Club Runs

The famous five met at PC on a morning full of mist and gloom but at least dryish after the heavy rain showers overnight and warmish considering the sun was nowhere to be seen! With only a gentle breeze from the SW this was never really going to be a factor today as Malcolm lead the group through Gresham and Bessingham en route to Hanworth and Suffield.

We took a right turn to follow the lanes towards Felmingham and in doing so passed Corvette Kingdom but didn’t linger to watch the specialists at work. We had a brief (but thankfully not too dramatic) encounter with a motorist who was obviously assuming that no other road users could possibly use this stretch of road at this time of day. Evasive action taken by driver and group! No harsh words – one of those things, but one that cyclists encounter too often!

We continued on via Skeyton Corner, Swanton Abbott and Scottow to Tunstead and then a took a left signposted Hoveton Hall just after Wroxham Barns along St Peter’s Lane and Long Lane towards our lunch stop. Feeling in no way bewilder(wood)ed we took the short Letherington’s Lane to the main road and then down to Lower Street and the banks of the River Bure.

Although an inside table had been reserved we instead “dined” al fresco. Having made good time on the outward stretch we were ready to leave at 1pm and headed up the Neatishead Road passing “the world’s longest continuously operating radar site” according to The RAF Radar Museum Norfolk’s homepage.

Our route now took us to Dilham, Honing, Crostwight, Edingthorpe, Knapton, Trunch, Southrepps and Northrepps at which point we headed due west towards Felbrigg and then Metton, Gresham and back to PC.

A brisk pace had been maintained throughout the ride so everyone had slightly tired legs after a good day out on the bike.

Alan, Andrew, Graham, Kevin, Malcolm

50 miles PC to PC. 72 miles for the leader.

8 met at PC on an overcast, cool and breezy morning for Andrew’s ride to the coast. Dry conditions meant that the lanes wouldn’t be muddy but we have been finding on recent rides that there is a lot of gravel and sandy soil on the roads which means taking extra care!

So we carefully proceeded through Baconsthorpe and Edgefield and on to Sharrington and Hindringham, losing Alban en route as he had to respond to a call of duty and turn back for home. After Wighton we headed due west for New Holkham and took the splendid “Avenue” through the Holkham Estate past Holkham Hall and eventually reached the Coast Road and then the short distance to Wells.

There to meet us was Stephen in both a host and project manager role. The work taking place on The Globe only affected us in so far as our bikes were “parked” out front rather than out back. After an enjoyable lunch with Stephen we were soon back on the road and had hoped that the sun might make an appearance – sadly not!

After only a few miles we lost Peter and Paula as they headed off home in a slightly different direction to us. Our route now took us through Warham, Binham and Langham. At this point we said goodbye to Jane leaving just 4 to continue on to Wiveton. At the end of Bridgefoot Lane Andrew left us and soon after, at Kelling, Geoff also bade farewell. That left just two to head towards PC but that was reduced yet further as Malcolm set course for Gresham, Bessingham, Hanworth and home.

Extra brownie points for Alan this week as the only Wheeler to start and finish at PC!

Thank you to Andrew for leading today’s ride.

Alan, Alban, Andrew, Geoff, Jane, Malcolm, Paula, Peter

46 miles PC to PC. 70 miles max.

 

To say that the Spring weather has so far been variable would be an understatement. The saying that there is “No such thing as bad weather only bad clothing” is true up to a point but choosing the right gear for cycling is always tricky. To be fair the forecast had predicted cool and breezy but dry conditions, but also with the possibility of some sunshine; so today as 12 met at PC for Malcolm’s run to the coast we saw some in longs and rain/windproof tops but others more optimistically in shorts and long sleeved jerseys. As the day progressed those without at least a warmer top would definitely feel the bite of the northerly wind!

Our outward route took us down to Matlaske and then towards Erpingham. At the turning into Scarrow Beck Lane one Wheeler slid on loose gravel and broke a rear wheel spoke in the process. Fortunately he was unscathed which was just as well as this was his first outing with us after an extended injury free skiing holiday. We were able to continue to Ingworth and Banningham where Trevor was waiting for us and a further check was made on the wheel. Although a bit out of true we decided it was safe to continue!

The remainder of the route was familiar to most but provided new opportunities for several of the group as we passed through Tuttington, Skeyton, Swanton Abbott, Worstead, Lyngate, Briggate, Honing, Crostwight and Witton Bridge. We then headed in to a strong headwind to the Coast Road and our lunch time destination. A table had been reserved at the café and all welcomed the warmth and shelter from the wind as well as the refreshments which were provided in the Kingfisher’s normal efficient and friendly fashion.

Trevor and John S went their own ways as we left Walcott on the Coast Road initially but then on to the North Walsham Road through Pollard Street as far as Edingthorpe Green and Edingthorpe Street and the lanes to Knapton.

At Trunch Peter, Paula and Gill left us and the leader decided to follow Brewery Road not realising that extensive road repairs had been carried out in the last couple of days. We carried on but on reflection it may have been better to have chosen an alternative. The repairs appeared to be a new type of surface dressing involving less stone chips but nevertheless slightly hazardous, not helped by one particular car and lorry approaching us at speed on this narrow lane and causing emergency breaking in the bunch and some deft bike handling!

