Club Runs

Words by Kevin

5 met at PC for Kevin’s foray to the Kings Arms at Blakeney, on a gloomy but dry and not too windy day.

The ride started with a small apology stating we were to go through Fakenham, one rider commenting he had only been there on a drive and ride?

The route was PC to Saxthorpe and on to Guestwick where we came across a couple of cyclists. One of them had unfortunately come off his bike banging his head on the tarmac resulting in quite a lot of blood. Fortunately he said he was okay, stating he would be buying and wearing a helmet from now on.

After wishing them well and saying goodbye we pressed on to Hindolveston, Stibbard, Great Ryburgh and then down the B1146 to Fakenham past the famous Gas Museum!

On leaving Fakenham we pedalled to Great Snoring, Hindringham, Binham, and finally to everyone’s relief Blakeney. Just over 39 miles to lunch, another first I believe for a Wednesday ride.

After lunch Jane went home and Peter and Paula headed for Bale, leaving Alan and Kevin to make their way back to PC the usual way past Holt Rugby club.

Apologies for missing Andrew at the pub.

Runners and riders: Alan, Jane, Kevin, Paula, Peter

50 miles PC to PC with no incidents.

Many thanks to Kevin for leading the ride.

 

 

Words by Robert

We met at PC in the rain and it rained most of the way to Mundesley.

Due South to Itteringham and then on the back road around Blickling Estate, right at Ingworth and through Banningham.

A mistake (in planning) took us along the B1145 all the way to North Walsham, then northwards up to Bradfield, through Trunch and then Mundseley.

Nice lunch and (on this occasion) John S did not have soup.

Dry all way home, though Gimingham, Southrepps, Northrepps, across the edge of Felbrigg, then Metton, Gresham and PC.

One broken spoke, and one flat tyre (after I had left the others).

Alan, Andrew, John S, Kevin, Robert, Stephen,

PC to PC 38.5 miles

Many thanks to Robert for leading the Run.

 

http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/neil-featherby-running-column-1-5644514

 

9 Wheelers at PC soon became 10 as we met David at the pre-arranged pick-up at Banningham for Malcolm’s Run to the banks of the Bure at Horning!

On another warm, slightly humid, late summer’s day with fairly light winds there was a relaxed feeling in the bunch even though the pace was and remained fairly swift. Our progress was interrupted just after passing All Saints Church Skeyton by a pilot car announcing the approach of a ridiculously large piece of agricultural machinery. We were squeezed to the sides but the road was just wide enough to allow a safe passing.

Swanton Abbott, Scottow, Tunstead and Hoveton Hall came and went and the Stalham Road was eventually crossed with the bunch regrouping on the other side to begin the gentle descent down Long Lane. The road does narrow considerably alongside Bewilderwood and the leader slowed to give way to a car travelling towards us. Perhaps due to a slight loss in concentration or late braking two riders came to grief as they touched wheels but all was well as they checked their bikes, remounted and continued on with the group to the lunch venue.

There to meet us were Trevor N and John S. Some chose to eat inside at the reserved table while the remainder sat in the garden and took their chances with the wasps that have seemed to be a bit of a problem this summer. The S & W provides good service and good value food and we left well set up for the return leg.

While Trevor made his own way back, John joined us for a few miles. Our route took us past the Neatishead Radar Station, Smallburgh, Dilham and on to Honing where John left us. Then Crostwight, Bacton Woods, Edingthorpe Street, Knapton and Trunch (where we said goodbye to Robin);  Southrepps, Northrepps (cheers to David and Robert), Crossdale Street, Felbrigg and Metton, where there were splits in the group. Firstly Graham headed off towards Aylmerton and the remaining 4 riders decided not to wait for Alan and Kevin, the former taking it a bit easier on the homeward stretch as he was suffering the effects of a summer cold!

Malcolm paused at Lower Gresham to say his goodbyes to Alan and Kevin leaving just 3 to climb the last mile or so back to PC.

Alan, Andrew, David, Graham, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Robert, Robin, Stephen, Trevor E, Trevor N

52 miles PC to PC (70 miles for some)

Eight of the Wheeler flock gathered at PC for Andrew’s ride to Reepham. The question was would the flock manage to stay together under his leadership?

All began well as we headed down and up Red Barn Lane before the right turn at Mill Road and then a left to run more or less parallel with the A148, through Bodham, Hempstead, Hunworth, Stody and Brinton. A few of the group seemed a bit puzzled as to where we were, such is the twisting and turning nature of the North Norfolk lanes and by-ways. Our leader confirmed that we were passing through Gunthorpe and only one or two more upward stretches to go!

On reaching Swanton Novers a quick check confirmed all were present but then en route to Hindolveston (or thereabouts) 3 became detached. While 4 of the group waited, Malcolm retraced our tracks but could find no trace of our “lost sheep.” Just the 5 pedalled on to Guestwick and then a quick dash along the lanes to Reepham, thankfully managing to avoid the worst of the debris and holes along the way!

