Club Runs

With a beautiful, warm day forecast, it was a fairly safe bet that we would have more riders out for Robert’s run to Erpingham than we had last week!  And so it was, with 8 meeting at PC.  These included returner, Trevor.

Erpingham is an interesting venue in that you have to “weave” your way there to create a meaningful run– and Robert had planned some “weaves” for us.  The route took us to Gresham, Sustead, Roughton and on to Southrepps, Trunch and Swafield.  We then cut back to Antingham to head for Felmingham and Aylsham before turning north for Erpingham.

On the approach to Erpingham, Malcolm warned of a spot in the lane that is nearly always flooded.  Surely not in these dry conditions?   But flooded it was.  The group split roughly 50/50 on how to deal with this.  Those wishing to keep their bikes clean opted for a walk along the verge and braved the nettles.  Those planning to clean their bikes later (maybe) rode on through, successfully avoiding the potholes that lurk beneath the surface.

After just a tad over 30 miles we arrived at the pub to find that Trevor had ridden out to meet us.  Alfresco dining was the choice.

Robert had offered us a choice of routes home, but given the hot conditions, we opted for a directish run to PC, parting with folk along the way.

A very pretty route with some seldom-ridden lanes – made all the better by the delightful, summery conditions.  Many thanks, Robert.

9 out. 39 miles PC to PC.

Words by Kevin.

With riders coming from Aylsham, North Walsham, Sheringham and Swanton Abbott it was probably appropriate that the start point today was opposite the Crown at Banningham.

So the group of four set off in slightly disappointing overcast conditions but nevertheless warm enough for three at least to be showing off their knees! Perhaps the fourth had heeded the warning of showers and wanted a bit more protection.

Through Ingworth along the delightful Drabblegate and on to the Banningham Road. Avoiding the centre of Aylsham we crossed the Blickling Road on to the Heydon Road and then followed the traditional route to Cawston. The slight cross/headwind was noticeable but it was generally agreed that riding conditions were good.

After Cawston we continued via Eastgate along the Buxton Road until the Marsham junction taking us to the very busy A140 where we gritted teeth for half a mile before reaching the more tranquil Mill Road to Brampton giving us lovely views.  Geoff remarked he hadn’t been on this stretch of road for some time – always good for the ride leader to hear! Onwards to Skeyton, Swanton Abbott, Worstead, Honing, East Ruston and finally Cart Gap – distance 28 miles (but of course with a few more added for each rider to reach the start point).

Meeting us there was David Carrier. An enjoyable lunch was had with topics of conversation centring mainly on the NHS and the cost of social care. With the average age of the group approaching 70 perhaps this is not too surprising. Anyway with a youthful leap we all remounted our trusty steeds and under threatening skies we set off via Happisburgh and Ridlington. At this point Trevor headed straight home and the remaining four went cross country initially under heavyish drizzly rain via Witton, Edingthorpe and Knapton to Trunch. On to Southrepps where we said goodbye to David and then Thorpe Market and Hanworth where we paused in the middle of the familiar herd of cows who were thankfully far more interested in munching grass than us.

Robin peeled off towards Aldborough while Malcolm accompanied Geoff as far as Gresham before returning to Banningham to complete the route.

Malcolm (lead rider), Geoff, Robin, Trevor and David enjoyed a good Saturday run.

Banningham to Banningham 58 miles

Words by Andrew.

5 met at pretty corner for the ride to Horning.  Blue skies, a balmy 11deg C and lightish SE winds were the conditions. Amongst the starters was our old friend Graham from Nottingham. 4 of us were in bib shorts, so, summer is officially here.

Off we set collecting Malcolm at the top of Gibbet Lane, then out to Matlask and over to Itteringham.  It was left at the Walpole Arms and north of Blickling to Ingworth and then on to Banningham, Tuttington, and Buxton Lammas. Thence on to Coltishall via St. James where we lost Robin and Malcolm, only to catch them up on the roads north of Wroxham.  They obviously knew a short cut!   Finally, down to sunny Horning after 29 miles at 14.5 mph.

4 went for the steak and kidney pie with mash, all eaten outside in glorious sunshine.

The return was towards Tunstead, Worstead and on to Skeyton, Banningham and home – clocking up 54 miles on dry quiet lanes at 15.3 mph.

Great route, thanks to Trevor.

