Club Ride to Javabean Café, Badersfield 21/05/2025

Ride report by Ian A
On yet another chilly morning with a northerly breeze keeping the lid on the temperature, five riders met at PC for the ride to Badersfield and the Javabean Cafe at Scottow Business Park (formerly the site of RAF Coltishall). Chris told us his legs were feeling the effects of last night’s Wheelers 25km Time Trial. This was a good thing as it deterred him from making his usual ‘sprint off the front’ during the ride which normally manages to scatter the peloton along the road!
A tailwind in the morning meant we made good progress and Gresham, Sustead and Hanworth were little more than a blur. Then it was across the busy-ish A140 at Thorpe Market and on to Trunch where we spotted signs for the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend beer festival. Well what thirsty cyclists wouldn’t be interested… Dreaming of cold beers (actually probably a nice warm coffee given the weather) we pedalled on to Knapton before swinging south and skirting North Walsham to arrive shortly afterwards at Worstead and onwards to Ashmanhaugh. Here we swung west to Coltishall before then heading north for the push to Badersfield (now into a headwind and a taste of what was to come on the return leg). Turning into Scottow Business Park (as quiet as ever) we arrived at the cafe with the RAF Jaguar jet parked up alongside.
The coffee is good here, and most of us opted for the very good value Big Baps with a choice of bacon, sausage, egg or hash browns. Or in Mark and Chris’s case, all four fillings… Andrew went off piste with a brie and bacon toastie (that’s ‘Blakeney Posh’ for you) but which left him room for cake. The cafe looked to be roasting coffee beans while we were there as there was some whirring coming from the machinery and lots of sacks of beans around, but after Ian enquired it turned out it was just the roaster ‘heating up’ (which takes a while apparently). The grinding is a bit noisier but the ‘stone removal thingy’ is the noisiest. (Note: There are no stones in coffee beans, just unwanted detritus that collects as part of the picking/sacking process we guess.) Anyway, you don’t want stones in your grinding machine. After lunch, there was a quick inspection of the Jaguar while Mark re-secured his saddle bag and made running repairs, as one of his straps had worn through. I believe he also adjusted his stowed cable lock as it had been interfering with his bottom on the way out. (Not sure if that’s a ‘mechanical’ or a ‘mecharsical’?)
After lunch the route went via Skeyton, Tuttington and Banningham where we crossed the now even busier A140 to Ingworth where we continued between the River Bure and Blickling Park.

A photo stop for Chris at Itteringham Common 21st May 2025 L-R, Mark M, Andrew B, Andy S, Chris S, Ian A camera

At Itteringham Common we stopped to wave Andy off but he was having none of it! He was enjoying our company so much that he stayed with us through Itteringham and up to Little Barningham where he took the Matlaske Road to head back home to Corpusty. The remaining four riders continued on to Plumstead, Baconsthorpe and the Bodham Hill climb (notorious for causing an unnecessary sprint to the top!) Bizarrely, Andrew stopped and said he had to take a call shortly before the climb and that we should carry on, thus he missed out on the chance to take the day’s “Polka Dot Jersey”. Or not wanting to get involved? Who knows. In the event, there was no sprint so honours even. At the foot of New Road, Ian turned left for High Kelling leaving Mark and Chris to head back to PC.
A good day’s ride in chilly but dry conditions and no crashes. The oilseed rape flowers are mostly over, but it was nice to see the poppies coming out and several fields of linseed in full bloom. Andy has a ‘stag weekend’ in the Peak District and Chris is off on a three week Motorcycling Tour to Europe so we wish them well – not sure which activity is the most dangerous.

PC to PC was 55.5 miles
Average speed 15.4 mph
Riders: Andrew B, Andy S, Chris S, Ian A, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 24th May – Litcham Deli
Wednesday 28th May – Heydon
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Club Ride to Darby’s, Swanton Morley 17/05/2025

Ride report by Neil Mc
Three wheelers met at Pretty Corner on a cool morning with a chilly north wind. Neil and Graham were collected shortly at Gresham church and then in a moment of freestyle route planning the left turn was missed and an impromptu diversion to Bessingham was taken. The Aldborough road was quickly reached to get back on the route though, so no problem. Jim was waiting for us on the turn for Calthorpe so the peloton was then complete. The route carried on through Erpingham and down to Ingworth where we managed to negotiate a road closure. Cue grumbling about the massive amount of roadworks and closures currently in North Norfolk.