Eventually we reached Lower Street where we said goodbye to Robin and carried on to Thorpe Market and Hanworth at which point Malcolm turned to head off home leaving just 6 to make their way back to Pretty Corner and beyond.

Those in their winter gear probably faired the best today but the reasonably brisk pace hopefully prevented the others from getting too chilled!

Alban, Alan, Andrew, Geoff, Gill, Jane, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Paula, Peter, Robin, Trevor.

44 miles PC to PC.

In bright sunshine and a gentle slightly cooling breeze 10 met at PC for Peter’s ride to Cawston. Most by now on their summer bikes with just a couple taking no chances and sporting mudguards, one of whom was Malcolm who remains adamant that there is no such thing as a mud free North Norfolk! Today also saw the welcome return of John S still a bit sore but as determined as ever!

Turning off in the Bodham direction soon to cross the A148 (but not before a brief halt to repair a dramatic blowout) and swooping down to Wiveton we knew that Peter had devised a cunning plan to reach our destination. He later revealed that he wanted to take in different types of scenery and provide an alternative to the more familiar routes to Cawston.

Indeed it was as we passed through Langham and Cockthorpe and then due south to Binham. We were maintaining quite a high pace, our leader mindful that the slightly longer than usual outward route might make us late for lunch! After Binham we bypassed Field Dalling and Bale reaching the A148 once again, this time to cross to Sharrington. Spirits were high in the perfect conditions!

Onwards to Brinton, Stody, Briston and Thurning before arriving at the café just on 1pm and 32 miles (51.5 km) from our start point. Lunch was served in their usual friendly and efficient way which makes this café such a favourite.

The pack intact we headed north east to Oulton Street where Robin left us for home while the remainder continued on to Itteringham and Little Barningham at which point Peter asked if we minded if he and Paula turned off towards Edgefield and homewards. Having thanked Peter for his efforts in providing us with a great route we pedalled on, Malcolm turning off towards Gresham and the remainder following Plum Lane, Red Barn Lane and Gibbet Lane back to PC.

Alan, Barry, Geoff, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Paula, Peter, Robin and Stephen.

44 miles (71 kms) PC to PC. 65 – 70 miles (104.6 – 112.6 kms) for some.

Words by Alan

Despite the threat of gusting winds and heavy rain a foolhardy five meet at PC for the ride to Langham.

Proceeding to West Beckham it was strenuous riding into the southerly wind and on reaching Geoff’s Corner unfortunately Malcolm decided to abandon and head for home due to not feeling well but undaunted the now fearless foursome headed on to Baconsthorpe, Edgefield, Briston, Briston Common and Hindolveston struggling against strong, gusting wind and rain. Luckily here we turned towards Fulmodeston now cycling with the wind to the side but still tricky as it was gusting through gaps in the hedges.

Onwards to Little Snoring (passing the scene of Malcolm’s previous mishap with the dog… no dog!!!!!). Here we followed the edge of the airfield and headed to Thursford, Hindringham and northwards to Briston thankful for the wind on our backs for the final push to Langham and a welcome respite from the wet weather.

Following a nice lunch, we headed back to PC via Wiveton where Jane and Stephen turned off to Blakeney and home, leaving Alan and Kevin to finish the final leg over Kelling Heath, Lower Bodham, West Beckham and Sheringham Park where Kevin turned home and Alan took the main road back to PC.

5 out 4 back Alan, Jane, Kevin, Stephen and Malcolm.

39.5 miles wet, windy and cold

Thanks for the company!

With just 3 meeting at Banningham for Malcolm’s ride to the coast, due to holiday breaks various and probably also due to the fact that conditions were more autumnal than spring-like, we set off from the Crown.

Through Tuttington and on reaching the crossroads it was decided that any extra loops would probably be best avoided today so we turned left to pass through Skeyton and Swanton Abbott the rain now well and truly set in (more than likely) for the day!

Our route took us to Tunstead, Ashmanhaugh and Neatishead before turning north to eventually cross the main Yarmouth Road and then onto Dilham and Honing where we paused for a few minutes to sort out a minor mechanical and take a comfort break (not so comfortable in the soggy conditions!!)

Out from Honing on the East Ruston Road we passed the Butcher’s Arms thinking it might be good to pop into this cosy pub but continued on to the Stalham Road then across to Happisburgh Common, Whimpwell Green and Cart Gap.

There was no problem getting a table today and the hot storage heater right next to us was very welcome. After a refuel we left the café together but soon split into two groups (if 3 can split into 2 groups) with Trevor preferring a slightly more direct south-westerly route home and Malcolm and Brian heading in a north-westerly direction on the Coast Road to Walcott.

The pair continued at a good pace through Keswick and Broomholm up Bloodslat Lane and along the North Walsham Road. We wound our way through the outskirts of North Walsham and on reaching the Cromer Road decided to do a two way split with Malcolm pedalling the short distance home leaving Brian to make his way back towards Colby and home.

