Club Runs

Moving into May seems as good a time as any to make a few observations following thirteen disrupted months and a tentative restart. We have realistic aspirations to return to something resembling normality, including, hopefully, full access to cafes. As we pick up the pieces after a long year there is a genuine desire to revitalise club runs while also seeking ways to include everyone who is interested in this side of cycling club life. Those of you who have been participating since the alfresco restart at the beginning of April will have your own ideas about how things are going and any alternative ideas will be welcome, while bearing in the mind the current objective of accommodating all-comers without too much disruption.

It is probably worth pointing out that we are trying to get away from the habit of the first, and especially the last, few miles of club runs always following a limited number of identical routes. Over a period of several years a lot of members have enjoyed riding hugely varied routes, so why miss a lot of variety closer to home? Some might see this as adding an unwelcome couple of miles on the way home, but the runs at the moment are in fact a bit shorter than is customary.

This week’s ride to Reepham was Malcolm’s last as “Captain” of the Wednesday group – Andrew B will take over the reins from 5^th May – so it seemed appropriate for him to also lead to the ever popular Station Café.

Aided by the north-easterly we literally sped down to Little Barningham before cutting across to Barningham Green and Edgefield. After Briston we negotiated Melton Constable – quite literally as there was heavy agricultural machinery plus an articulated truck vying for right of way on the narrow road. We were soon on the open road again and made our way towards Hindolveston and thereafter Foulsham.

As we changed direction at this point it was inevitable that it would be slightly harder going but we managed to stay together and reached Pettywell via Themelthorpe, Two riders had pedalled ahead and despite our shouts of “Left , Left” they carried on to the main Reepham Road to complete their journey to the Café. The remainder of the group were treated to a more picturesque loop around Kerdiston.

25 miles on the outward leg and we had made quite good time. Geoff P was there to join in the banter and we enjoyed a great lunch in the warm sunshine, the old station building sheltering us from the brisk and cool wind.

One half of the (slightly) expanded group decided on an alternative route back to PC and the Coast – to be fair one had things to do, one was knackered, one had miles more to go after PC and the last one fancied an early bath – the other half set off for Booton and on to Cawston, Oulton Street, Silvergate, Ingworth, Calthorpe and Wickmere.

At Thurgarton Malcolm said his goodbyes and turned towards Hanworth and home while the remaining trio rode back to PC completing the circuit.

A great day out again!

Andrew B, Duncan S, John S, Malcolm, Mark, Robert, Stephen

PC to PC 46 miles

Eleven coureurs rode to Coltishall in two loose groups, which became less and less coherent as the day wore on. By Ingworth one rider had picked up a slow puncture, requiring periodic inflation. At Drabblesgate another rider was losing air and decided this was caused by a dickey valve, resulting in two of the bunch heading for the nearby Aylsham Cycle Centre. Acquiring a new valve proved to be simple. However, the unfortunate complication turned out to be that it wasn’t the valve causing the problem but a thin slit in the tubeless tyre, resulting in a psychedelic nightmare on Burgh bridge, where a combination of thick orange gunge and a thinner pink gunge were inserted in large quantities through the slit. On inflation of the tyre, this lurid gunge found various orifices through which to re-emerge and run down the rim and spokes. As this procedure was being performed a friendly local on a hybrid bike stopped to offer assistance, thereby threatening to add his lime green version of gunge to the mix. The tyre did seal however and the rider in question was able to nurse the bike back home and get in his desired quota of miles for the day. This delay also meant that one Wheeler had to ride solo to the cafe and was late for his Dollie’s Bun.

*The Route File version of this club run was Erpingham, Aylsham, Brampton, Buxton, Stratton Strawless, Frettenham, Stanninghall and Heggatt Hall to Coltishall. Returning by way of Belaugh Green, Ashmanaugh, Neatishead, Tunstead church, Worstead, Swanton Hill, Tuttington, Colby, Thwaite Common, Sustead church, Gresham and Chaucer’s Hill.

Riders out: Stuart W; Scott; Neil S (wearing his GS Giro maglia rosa); Malcolm; Ian S; Harvey; Graham J; Graham A; Duncan; Brian; Ben.

Distances ranged wildly, up to a maximum of 74 miles.

*The objective is to accommodate as many riders as possible in differing pace groups. However, one of the fundamental splits in personnel is between the Strava-hungry technophiles and the ‘traditionalists’ (technophobes and Luddites). The majority of those who load the route to their Garmin have a more general affinity with the brisker group, while the majority of the ‘traditionalists’ are so traditional that they won’t even take a look at the transcribed written directions, which would seem to bring them out in a rash. This is all a bit unfortunate for the poor mug who spends quite a bit of time and effort putting these things together.