From Ingworth we cut through onto the Blickling road and turned off just before Blickling Hall and headed through Silvergate to Abel Heath and onward via Oulton Street to Cawston. Graham left here to head toward North Walsham and home as he had only planned a short ride. The remaining 5 carried on through Brandiston and Swannington to the usual stop on the bridge at Attlebridge to look at the river Wensum.

We left the river to the ducks and carried on across the Norwich Road and up the hill to Weston Longville and across the plateau to Elsing. Chris managed to plough into one of the many potholes on the way, but fortunately no accident ensued. Hopefully that is the end of our unlucky streak of crashes over the last few weeks.

From Elsing it wasn’t too far to our lunch stop at Darby’s, Swanton Morley. This was a surprisingly busy pub and got busier still, so we arrived just in time to get a table inside. No sandwiches were on offer, but there was a “light bites” menu. The name was certainly appropriate for the quiche portions that three Wheelers had, although “one bite” menu would have been more accurate. The ham, egg & chips and scampi & chips that Neil and Andy chose were much more satisfactory.

The landlord needed to open up the outside bar where we had inconveniently parked our bikes, so we quickly paid up and headed back out on the road toward Bawdeswell, but turning off to take the back route past the Wensum and Swanton Morley lakes into Billingford then on to Foxley to cross the Fakenham Road.

From Foxley we took the usual route through Themelthorpe, Guestwick and Craymere Beck to Briston where Jim left for Melton Constable and home. The remaining 4 carried on up the hill to Edgefield where Neil and Andy turned downhill for Edgefield Street and back to Corpusty. The final 2 continued on through Baconsthorpe and West Beckham to Pretty Corner and home in Sheringham.

A nice day’s cycling with decent weather that warmed up throughout the day, but the cold wind stopped it being properly warm.

Wheelers: Mark M, Chris S, Andy S, Jim H, Neil Mc, Graham A.
Distance: 56.4 miles
Average Speed: 15.4mph

Editor’s Note: Had a chat with Geoff P in town, he’s not been cycling over the winter but getting out and about now and enjoying the good weather. He sends his regards to fellow Wheelers. Hope to meet up with you on the road or in a cafe soon Geoff.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 21st May – Javabean Café, Coltishall Airfield
Saturday 24th May – Litcham Deli
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Club Ride to Fairhaven Gardens, South Walsham 10/05/2025

Ride report by Chris S
Only 3 riders started from PC. They were Mark, Chris and Andy. Other club members were either in Australia, returning from Madrid or waiting for the tide to turn to go sailing. Having survived a tussle with a hedge and stinging nettles on the last ride Chris’s bike was back in fine order. The weather was the best yet this year with full sunshine and a high of 18 degrees C. An moderate easterly wind resulted in a predominantly cross wind on both the outgoing and homeward bound routes.

At Gresham church Ian was patiently waiting to join the ride which then headed in a southerly direction passing Aldborough, Ingham, Banningham and then through the Bure valley crossing the river Bure at Oxnead. From here it then skirted just north of the northern distributor road (NDR) passing through Hainford and Spixworth before turning east to Woodbastwick, the home of Woodforde’s Brewery which was named after Parson James Woodforde, an 18th century clergyman and diarist who had a passion for fine dining and beer. A quick stop was made at Ranworth / Malthouse Broad to enjoy the view and enable Ian to take photos.

Ranworth pit stop on Club Ride to South Walsham 10-May-2025

Just after arriving at Fairhaven Garden café after some 30 miles in the saddle, Malcolm S arrived having ridden up from St Olaves. Lunch was enjoyed sitting outside.

Lunch in the sun at Fairhaven Water Gardens, South Walsham 10-May-2025. L-R: Malcolm S, Andy S, Chris S, Mark “this is my best side” M. Ian A camera.

At around one pm the four wheelers set off for the return journey leaving Malcolm to head home. The route initially headed west to Little Plumstead taking full advantage of the easterly wind before turning north to Salhouse, Skeyton and Frettenham. Just after Frettenham, Andy experienced a spectacular crash having hit a bump caused by a tree root in the road. Luckily although bruised Andy continued the ride. More importantly his bike was unscathed. This was the second wheelers’ crash in under a week with Chris having crashed on the previous Wednesday. Hopefully it will be the last!