The original 8 were eventually reunited at Reepham and we all enjoyed a pleasant lunch in the garden of The Old Railway Station Café in the company of Trevor N and Chris and Maggie K who had ridden/driven out to join us. Apologies were offered for what has to be said was a basic error – not ensuring that all members of your group were together or at least not being aware that some were off the back and may have missed a junction, had a mechanical or worse! It would be unfair to point the finger only at the leader on this or any club run – we all have a responsibility to look out for each other. On this particular occasion it was a missed junction!

CJ, Maggie and their German Shepherd (might have been useful earlier on!!) made their own way home; Malcolm accompanied Trevor N on a wind assisted return via Booton and Buxton and the group of 6 began their return journey via Wood Dalling, Thurning and Briston where Trevor E and Stephen departed for Walsingham.

For the remaining 4 riders Edgefield Street to Baconsthorpe; at the radio mast at West Beckham (Geoff’s corner) Andrew and Barry turning towards High Kelling.

Thank you to Andrew for leading today’s ride.

Andrew, Barry, David C, Jane, Kevin, Malcolm, Stephen, Trevor E

PC to PC 41 miles

Message from Andrew

“Sorry about the lost sheep!!”

As 9 Wheelers gathered at “The Reservoir Gates” for Peter’s run to Warham we were all relieved that the excessive heat and humidity of the previous day had given way to cooler, cloudier conditions even if we were going to be pedalling into a headwind for most of the 30 miles to our lunch stop!

Barningham Park and on to Plumstead, Edgefield, Briston and over (rather than the usual through) a very dry Craymere Beck before the long straight stretch to Hindolveston and Fulmodeston. No big black dogs today (if you need to ask you weren’t there!) but we did encounter a roadworks. “There was a sign saying Road Closed!” said the workman “Well we’re only bikes” replied Peter.

Onward through Croxton, over the busy A148 Holt Road to Little Snoring and inevitably Great Snoring. Peter decided to use the RC Church By-pass around Little Walsingham, then Edgar Road aka Sandy Lane to reach the B1105 Wells Road. Had Stephen missed the right turn to Wighton? No he was on his way back to Wells – things to do and all that! The few remaining miles to the pub took us past the Warham Camp Iron Age Fort but you wouldn’t know it as it is hidden from the road and there’s little else to indicate that here lies probably the best preserved Iron Age Fort in East Anglia!

After a very enjoyable lunch enhanced greatly by Andrew’s round of drinks celebrating his 3 score and 10 it was decided that The Three Horseshoes needs to be a regular on the Wheeler’s list. This could prove to be a popular venue although the total round trip of 65+ miles (for some) could be a bit much in the colder wetter conditions likely to be encountered Nov – March.

There was a helpful tailwind on the return leg as we passed through Binham en route to Field Dalling. We had already said goodbye to Paula as we turned north-east to Saxlingham now saying goodbye to Jane as we pressed on to Wiveton, cheers Andrew, and the long climb to Bridge Road. Peter left us at Kelling Road to head towards Holt and home while just 4 reached High Kelling. It was then the familiar route to Geoff’s Corner where 3 followed the road to West Beckham and back to PC and Sheringham while Malcolm reached into his pocket for a snack bar for that last 12 miles or so home.

Many thanks to Peter for leading today’s ride and Happy Birthday Andrew!

Alan, Andrew, Ben from Bedford, Jane, Kevin, Malcolm, Paula, Peter, Stephen

48 miles PC to PC

Run Leader and Report – Alan Fisher

Nine riders met at PC in pleasant sunny conditions.

Down to East Beckham and Gresham, up towards the Lion’s Mouth turning right into the park past Felbrigg House heading in the Roughton direction via the Metton/Cromer Road. We crossed the A149 at Crossdale St then took the long way around past North Repps Hall to North Repps. We then followed quiet lanes to South Repps, Lower Street and Antingham; over the A149 again to Felmingham and Skeyton before looping back to Tuttington and our lunch venue at Banningham. Waiting for us were CJ, David C & Trevor.

After a fortifying lunch we said goodbye to Trevor (out for short run) and headed to Ingworth, turning left to follow the River Bure Valley round the Blickling Estate to Itteringham and then the well followed route back to PC. We said goodbye to Peter & Paula at Little Barningham and David & Robert at the Gresham turnoff.

A pleasant ride out with good company and good weather.

Unfortunately 1 puncture and 2 mechanicals.

38 miles PC to PC

Alan, Barry, Graham, Kevin, Paula, Peter, Robert, Stephen, Trevor E

(CJ, David C, Trevor for lunch)

 

 

Okay so no excuse but today’s leader, Malcolm, is so used to the weekend runs to Cart Gap that he completely forgot to check to make sure the café was open mid-week. It is indeed closed on Wednesdays so apologies to anyone who may have ridden out to join us!

Just 5 (including a return to the Wednesday bunch of Trevor E) met at PC not knowing at this point that the 28 miles to the lunch stop would be extended by a few miles. At least there was to be a tailwind for most of the time to our eventual destination on what promised to be quite a warm day.

