chris S, Mark M and guest Ben

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 20th August – Walled Garden, Little Plumstead
Saturday 23rd August – Bircham Mill – 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 Mark M
Opting for a 9am start instead of the regular 10am, in order to avoid some of the heat, Andy, Chris, Duncan and Mark left PC to collect Ian at Gresham.

Then it was Bessingham, Thurgarton, Wickmere, Mannington Hall to Corpusty. With a light tail wind, we were keeping fairly cool as long we kept moving, any stops needed to be in the shade. At Guestwick, Ian turned off to pick up the return leg home, as he wanted to be in peak condition for breaking in a new set of golf clubs, Thursday morning.
The remaining four continued to Foulsham and Bintree Mill, stopping for the customary photo, then to Broom Green, Brisley and to the Old Dairy, Stanfield.

Finding the shadiest table in the garden, we were early enough to have breakfast options, though only one breakfast was ordered, the other three being sandwiches. The food and service is always good here and we had plenty of time to drink tea and chat before it was time to leave.
The group split into two, with Andy and Mark taking the slightly shorter and much flatter Brisley, Gatley route to Great Ryburgh to pick up the main route again. Time trial Chris and Duncan opted for the full route via Whissonsett, Colkirk and the rolling hills to Ryburgh.
Duncan may have questioned his decision, as after the climb out of Ryburgh up to the main road, he had to let Chris continue alone. Chris was on a mission as I had casually suggested that he might catch us up on the way back.
Andy and Mark, stopped at the top at the top of Ryburgh Hill and again in a shady spot at Abbey Farm, Guestwick, with Andy recognising one of the farm workers, who came over for a chat. At this point a speeding Chris flashed past, hearing us shout he put the anchors on, leaving a long black line of Schwalbe Marathon on the road. He turned around and came back to us, stopping long enough to say hi and take a swig of water before disappearing into the distance.

The route then took us through Thurning to Little London where Andy turned for home. Andy is taking the next couple of weeks to walk 190 ish miles with family and 2 dogs, coast to coast, St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay, hope it all goes well Andy.
Mark then continued on the familiar, Edgefield, Baconsthorpe, West Beckham route to PC. While Duncan wasn’t seen again, I can report he made it back to Baconsthorpe before turning for Holt, completing 59 miles at 15.8mph.

PC to PC short route was 53.2 miles at 15.4mph, while Chris completed the full 56 miles at an unknown, though we can assume a slightly higher average (if it’s not in the ride report, did it happen?)
Riders: Ian A, Chris S, Andy S, Duncan S, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 16th August – Junction 21, Themelthorpe
Wednesday 20th August – 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 Andy S
On a dry sunny Saturday morning three members met at P.C. Due to summer events and illness several members were missing today. The three riders (Chris S, Andrew B and Andy S) set off to meet Neil Mc at Gresham then continued on towards Metton. With Mark off ill our group was led by “time trial Chris” so, as the title suggests, the speed of the peloton was fairly fast with no nature breaks allowed.

We met Graham A at Northrepps. At this point Chris felt the need for speed and left the main group for a spot of time trial training. The rest of the group carried on at a good pace following a good southwesterly wind onto Mundesley then back inland towards Trunch and Knapton. Soon after this the peloton decided to cut out the Crostwight loop and head straight to Bacton. This cut 5 miles off the route consequently the group arrived at Watsons Cafe ahead of Chris. Much banter was had when Chris arrived but in all fairness he had managed an average speed of 17.2 mph.

The food at Watsons was up to its usual good standard with fry ups all round and plenty of tea and coffee. After lunch Andrew and Graham made their way home separately on a shorter route as Andrew was off to catch the tide for an evening sail.

The remaining three members set off, led by Chris into a head wind through Edingthorpe, the edge of North Walsham, Worstead and Swanton Abbott. We turned right at the Skeyton crossroads to head towards Suffield and onto Colby, Erpingham and Calthorpe.

Chris left us at Calthorpe to head back to P.C. via Matlaske. He was hoping to keep up his average speed of over 17mph for the whole ride. Neil and Andy carried on through Calthorpe to Mannington and back to Corpusty.

Get better soon Mark, we need you back to put some order into the group !

Distance and speed for the days ride: PC to PC 57 miles
Chris : average speed 17.08 mph. Well done Chris
Corpusty to Corpusty 58.4 miles , average speed 15.7 mph

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 13th August – Old Dairy, Stanfield
Saturday 16th August – 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/

Ride report by Andrew B
Five riders met at PC on a sunny morning for an unusual two stop ride to Mannington Hall and Jarrolds at Letheringsett. The planned route took us through East Beckham, Lower Gresham, Sustead, Hanworth, Thurgarton, Wickmere, Calthorpe, Ingworth, and Itteringham. On arrival at Mannington Hall we made our way to the cafe which is now run by Bread Source. Andy S was already there and had ordered and finished his coffee and cake (apparently he was hungry!). We all ordered refreshments and joined him in the garden which was very pleasant.

The author caused chaos at one point as he paid by cash having forgotten his phone (and hence any form of payment) and had to sub off Mark!
Chris left us to make his own way on the rest of the route as he had to get back home to do some jobs. The remaining five riders then proceeded to Jarrolds, Letheringsett (formerly Back to the Garden) via. Saxthorpe, Craymere Beck, Hindolveston, Briningham and Sharrington.
As it was still sunny we decided to take a table outside and we all enjoyed a healthy lunch apart from Ian who decided to go for more cake! We then retraced our tracks back along the busy A148 a short distance and made our way back to PC through Glandford, Newgate, Kelling and High Kelling and East Beckham. As there were a number of hills on the route there were a number of sprint challenges. Duncan demonstrated that he has maintained his fitness levels whilst on holiday, putting the author to the sword on two of these in close finishes. People turned off at different points along the route to make their own way home, leaving just Mark and I to finish at PC. Overall a good day out with a nice route, good weather and some very pleasant stops.

PC to PC 49.5 miles
Average speed 15.0 mph
Total Elevation 2075 ft

Riders: Mark, Andrew B, Andy S, Chris, Duncan and Ian.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 9th August – Watsons, Bacton
Wednesday 13th August – Old Dairy, Stanfield
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/