The riders then continued onto Little Hautbois, Felmingham and Suffield. After crossing the very busy A140 towards Matlaske Andy turned off to Corpusty. This left Mark, Ian and Chris to race each other to the top of New Road. Unfortunately, nearing the top of the hill, with Ian on the inside line, a car coming in the opposite direction caused Chris to drop back otherwise it would have been a draw at the very least! Ian then headed back to High Kelling leaving Chris and Mark to return to PC

Total Distance 64 miles
Average Speed 16.1mph (Unusually both out and back legs were equal at 16.1 mph)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andy S, Ian A and Malcolm S

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 14th May – Holkham Hall
Saturday 17th May – Darby’s Swanton Morley
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Club Ride to Garden Kitchen Café, Hoveton Hall 07/05/2025

Ride report by Andrew B
Five riders met at PC on a largely overcast morning with a cold easterly wind for a run to Garden Kitchen Café, Hoveton.
The planned route took us through East Beckham, Gresham (where we picked up Ian), Sustead, Hanworth, Suffield, Antingham, North Walsham, Spa Common, Briggate, Honing, Dilham, Beeston St Lawrence, Neatishead and Ashmanhaugh. This passed mainly without incident apart from Chis landing in a hedge in his efforts to fend of an insect (unidentified but large apparently) resulting in some minor scratches and a remodelled brake lever!

Chris S evades a vicious fly by cycling into the hedge! Hanworth road 7th May 2025. Photo Andrew B

On arrival at the Cafe we decided to go inside as the wind was still cold and the sun had gone in. The cafe was busy but we were given a table on the mezzanine floor and enjoyed some excellent food. There was a good choice of high end snacks, a good selection of large cakes and good coffee.

Andy S eyeing up the huge cakes at the Kitchen Garden Café, Hoveton Hall 07-May-2025

Unfortunately the late order for more coffee and cake caused a significant delay as the Cafe had got very busy by then.

The wait for the extra coffee was too much for some. L-R Chris S, Clive A, Andy S, Ian A, Mark M, Andrew B camera Hoveton 07-05-2025

On leaving the Cafe we all felt cold and a brisk pace was set by Mark and Chris. The route took us through, Belaugh Green, Tunstead, Worstead, Lyngate, Edingthorpe, Knapton, Trunch, Southrepps, Northrepps, Crossdale Street, Felbrigg, Metton, and Gresham.
Clive, Andy S and Ian left us at this point to make their own way home and the remaining three proceeded back to PC via. East Beckham. Overall a good day out with a nice route.

PC to PC 56 miles
Average speed 15.2 mph
Total Elevation 1757 ft

Riders: Mark M, Andrew B, Andy S, Chris S, Ian A and Clive A.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 10th May – Fairhaven Gardens, South Walsham
Wednesday 14th May – Holkham Hall
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Club Ride to The Cartshed, Gt Massingham 03/05/2025

Ride report by Doug H

On another ‘not sure what to wear’ day, two Wheelers, Mark and Doug, set off from PC. Within moments it was decided it was colder than expected and that may be one of us should be more open to carrying extra clothes, rather than worrying about watts! We headed towards East Beckham picking up Ian who at the time thought he had overdressed, who later became the better dressed individual of the ride. So the three Wheelers, one too hot, one too cold and one just right took advantage of a slight tail wind and went through Gresham, Baconsthorpe, Hunworth, Briston, and Gunthorpe.
There was a slight pause near Thursford, as it was the first Saturday of the month we considered the church coffee and cake stop, but then decided with quite a long ride ahead, it would be too early. So we went on through Great Snoring, East Barsham, Cranmer, then down through Shereford, Helhoughton and then finally stopping at Great Massingham at the Cartshed Tearoom. Which surprisingly was very busy with a collection of motorbikes, cyclists and walkers giving the place a very lively atmosphere, including the sound of drilling!

Watching the jumping fish, Sculthorpe Mill 3-May-2025. L-R: Doug H, Mark M. Ian A camera

At this point we ordered food and began the deconstruction of Ian’s bike fit. Which all-in-all was considered helpful indeed. A slight change in reach, a little more upward seating positioning and the lend of a very nice and very comfortable saddle, and with all said and done the bike fit was a success.

