Club Runs

Various other commitments severely depleted numbers today and only 2 Wheelers met at PC for Kevin’s ride to Rackheath. However more would turn up at the café for the Wednesday group impromptu Christmas lunch.

The route that Alan and Kevin followed was PC to Itteringham to Cawston to Haveringland towards Stratton Strawless. Then Hainford to Spixworth and finally Rackheath.

The 2 were joined by three more at the cafe and all but one enjoyed a full roast dinner although the scrambled egg on toast looked good too!

The expected rain was nowhere to be seen as we looked out to reasonably clear skies and sunshine but we felt that it couldn’t be too far away. So back on the bikes, 4 turning left on the busy Wroxham Road to head via Swash Lane and Dobbs Lane to Crostwick and JohnD turning right to follow a route via Beeston and then home.

The rain soon came as we passed through Frettenham and Buxton. Then on to Oxnead and Tuttington. On reaching the B1145 the rain stopped and the 4 split into two pairs, Alan and Kevin returning to PC via Banningham, Ingworth, Calthorpe, Wickmere, Thurgarton, Bessingham and Gresham. Malcolm and Trevor followed the Aylsham Road towards Felmingham then divided once more to head to their respective destinations.

Considering the hazardous conditions on Tuesday it was great that we were able to enjoy a ride out today and thank you to Kevin.

Alan, JohnD, Kevin, Malcolm, Trevor

PC to PC 50 miles

As I watch this morning’s horizontal rain I am pleased to be inside reporting yesterday’s run when Andrew led us in dry albeit occasionally blustery conditions to Langham. The pub was originally built in the mid 17th century but has thankfully been updated a few times since then, the latest refurbishment being just under a year ago!

Five met at the start point and followed a route via West Beckham and Bodham Church continuing to and crossing the main Holt – Cromer Road. As we descended towards Kelling Andrew announced that there would be a few zig zags in today’s route and so it was as we passed through Wiveton, Glandford, Saxlingham, Field Dalling, Binham and Cockthorpe.

After Cockthorpe it was a straight run past the former Langham Airfield and Langham Dome and then into Langham itself to find some extensive roadworks. A sign advised cyclists to dismount but it was possible to either walk or ride past so all was well.

As we were about to park the bikes at the back of the pub Geoff cycled up so now we were 6!

A warm welcome and equally warm wood burners greeted us on entering The Blue Bell and we enjoyed a pleasant lunch before leaving into a headwind towards Sharrington,

It was a lot more sheltered as Brinton, Stody and Briston came and went before a parting of the ways at Edgefield St where Andrew headed directly for the coast and home while 4 went via Plumstead, Barningham Road and Red Barn Lane back to PC and Malcolm followed a pretty much direct route through Little Barningham, Erpingham, Banningham, Felmingham and home.

An enjoyable ride with plenty of variety – thanks very much Andrew!

Alan, Andrew, Geoff, Kevin, Malcolm and Robin

42 miles PC to PC

As the three Wheelers prepared to leave Kevin reassured us that “It’s only showers!” so cheered by his optimism we set off on today’s run to Coltishall.

After skilfully avoiding the mini lake at the junction with East Beckham Road we continued on a straight path towards Itteringham with a slight tailwind which was welcomed in the wet conditions.

Malcolm had already decided that today’s route would not include many (if any) lanes and byways and also that he would try to maintain a good pace.

After Itteringham we went straight up New Road and after turning off the Blickling Road headed for Cawston. Tempting as it was to have a quick cuppa in the café we carried on towards Buxton and received our first heavy shower of the ride but nothing too bad.

In better conditions a quieter route would have been chosen from Buxton but instead we stayed on the B1354 all the way to Coltishall and arrived at our destination just after midday. As it happened there was not a lot of traffic!

The pub was fairly quiet and as we had a choice of tables we chose one nearest the woodburner. Trevor had arrived to join us for lunch and we enjoyed a pleasant and warming half an hour or so before heading back into the centre of Coltishall and then the direct route through Hautbois, Badersfield and Skeyton.

En route we said goodbye to Trevor and shortly after crossing Church Road Malcolm asked to be excused and left just the two to cycle against a fairly stiff headwind back to PC via Tuttington, Banningham, Colby, Thwaite Common, Aldborough, Little Barningham and Gresham.

Alan, Kevin, Malcolm and Trevor had a decent run out today.

43 miles PC to PC

Still had to clean bike even though we managed to avoid the worst of the lanes!

Words by today’s ride leader John Dimascio.

6 riders assembled at PC and were off on the stroke of 10:29 – only to be joined a hundred yards down the road by a seventh. This was a day when the actual and predicted weather conditions would dictate the route and distance. All agreed that with 40+ mph winds promised for early afternoon, lunch should be taken earlier rather than later to give the riders a chance of getting back to PC before the worst of the weather.