As Brian remarked “We kept the flag flying today”.

Brian, Malcolm and Trevor.

Approx 40 miles covered by each of the three and most of it together!

10 met at PC on a cooler day (What happened to that warm Spring sunshine?) for Robert’s ride to this always popular venue.

“Left at the bottom of the hill” shouted the leader from the middle of the group as we set off. Those at the front assumed that meant a left turn to East Beckham and Lower Gresham; so it was as we made our way via Metton and Fellbrigg to Northrepps.

After Southrepps we plunged down into Lower Street and then a left turn to Bradfield and Swafield. As we headed towards Knapton the leader announced next right which took us along a little used but very pleasant lane, across Hall Lane and eventually to Edingthorpe Green. We took a right turn off the North Walsham Road and then followed the long straight stretch through Bacton Woods and on to Honing.

Briggate, Worstead and Swanton Abbott brought us to our lunch stop where we enjoyed the usual good food and good service. As it had started to rain we were not in a great hurry to leave, so congregated for a few minutes in the smoking hut at the back of the pub. However as we didn’t have a single Woodbine between us we decided that we might as well head off.

Malcolm left the main group for a direct route home while the remainder started the steady climb to Banningham and then a familiar route back to PC and beyond (except for the Sheringham residents of course!)

Many thanks to Robert for leading today’s ride.

Alan, Geoff, Graham, Jane, Kevin, Malcolm, Robert, Robin, Stephen and Trevor.

40 miles PC to PC

Spring (Summer) appeared to have finally come with a warm sunny day hopefully marking the end of what surely has felt to be one of the longest and most miserable winters on record. Our journey on Saturday was to the Barns at Walsingham which is a particular favourite to the day’s leader and to most of the members.

At Pretty Corner we welcomed the return of Geoff the Younger from Potters Bar. Brian P also grabbed the chance of a few more miles to meet with us at the start. Then, down to Itteringham to pick up Robin, Malcome and David C. It was good to see David out again.

Our route was via Mannington Hall, Corpusty, Horseshoe Lane to near Briston and then down the aptly named Sandy Lane. We then turned towards Hindolveston when, wonder of wonders, we met Trevor and Guy. Excellent foresight on there behalf on the route we would take and the timing. 

Down to Kettlestone, across the main road and then past the round church to Walsingham. Here, we added on an additional loop before descending to the café.

 Excellent food and wonderful service added to the weather made for a perfect day and memories of the harsh winter start to fade.

Homeward bound via Hindringham, Sharrington, Edgefield and home.

 

8 met at PC on a glorious Spring morning for Kevin’s ride to Rackheath. Joining us for a second time was Jane and also Paula both of whom are welcome additions to the Wednesday group and hopefully will become regulars.

The downside of the warm south westerly breeze was that it would be against us for at least some of the outward route but you can’t have it all! We passed through Gresham and Metton and having crossed the A140 to join Topshill Road made our way on the long straight stretch to Thorpe Market. On the way we paused for a tube change after a pinch puncture but the group were happy to stop and chat in the warm sunshine. After Lower Street and Bradfield the narrow twisting lanes took us to Swafield and shortly after, via the B1145 and Little London Road, to the North Walsham Road in the direction of Edingthorpe Green.

We then descended through Bacton Woods and eventually to Honing where we said goodbye to Jane and paused briefly to sort what we thought was a simple mechanical. Kevin’s “loose saddle” turned out to be a broken rail however. What to do but to carry on and hope that both rider and saddle lasted the distance!

The route now took in Dilham, Sloley, and Tunstead, turning right just after the village centre into Tunstead Road, over the railway line and eventually to St James and Coltishall. Already 27 miles since PC – we were building up a good appetite! At Horstead we took a left into Mill Road (where we passed Trevor cycling in the other direction) on to Granny Bard’s Lane and more back lanes before we reached the Wroxham Road and the short sprint to our lunch stop.

While Hill Top is great in cooler/wetter times it is perhaps not the best for alfresco style eating as both the noise and dust from the busy main road is a bit of a pain. Nonetheless we all welcomed our refuel before we set off on the return leg via Swash Lane, retracing our steps along Dobbs Lane and Primrose Lane, before heading towards Frettenham and Buxton where we said goodbye to Peter and Paula.

The 5 remaining Wheelers passed through Oxnead and up to Church Road where we left Robin and on to Tutttington where Malcolm peeled off down Beck Lane towards North Walsham leaving just 3 to make their way to Banningham and a familiar route back to PC and beyond.

Thank you to Kevin for leading today’s ride. Both Kevin and his saddle made it home; he recovered, unfortunately his saddle didn’t and is now confined to the great bike bits scrapyard in the sky (ie the garage) – well you never know there might be a use for it!!!

Alan, Andrew, Jane, Kevin, Malcolm, Paula, Peter and Robin enjoyed the sunshine.

Distances covered varied from 55 miles PC to PC to up to about 65 miles for some.

PS The group wish John S a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him again soon.