Club Runs

As 9 Wheelers were about to depart from the Banningham pick up point there was a rather loud pop as Harvey’s rear tyre instantly deflated to absolutely zero. This was not a regular flat and would need some close attention so Harvey waved us through and wished us well on today’s run to Waxham.

Malcolm was happy to step up and off we went via Tuttington, Oxnead, Badersfield, Scottow and Tunstead to the still mud free (well mostly) back lanes to Smallburgh. A brief foray on the A149 as a necessary connection for the road to Dilham and then Honing. The conditions were bright and quite warm – could it be that we would be lucky and miss the forecast showers?

After East Ruston we crossed the B1159 to continue on to Brumstead. As we approached the Star Inn at Lessingham it may have suited one or two in the bunch to stop here for lunch particularly as we were running slightly late after a puncture a few miles earlier. However the leader for the day pressed on knowing that once we joined the Palling Road there would be enough tailwind to make up at least a few of the lost minutes.

We arrived at Waxham before the bride and groom – there was a wedding reception in the Great Barn – but as none of us had brought a tie there was little chance we could mingle and sneak a glass of champagne! So we settled down to a pleasant lunch instead.

The skies were certainly darkening but what to do except set off on the coast road to Sea Palling where it was suggested we take the aptly named Beach Road (those that were there will know what I mean) into Heath Road, through Hempstead and full circle back to Lessingham. Only light rain so far! Whimpwell Green, Happisburgh and Ridlington came and went and even Witton Bridge and Edingthorpe Street were quite dry but Knapton was another story as the heavens opened and we sought refuge first under trees and then in the bus shelter.

After a few minutes Trevor decided he would head off and take his chances and soon after the remainder pedalled to Trunch where there was a parting of the ways but all getting a soaking on their various paths home. After Bradfield just three riders were left to follow the traditional route via Hanworth back to PC. However Geoff and Barry later reported that our latest Wheeler recruit was there one moment and gone the next so hopefully he found his way home without too much difficulty.

By the by Harvey expertly rescued his split tyre by judicious placing of plastic wrapper and was able to nurse his bike home but sadly missed out on the weekend run.

Alban, Barry, David C, Geoff, Harvey, Ian, Malcolm, Robin and Trevor

60 miles PC to PC

Ten met at PC for Alan’s ride to Hilltop Café on a bright and breezy morning.

Fortunately the breeze was at our backs as we headed towards Lower Gresham. Malcolm didn’t even get that far as he punctured courtesy of a North Norfolk flint! He was at the back of the group and alas his shouts were not heard. After a quick repair he chose the correct route to Hanworth and after a call to the leader they met at the A140 before the two rejoined the group at Suffield.

Onwards via Felmingham and Swanton Abbott and then along School Road onto the B1150, left into Westwick Road (towards Worstead) before turning right in the direction of Sloley. Just as well it was dry as this stretch of tarmac is not great in the wet! Finally onto the Tunstead Road and straight (pretty much dead straight) to Hoveton. Here we paused briefly before weaving our way through the centre of Wroxham and then relief from the traffic as we flowed down The Avenue. The B1140 took us to Salhouse and from there just a short distance via Muck Lane back to the Wroxham Road and the café at Rackheath.

The café was as busy as usual but this didn’t prevent prompt service and after a good value refuel we were back on our bikes. Leaving the main road we entered Swash Lane and carried on pretty much due north via Granny Bard’s Lane to Horstead. Here we bade farewell to John D and Peter as we continued through Coltishall, Little Hautbois and Badersfield. Robin left us en route and Trevor also peeled off as we reached The Goat at Skeyton.

Exposed to the stiffening breeze it was a bit of a slog up to the crossroads but up and over we went before Malcolm turned off towards Felmingham and home while the remaining five, under threatening skies, did a direct route back to PC via Banningham, Alby, Thwaite Common, Aldborough, Little Barningham and Gresham.

Everyone managed to avoid the showers!

Thank you to Alan for leading the ride.

Alan, Alban, Andrew, John D, Malcolm, Peter, Robert, Robin, Stephen, Trevor made it an enjoyable run out.

52 miles PC to PC

Just a reminder to iron your club kit and clean your bikes for the club run on Saturday 30th September to Pensthorpe.  We are keen to get as many members out as possible.  Aim to meet at Pretty Corner at 9.45 for a 10am depart.

Words by John D

3 Wheelers met up at Pretty Corner for John D’s ride to the White Horse at Crostwick.

News had obviously got out of the prospects for a good day’s riding because 11 more riders appeared before the off at 10:30. Two of our number were holidaying in the area, another a “local” trying us for the first time, and the rest the usual suspects!

Heading down the dip and left into Sheringham Road we met the first of the day’s obstacles. Once this large agricultural one was safely negotiated we headed through to Gresham, where we picked up the 15th rider of the day, and on through Sustead and Hanworth to the A140. Now, crossing a major road is always a challenge and with a larger group, more so. A thank you here then to the guys who helped at this and subsequent crossings.

From the A140 we headed along Topshill Road to cross another main road and on past the old Suffield Arms (now a house) to Antingham. Again another obstacle, this time the Sheringham express, which held us (à la TdF) for a few minutes.

The next obstacle was of our own making – Corvette Kingdom, just north of the Trans Norfolk Highway (aka B1145), with its doors open to reveal some stunning automobiles detained the men momentarily, until they realized that whilst a new bike can often be smuggled in the back door, one of these could not.