Just two Wheelers met at PC for the ride to Bawdeswell.; the rest either on holiday or not fancying the conditions.  But, Rule 1 (Always Go) rules and we were glad we did.  A stiff tail wind blew us to lunch quickly.  It was sort of straight there, but with a loop out towards Cawston.

Hamptons is nice to visit, significantly improved since its Park Café days.  Trevor met us there – whoopee! Three out!  We need more.

The return was again straightish, but now with a loop out towards Edgefield and Trevor left us as we turned for Edgefield.  The wind, though, was not now in our favour.  A mixture of strong gusts and calmer conditions punctuated the route home but this did not really matter – the route was nice and we should repeat it.

The beauty of Rule 1 is that it really works, almost regardless of the outcome –  and this time, the outcome was good.

43 miles PC to PC.  3 out.  0 mudguards, but not quite summer yet.

Leaving Pretty Corner was a quite affair as only one rider was present. A quick push down to The Crown at Banningham found the welcome sight of Trevor ready and waiting for the off. We rode the “traditional” route to Cart Gap which was down to Tuttington, Swanton Abbort, Worstead, to Briggate, Honing, East Rushton and finally the café. Here, we found the court yard taken over by a large group of walkers and dogs plus one very large bloodhound. No problems though, they had been well fed so there was no wait for us.

After an enjoyable break we were back on our bikes for the homeward trek. The route back was via Ridlington to Bradfield where the two riders parted company. On reaching Thorpe Market GP spied the welcome sign of tea and cakes at the church where they were holding a craft fair. Double fuelled GP set off for the final leg to Sheringham having completed just under 60 miles.

Good ride, slight wind, no rain,

Roll of Honour: Trevor and Geoff

Words by John D.

Not raining yet!

So, 3 out – Alan, JohnD and Kevin, no incidents and 34 hard miles.

Two  club members left Pretty Corner and rode to Itteringham Bridge where a third was waiting to join them for the club run to Walsingham . We rode back towards PC from Itteringham and turned left to go past the great house and gardens of Mannington Hall. From here we turned left to go to Corpusty and then over the hills towards Briston via Horseshoe Lane. From here we rode on minor roads turning left down Sandy Lane and a bundle of back roads to Hindolveston. It was then a quick canter down to Kettlestone and across the main road via the Snorings and past the “oldest round church” in Norfolk.

With the temperature a mean 8 there was no loitering and we made our way to the famous pie café. Here, we were joined by GT looking fit and fast.

After pie’s galore we set sail for home, now facing a bitter cold wind which had been building all day. The route home was via Hindringham to Sharrington and then towards to Edgefield. Instead of riding directly to Hempstead, GT took us on a more entertaining route to Edgefield where the riders split into two groups..

A good days ride, no rain, 50 miles and a few more for one or two.

GP would like to say thanks to his comrades who helped him round the route after being his first club run out for over a months due to back problems.

Role of honour : Brian P, Guy T, Nick and Geoff

6 met at Burnham Market for Andrew’s ride to Great Massingahm.  It was sunny but coolish, with a generally easterly wind that was set to build throughout the day.  Andrew said it would be undulating – he is a man of his word!  There were some biggish undulations on the route out to Ringstead – and he was in no mood to hang about, undulations or not! We then turned south to Sedgeford and Roydon.  Thereafter, it was east for a swift 7-mile run into Great Massingahm.  It was a smidgen under 27 miles to lunch, which was done at a smidgen under 15 mph average.

The Dabbling Duck is lovely to visit, and particularly so on a nice day like this.  The food and setting were great – as ever they are.

The return took in East Rudham and Stanhoe before the swoop back down into Burnham.

We were away from our regular stomping ground and Andrew served up one of the prettiest rides ever on great lanes – it was wonderful.  Many thanks, Andrew.  You probably merit the, “King if the Undulations” jersey – we just have to design one and get it made!

And it was good to see Mark and Peter P back with us.

6 out.  43.4 miles on new and little-pedalled lanes.  Big smiles all round!

We will meet in the new car park in Burnham Market. It is off North Street in the Foundry Field development.  Cost is £3.00 for 5 hours – coins only.  The postcode for your sat navs is PE31 8HG.

We will leave the car park at 10:30.  The ride out is 26 miles to the Dabbling Duck at Great Massingham.  Back to Burnham is another 16 miles.