Thanks to Scott for managing to guide two different groups with his downloaded route file.

For those who seem to be in some doubt about what’s happening next week, the next couple of club runs are posted on the NNW website.

With a reasonably strong wind blowing in from the NE and the prospect of an al freso lunch break it wasn’t surprising that the 4 Wheelers that met at PC were dressed more for a late Autumn rather than a Spring ride.

Malcolm led the group through Gresham and on to Matlaske, Erpingham, Colby, Banningham, Tuttington, Westwick, Swanton Abbott and Worstead. We had maintained a good pace for the first 20 miles but the final 7 miles of the outward leg was into that north-easterly! Sadly the daffodils lining the sides of Honing Long Lane are now past their best but the North Norfolk countryside was still looking splendid in the bright sunshine and after Crostwight we wound our way through the lanes to Ridlington and finally to our lunchtime destination.

The Lighthouse has, of course, all of the expected COVID safety measures in place but it was great to be able to sit in a pub garden again and the service and food was of good quality. Certainly a venue to keep on the list even though it will be a lot busier in the summer season.

Suitably refuelled and heading straight into the wind we followed the Coast Road to the seafront where a surprising number of daytrippers were parked up and enjoying their stroll along the beach. Heads down we eventually turned off the Coast Road at Bacton to climb the short hill to Bacton Village and then more quiet lanes to Edingthorpe, Paston Green, Knapton and Trunch. After Southrepps and Northrepps, Malcolm left the group to turn towards Crossdale Street and the 3 others descended to Cromer and their various routes home. Malcolm continued on to Metton, Hanworth and Banningham so not quite completing the circuit back to PC.

Andrew B, Graham A, Malcolm, Robert

Various distances covered with a max of 64 miles. PC to PC (would have been) 46 miles

Eight riders split into two flexible groups for the first weekend cafe run since October. The ‘training group’ set a brisk pace, while the ‘touring group’ varied their pace on a glorious spring day for the ride to Reepham station, where the staff made a fantastic job of dealing with mass outdoor catering at a very busy cafe.

The route went by way of Itteringham, Cawston, Attlebridge, Easthaugh, Lyng, Fustyweed, Sparham and Whitwell Common to the break. A shorter return journey picked up the lanes through Kerdiston, Guestwick, Burnthouse, Craymere ford, Briston, Cross Street, Baconsthorpe and Bodham Hill. The distances ranged up to 65 miles.

Riders out today: Ben; Brian; Duncan O; Graham A; Harvey; Ian S; Malcolm; Stuart W. John Hayward and Andy Argyle were at the cafe.

One puncture (early morning). One rider was fitted out with a 38t single chainring and a 42t bottom sprocket. Despite an early morning intravenous chemical booster another rider was going no better than last week.

Thanks to Ben for leading this run and driving from the front all day.

Next week Coltishall, with a route file to be circulated via e.mail.

Words by Andrew B

Five Wheelers, Duncan, Robert, Graham, Stephen and leader for the day Andrew B met at PC for a ride to Walsingham.

The route zig-zagged towards Binham, taking in Plumstead, Edgefield, Stody, Brinton and Sharrington. The weather was colder than expected with some clouds and a headwind.

Stephen had a puncture just after Sharrington, however the delay proved to be fortunate as there was evidence of rain having fallen when we resumed through Field Dalling. After Binham the route took us through Wighton and finally to Little Walsingham for lunch at The Victorious where we met up with Geoff. This is a new venue for the Wheelers which has a good sized garden and the food/drinks were excellent. Luckily the weather by then was improving and we were sheltered from the wind.

After lunch Stephen headed back home and the remainder of us carried on to Binham via Hindringham. Strangely the wind was against us again having swung round!

After some discussion at Binham it was decided not to return to PC and we headed towards Stiffkey and then looped back to Langham. As the weather was by then a lot warmer and the wind had eased, it was decided to head towards Cley via Wiveton and then along the Coast Road towards Weybourne. At Weybourne Andrew and Duncan pedalled towards Holt, leaving the others to continue towards home on the Coast Road.

There was no return to PC but the distance was estimated at 47 miles.

Note from Malcolm

Many thanks to Andrew B for leading today’s ride. Sorry I couldn’t join you and I hope to be out again next week.