With the scent of lunch in the wind, we drove south into an increasingly strong breeze, pausing only briefly to ponder how far the pub in Skeyton was!. At one point, near Hautbois, the NNW lead out train was seen to be faster than the Aylsham – Wroxham express!

We approached the lunch stop by heading out of Coltishall via Heggat Road, Granny Bards Lane and Dow Lane. The White Horse is used to large parties and coped well with the men’s demands.

Leaving the pub in increasingly warm and humid conditions, we rode the back lanes through to Buxton and via Oxnead, Banningham and Aldborough to home, losing some riders as they turned off to make their way to their original starting points.

47 miles PC to PC and no punctures (very good considering that there would have been around 750 miles of road covered by all the bikes). 60+ miles for some. No incidents of note.

Roll Call: John D, John S, Malcolm, Kevin, Robert, Trevor, Andrew, Peter, Alan, Geoff, Stephen, Alban, Robin, Tim, David

(15 out is something of a recent record for a Wednesday ride)

Note from Wednesday Club Run Captain

Many thanks to John D for leading the ride – a great route!

 

 

Seven Wheelers met at PC for John C’s welcome return to the Wednesday group and his ride to Reepham.

Conditions were dry and a little cloudy but with the prospect of sunshine and higher temperatures later on in the day all was well. What was not expected was a stiff SW wind which made the going slightly tougher!

We made our way to Cawston along the traditional route and in doing so met David C at Itteringham bridge. From Cawston we followed the lanes skirting Brandiston before joining the Reepham Road (heading away from Reepham) and into the stiff headwind again. Turning right we followed an enjoyable if twisting path towards Sparham and then heading NE with a healthy tailwind we passed through Whitwell and onwards to our lunch destination.

The Kings Arms was a first for the Wheelers and will definitely feature again before too long as it is an historic pub with a good atmosphere, provided good food, good service and had a sheltered area for the bikes at the rear.

Trevor decided to head for home towards Buxton after lunch as the remainder pedalled to Guestwick where Peter peeled off towards home. Then Briston at which point we said goodbye to our leader who had been experiencing a problem with his front mech which no doubt would be quickly solved after consultation with Black Bikes of Sheringham. John S gallantly stepped up and led us by way of Edgefield and Baconsthorpe back to PC, Robin and David C having left us en route.

An enjoyable day and many thanks to John C.

Alan, David C, John C, John S, Malcolm, Peter, Robin and Trevor

39 miles PC to PC; 60 – 65 miles max.

9 Wheelers gathered at PC and were herded off by Malcolm to begin the run to Cart Gap by way of Banningham where we hoped to round up one or two others.

Sure enough reclining on the bench on the village green were David C and Bob (2nd claim member, his primary membership being Velo Club Norwich). So after a quick phone call to the café to confirm the numbers we set off due south against a stiff breeze through Tuttington up to Church Road and then swooped down through Skeyton and Swanton Abbott.

The leader for the day clearly wanted to stretch his legs and on the straight road to Worstead put the hammer down and then waited opposite a slightly bemused bin lorry crew as the riders regrouped before enjoying a tailwind to take us sailing through Briggate, Honing, Crostwight, over the Stalham Road to Happisburgh Common, Lessingham and finally the café. Distance 28 miles from PC.

Realising there would be a little wait, one or two diners availed themselves of the rather good scones before the main courses arrived and all enjoyed a welcome refuel. Good food, friendly service. The only thing that let lunch down slightly is that Bob had asked for his dessert to come with a pot of tea after the meal and unfortunately the order got lost somewhere. The rest of the group were ready to leave some thinking a heavy shower would not be long coming and Bob was happy to make his own way back home. Hope to see you again soon Bob and all the best to VC Norwich!

The shower did not happen as we returned via Happisburgh, Ridlington, Edingthorpe Green, Trunch, Lower Street, Thorpe Market and Hanworth. Various riders had peeled off en route and on reaching the open grazing area of Hanworth Malcolm also bade farewell to Alan, Andrew and Graham who made their way back to PC and their various final destinations.

A good pace today but hopefully nobody’s legs were too tired and all enjoyed a good Wednesday run!

Alan, Andrew, Bob, Brian, David C, Graham, John S, Malcolm, Peter, Robert and Robin

50 miles PC to PC   Max 65 – 70 miles

 

Alan’s reflections

Seven trusty stalwarts met at Pretty Corner for the ride to The Conservatory at Aylsham.

We set out into a healthy head wind via Gresham, Felbrigg Park, South Cromer, Northrepps, Southrepps and Lower Street. Here we picked up a stray (David C) sitting at X roads having a drink. Heading south to Bradfield, North Walsham, Skeyton, Coltishall and Little Hautbois, then looping round to Hainford, Stratton Strawless and Buxton to a well earned lunch at Aylsham.

Here we were treated to a nice jug of water to quench our thirst while waiting for our orders. Unfortunately the initial jug was warm not cold as intended but was soon rectified with many apologies.

Having been fully fed we proceeded to head back to Pretty Corner via Able Heath, Blickling, then the usual return leg through Itteringham, having said goodbye to Trevor and John who headed home in a westerly direction.

Luckily the promised rain held off until ride completed.

Alan, Kevin, Peter, John S, Robert , Trevor, Graham and David

34 miles to lunch, 47 miles PC to PC

Note from Wed Runs Club Captain

Many thanks to Alan for being leader and navigator for the day. Sorry I couldn’t join you – had to see a man about a dog!