The outward route took in Lower Gresham, Metton, Felbrigg, Northrepps, Southrepps, Trunch, Knapton, Paston Green, Edingthorpe, Bacton (on-the-hill) and Keswick. We were making good time so Malcolm turned inland from the Coast Road to Ridlington, Ridlington Street and East Ruston before heading towards the coast again via Lessingham. There at Cart Gap to meet us were Trevor N on a gentle ride and John S on a recovery drive – good to see them and best wishes from all of us.

The Lighthouse seemed like a good alternative venue and so it was as we relaxed in a cooling breeze under garden umbrellas enjoying a welcome refuel before saying our goodbyes to T and J and not long after returning to the road to begin our homeward leg.

Apart from a slight dip South towards North Walsham and a bumpy but at the same time very pleasant detour along Little London Road to avoid the road closure on the outskirts of NW, it was a fairly direct route back to PC via Bradfield, Lower Street, Thorpe Market, Hanworth, Bessingham and Gresham.

Alan, Barry, Kevin, Malcolm and Trevor E enjoyed a good day out.

50 miles PC to PC

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Sportive Bike Ride 15 July 2018

 

Finally, the day of reckoning was now upon Maureen, who had worked hard to regain some of her former fitness to cycle the 30 mile route on the NNUH Sportive and raise money for the hospital.

We arrived at the start shortly after 9.00 am to be greeted by Chairman, Chris Knowles. Scott with wife, Lisa plus son had also just arrived. Shortly afterwards joining this illustrious group was Ian Spencer, David Carrier, Christine Cooke and Nick Poulter. We missed saying hello to club member, Paul Stretton, who was by then already on the 100 mile route. We were, however, pleased to meet up with his wife, Dylis, who kindly took photos of the group, and wished us luck and a good ride.

After a brief pep talk from the starting marshall we were sent on our way following the white signs out of the hospital.

One factor that would influence the speed of the ride and also the stamina of the group was the unrelenting heat of the day, which made constant intakes of fluid essential.

We left the start going past Colney and then along to Wymondham passing near the infamous Kett’s Oak to ride to Suton and then along Spooner Row. By now all thoughts were on how far it was to the feed and drink station.

At the feed station we had a chance to rest and refuel before setting out once again into the blistering temperature.

We rode along the B1113 touching Hargate, Tacolneston where our orderly ride was enlivened by a couple of horse and carts’ riders clattering along the road, which needed to be overtaken.

Finally, we passed a sign post to Malbarton and then riding at last on very quiet lanes we made our way back to the hospital.

Kindness itself, all riders stopped to let Mo ride across the finishing line first.

Maureen writes “I am so grateful to all the North Norfolk Wheelers and their families, who came out to encourage and to ride with me. Thank you everyone for your support and donations”.

Footnote 1. Congratulations to Paul on riding the 100 in 5 hours 36 minutes.

Footnote2. As everyone enjoyed the day we hope to run this again next year.

Footnote 3. Latest indications are that Mo will have  raised just over £1,000 for hospital funds.

 

 

[GP1]

The Wednesday “Club Run Captain” was slightly taken aback to find today’s leader at PC as the latter is known not to be fond of this starting point and had opted for an Erpingham depart. We did confirm with David however that his route would still pass through the village just in case others had cycled there!

As we approached Aldborough the shout of “Puncture” brought us to a halt and this turned out to be a sidewall split which required a bit more than usual patience to fix. Nevertheless we were soon on our way to find no additions to our group of 12 at Erpingham.

Continuing through Calthorpe our route took in Wolterton, Itteringham and Ingworth before a right turn at St Lawrence Church. An eagle eyed Paula noticed a problem with Peter’s rear wheel. An inspection revealed a broken spoke but fortunately the wobble was not too bad. After weighing up his options, Peter opted to retrace our tracks, in the company of Paula, back to Blickling and then home. A call and visit to Greg at Black Bikes would soon sort things out!

Aylsham and Burgh came and went before a polka dot jersey emerged from the pack and attempted a break. Was he trying to gain more points on the “climb” to All Saints Church? Who knows but by his own admission he slightly misjudged things and was reeled in before the right turn at the crossroads and descent to The Goat Inn. On such a lovely day it was a pleasure to sit outside and enjoy the pub’s hospitality. Our number was increased by 1 as CJ had cycled over to join us.

After lunch a steady climb up to Skeyton Corner and a right turn into Skeyton Road took us eventually to John D’s favourite road the TNH which we followed as far as Cherry Tree Lane, which cuts through to the Cromer Road. A swift left and right – we were now on the Bradfield Road which we followed to………Bradfield at which point Malcolm waived everyone through, said his goodbyes, and left the remaining members to make their way back to PC and beyond via Lower Street, Thorpe Market, Hanworth and Gresham.

Thank you to David for leading today’s ride and thank you to the polka dot jersey who was presumably off to the Alps to find something more challenging!

Alan, Andrew, David, Gilly, Graham, Jane, Kevin, Malcolm, Paula, Peter, Robert, Stephen

40 miles PC to PC