Following a 23 weeks break, the tentative restart run took place in dry conditions with a cold north easterly wind.

Nine riders were involved at some stage during the ride, including Duncan from the Northants-based club, A5 Rangers.

This latest attempt to split weekend club runs into viable pace groups was cleverly foiled by the tactically sophisticated North Norfolk Wheelers. Those of us who have ridden a lot of these runs over recent years realise that if this element of the Wheelers’ activities is to be revitalised to accommodate wide ranging abilities, an unarguably ageing cohort and some new blood then an effort to ride as separate groups might well be worth the bother in the longer-term. The present attempt will depend on the circulation of a downloadable route file for the day.

Under current restrictions, today’s event depended on refuelling alfresco (in the true meaning of the word on a cold day) at the Royal Engineers memorial on Mundesley seafront. The worst combination was pork pie with hummus and chilli and there wasn’t a Marmite sandwich to be seen.

The official start to finish route was relatively short, but distances ridden varied greatly up to a maximum of about 65 miles.

Thanks to Scott for leading today’s vanguard group. Next week Ben will be leading a group on a loop down to the Wensum valley en route to refreshments at the tables outside the cafe at the former Reepham station.

3 Wheelers met at PC for Malcolm’s ride to Coltishall,

The route followed a clockwise direction taking in Metton, Thorpe Market, Lower Street, Swafield, Edingthorpe, Honing, Dilham, Smallburgh, Anchor Street, Tunstead and more quiet lanes to our lunctime destination – the peace and tranquility only briefly disturbed by the horn of an approaching goods train as we waited to cross!

Our original plan for refreshments at Dollies Bakery was changed as it was closed due to illness so we carried on to A Piece of Cake where the friendly staff served up welcome coffee and baps – shame it was a bit on the chilly side for al freso snacking!

The return leg was slightly heavier going than the outward as we now had to battle against the north-westerly but it wasn’t too bad. After Buxton we headed towards Cawston and Malcolm left the group at Eastgate to join the Trans-Norfolk Highway. With the wind gradually turning he enjoyed a tailwind home while the remaining duo had no choice but to continue north-westerly towards Holt.

This week the circuit was not completed as no one returned to PC. The individual mileages for the day including the journeys to PC were:

Andrew B 57 miles; Duncan 61 miles; Malcolm 59 miles

So Duncan wins this week’s gold star!

A welcome return to TT racing by a select few, who braved the icy northerly winds. The hail held off for a couple of hours and the sun came out… Thanks to the timekeeper and roundabout marshalls.

No.	Name	Time	Notes
5	Procter, Sam	22.53
4	Padfield, Mike	24.56	RB*
2	Walsh, Nigel	26.59
1	Platts, Brian	30.34
3	Williams, Stuart	31.15
	RB* = Road Bike Rules

5 Wheelers met at PC for the first ride of the season in glorious sunshine and it would remain like that for most of the ride – just a few clouds in the afternoon attempting to spoil the fun.

Malcolm set out at a reasonably strong pace perhaps testing his own as much as anybody else’s legs!

The route was through the lanes and minor roads to Gresham, Thurgarton, Erpingham, Ingworth and Aylsham before joining the A140 for a short sprint to Marsham. Much to everyone’s relief we left the main road to follow High Street through Marsham and to the Buxton Road. It was then a straight run to Booton before the final mile or so to our refreshment stop.

Although still retricted to offering a takeaway service the friendly staff at The Station Cafe served up some welcome coffee, cake and baps. It was busy and in amongst the crowd we spotted Andrew C and Geoff who came over to say a socially distanced hallo.

Andrew C (on his rather smart e-bike) joined us for the return leg which was a familiar path to Salle, Wood Dalling, Thurning and Briston. En route Andrew couldn’t resist a smile as he demonstrated the advantage of turbo power on the uphill sections! At Briston there was a two way split, one half heading towards the coast and the other to Edgefield.

At Edgefield Malcolm opted for a direct cross country (not off-road btw) route home via Barningham Green, Erpingham, Colby and Suffield leaving just two to complete the circuit back to PC.

Great to be out with the group again and reassuring that we have not lost our social skills or sense of humour!

Andrew B, Duncan, John S, Malcolm, Stephen and Andrew C

37 miles PC to PC (56 miles max)

Just to say again that the group number for Wednesdays will be limited to 6 members for the time being even though the latest British Cycling guidelines state that up to 15 members can meet for rides organised by affiliated Clubs under the “organised sports exemption” rule.