An astute analysis of the wind direction that was forecast the evening before led our leader to choose a route that used some of the more sheltered lanes – all downhill as well of course.

So we set off to Gresham church and then through Sustead to Hanworth where a particularly impatient driver tried giving Alan a mudbath. It was then on to cross the A140 and the A149 to the site of the old Suffield Arms and a right turn to Antingham.

The next 4 miles were almost due South – the direction from which the “Fresh Breeze” was coming. Francis Beaufort thus names a wind speed of 19 – 24 mph and describes it as “small trees in leaf begin to sway; crested wavelets form on inland waters”. We didn’t notice!

At last we turned out of the headwind and after a few hundred yards on the Trans-Norfolk Highway we headed past Colby school to Church Lane and Long Lane and took a delightfully muddy lane (sorry Malcolm!) back to the A140 and Jules Country Cafe.

Lunch was ordered – with two of us ordering – and finishing “The Big Un” which is how Jules describes her large sized breakfast. The food here is ample and well-priced; some say too ample. Chris joined us here and after a conversation on topics ranging from Tug of War to Power of Attorney (maybe related!) the riders departed in several directions – some to be blown towards Sheringham, others to battle a few more miles in the Aylsham direction.

Thanks everyone for a good ride – the upside of the windy conditions was that there was at least some welcome sunshine.

PC to Jules Cafe = 19 miles; 1 impatient MPV driver; 1 unpredictable white van man; No punctures on the outward route.

Roll Call – Alan, Chris, JohnD, Kevin, Malcolm, Robert, Robin, Trevor

“Runners run because they like running, cyclists cycle because they like cake!

It may seem strange to begin at lunchtime! Malcolm, who was not able to make the start from PC, waited for the group to arrive but as they had not appeared by 12.45 decided that he should order some food. Having enjoyed both a mud free ride to the café and a good lunch he didn’t mind the prospect of a lone run in the afternoon but then just as he was about to collect his bike the bunch arrived, mud splattered and hungry!!

Alan’s well planned runs often involve a longish pre lunch leg followed by a shorter route back to PC; and so it was today, 31 miles to the café.

Five met at PC and headed to Briston by way of Baconsthorpe and Edgefield. Southwards and then westwards to Hindolveston and Fulmodeston. A left turn at the crossroads took the group in the direction of Stibbard, John S suffering 2 rear punctures (one thorn one very sharp stone) en route which accounted for the later than planned arrival at the café. Undaunted by this experience (a lesser man would have crumpled under the pressure) John and his fellow Wheelers continued via Wood Norton, Foulsham, Themelthorpe and Reepham to follow the road past Booton Hall and then a left turn just after the Booton Clay Pits (now used and looked after by the Cawston Fishing Club) up into Cawston.

Around the table conversation was as lively as ever and ranged from who was going to the Wheelers social in January to Robin’s adventures, not to mention grunts and groans, with the much feared Cawston Tug of War team – not sure which era – we didn’t ask!

We left together as a group of 6 and followed the straight route to Oulton Street at which point Malcolm, Robin and Trevor headed off towards Aylsham and home (eventually) while the remainder continued on a similarly straight course via Itteringham and Little Barningham back to PC.

Thank you to Alan for leading today’s ride.

Alan, John S, Kevin, Robin, Trevor and Malcolm (clean bike) at the café.

43 miles PC to PC

I would like to thank members of the North Norfolk Wheelers for sponsoring me doing a 300k cycle ride over 2 days.

Raising funds for WHEELPOWER for children playing sport, who are confined to wheel chairs.

This will give an introduction to over 70 Norfolk young adults to lead healthier, active and more fulfilling lives.

Thank you again, I shall shortly be presenting a cheque to WHEELPOWER for over £8000.

The magnificent seven met at PC on a damp, cool and blustery morning; but all were suitably attired so looking forward to Malcolm’s ride to the always popular café at Mundesley.

As we headed due south towards Little Barningham Malcolm announced that we would take a left once there and then thought to himself that this link from Church Road to Wickmere Road is often rim deep in mud after rain. As it happened it wasn’t bad at all and indeed for the rest of today’s run road conditions were okay for the time of year. Those without full mudguards didn’t fare too well (neither did those who were behind them at any point!)

We wound our way through the lanes bisecting Wickmere and Wolterton eventually reaching Erpingham, past the recently closed “Arms”, and onward to Ingworth, Aylsham, Burgh, Skeyton, Swanton Abbott, Worstead, Briggate, Honing, Crostwight, Edingthorpe Street, Paston Green, Paston Street and finally Mundesley. Just under 31 miles before lunch and it was agreed that it had been a good ride. Just what you need for a good appetite.

CJ was there to meet us, sat alone at the 3 reserved tables, but the Wheelers being a sociable bunch (Cycling Weekly recently described us as a club who “exude affability and old school charm”) the banter was soon lively and we enjoyed the normal excellent service from The Corner Café staff before stepping out into the cooling breeze for the start of the return leg.

John S left us to more or less retrace our route back home and the remainder including CJ headed towards Trunch and Southrepps before a left turn to Lower Street, where we said goodbye to Robin.

Just before Gunton Station CJ left us and the remaining five continued to Thorpe Market and then Topshill Road to the A140, a slightly tricky dog leg crossing to Parrow Lane and along to Hanworth. Malcolm decided that his leader duties were done for the day and left Alan to lead the four back to Pretty Corner.

A good ride out, slightly tiring in the less than ideal conditions but at least no punctures or other mechanicals and bikes not too mucky!

Alan, Alban, Andrew, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Robin and CJ at the café.

46 miles PC to PC (and of course the extra for some to get to PC and home again)

Nine met at PC for Trevor’s ride to Aylsham only to learn that unfortunately Trevor would not be with us as he was feeling under the weather.

So, Malcolm led the group towards Itteringham turning off to pass by Mannington Hall and then on to Saxthorpe and Corpusty where we hoped to find a bonfire stack on the Green opposite The Duke’s Head ready for the weekend festivities. Alas no, so unless it’s happening elsewhere they have a lot of work to do before Saturday night.

Onwards and upwards, literally, up Station Road into Heydon Road to….Heydon, then Salle before joining the B1145 to take us almost into Reepham. We took a left opposite the entrance to The Old Railway Station Café leading us to the Norwich Road which we followed for a mile or so before turning left into the lanes once again and eventually to Cawston.

At this point John D suggested the Abel Heath route into Aylsham which we were more than happy to take and would you believe it we found ourselves on the Heydon Road again but this time just outside of Aylsham!

Today’s surrogate leader was a bit concerned on reaching the café as we hadn’t phoned ahead to let them know we were coming. However the staff couldn’t have been more welcoming and we enjoyed good value food.

We said goodbye to John D before making our way out of Aylsham to Burgh and then a left turn at the Church Road crossroads into Norwich Road (another one!) to Tuttington. With something approaching a tailwind we made swift progress to Banningham at which point Malcolm decided to let the group follow their noses back to PC which they did via Ingworth and beyond.

Many thanks to Malcolm, although I say it myself, for leading today’s ride.

Alan, Alban, David C (at the café and on the return leg), Geoff (from Potters Bar), John D, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Robert, Stephen.

40 miles PC to PC

Cool and damp conditions first thing in the morning prompted several Wheelers to prepare for an Autumn run but fairly warm and sunny weather was to be the order of the day as 9 Wheelers, plus Jack who left us early on, set off from PC on Kevin’s ride to Cley next the Sea.

A straightforward enough route to Itteringham only notable for a reasonably stiff westerly breeze which would surely help us on the return leg. However halfway up New Road hill and a turn right and Kevin’s ride became very interesting following a great route via Corpusty and on to Thurning. On the way a swiftly repaired front puncture for John S didn’t delay us for long!

It’s impossible to predict when hedgerows are going to be cut and unfortunately Thurning to Hindolveston took far longer than planned as a thorn strewn stretch of road brought puncture after puncture after………..plus a slow flat that Andrew hoped would at least last until the lunch stop! It did as it happens!

North to Melton Constable and then Briningham, Thornage, Letheringsett, Glandford and finally the pub. What a great ride and we all looked forward to a refuel.

Whether an allergy to CO2 (the cartridge now being the preferred method of inflation after a puncture), butyl tubes or otherwise, Alban’s hands had suffered an alarming reaction to something or other and he, Andrew (GP retired) and Stephen (escort home if needed) left us to seek treatment by way of an antihistamine. Hope it was sorted!

The remaining six Wheelers suitably refreshed left The Three Swallows by way of the long drag up Holt Road to Bridge Road and finally to the junction with the A148. Always a busy road it took a few minutes before we could all cross safely. As we headed due East we said goodbye to Robin who turned towards Plumstead then Barningham, Itteringham and home and five continued to the junction of Mill Road and Red Barn Lane where two carried on to Lower Gresham and beyond while just the three turned left to return to PC.

What a glorious day and a great ride, thanks Kevin.

Alan, Alban, Andrew, David C, Jack, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Robin, Stephen.

38 miles PC to PC – (would have been longer but Kevin amended the return route because of lost time to punctures).