The ‘bijou’ Cartshed Tearooms, Gt. Massingham, Club Ride 3-May-2025

Once the lunch was completed we started again back towards PC, now into a headwind and into a much colder environment. So off to Weasenham, through Tittleshall, Stanfield, Brisley, Broom Green and on to Bintree. At this point we considered a second stop which we all agreed to very quickly. It also gave us a chance to check out the new Algy’s Farm Shop. Which we discovered would have an operational Cafe in about two months, and we all agreed it should be added to our itinerary. With  completion of the takeouts we headed off to Foulsham, through Bates Moor, Guestwick, Corpusty, Saxthorpe, and Plumsted. Shortly after we said goodbye to Ian, and carried on to Red Barn Lane where Mark carried on to PC and Doug made his way back to Cromer, covering 128.77 km or exactly 80 miles, I think miles would be the best expression of distance in this case. So all in all a great ride and a lovely day.

PC to PC was 69.7 miles at an average speed of 15.3 mph, with Doug completing 80 miles.
Riders: Ian A, Mark M, Doug H

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 7th May – Garden Kitchen Café, Hoveton Hall
Saturday 10th May – Fairhaven Gardens, South Walsham
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Club Ride to Pleasure Boat Inn, Hickling 30/04/2025

Ride report by Mark M
On a glorious sunny morning, Chris, Andrew and Mark left PC for a ride round the Broads. Heading through Aldborough and Suffield to Felmingham, we passed Corvette Kingdom and saw that the workshop door was open, revealing a number of great looking Corvettes, so we stopped to admire them and take a photo.

Corvette Kingdom, Felmingham 30th April 2025

Then it was down to Swanton Abbott, Ashmanhaugh and Horning, stopping to check out the recently reopened and rethatched Staithe and Willow café, which had a few customers enjoying their coffee at the outside tables.
Keen to get our own coffee and lunch, we pressed on for a short section of quiet A1062, over Ludham Bridge, then turning for the small lanes into Ludham, past the airfield, across the A149 and through the hole in the hedge to the outskirts of Potter Heigham and the last couple of miles into Hickling and down to the staithe and the pub.

Ludham Bridge looking serene. 30th April 2025. Camera Ian A.

Graham and Malcolm were already tucking into their lunches and Ian who had taken the train to Hoveton (long story involving golf and high tides) was just ordering his lunch. For light lunches there was a limited choice of sandwiches or a soup, though they arrived promptly and were very tasty. After his sandwich and with the absence of cakes, Andrew decided to order a coffee and some ice cream, unfortunately the ice cream order never made it to the kitchen, so it took some chasing up before it eventually arrived and it looked like a child’s portion anyway.

Lunch at The Pleasure Boat Inn, Hickling 30-April-2025. Somewhere in the shadows: Andrew B, Mark M, Malcolm S, Graham A, Chris S. Ian A camera

After lunch we all set off together, with Malcolm joining us for the loop of Hickling before heading southwards for St Olaves, while the rest headed for Lessingham, Crostwight, North Walsham, Bradfield and Lower Southrepps. Here, Graham headed for Cromer and home while we continued to Thorpe Market, finding a bright yellow field of oilseed rape for Ian to take a photo of us in our equally yellow Wheelers tops.

Spot the Wheelers competition, North Norfolk oilseed rape field 30-April-2025. L-R: Andrew B, Mark M, Chris S. Ian A camera.

It was the usual route back, through Hanworth to Gresham, arriving just as school was finishing, so there was some chaos with cars heading in all different directions. Ian continued on to High Kelling, leaving the original three to return to PC.

PC to PC was 61.4 miles at an average 15.5 mph
Riders; Chris S, Andrew B, Mark M, Ian A, Graham A, Malcolm S

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 3rd May – Cart Shed, Great Massingham
Wednesday 7th May – Garden Kitchen Café, Hoveton Hall
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Club Ride to Mardlers’ Rest, Gressenhall 26/04/2025

Ride report by Ian A
Due to party commitments and the lure of other, water-based hobbies for some, only three Wheelers met at PC for the scenic ride to Gressenhall. Heading out from PC on a cool, overcast morning with a light easterly breeze, they picked up Ian at the top of Red Barn Lane, and continued on via Baconsthorpe and Plumstead to Edgefield where we collected Neil.
Neil and Ian were questioning their clothing choices as the sun seemed to be refusing to make an appearance and it felt colder than we all anticipated. (By the way, a slight moment of panic en-route to Edgefield as Mark suffered a dropped chain and had to stop briefly. That’s about the closest Mark comes to a ‘having a mechanical’.) From Edgefield it was downhill to Briston, then onwards via Nethergate, Foulsham, Bintree and down the hill to Bintree Mill for the obligatory photo stop!

By the Wensum at Bintree Mill, 26-April-2025. L-R: Andy S, Graham A, Neil Mc, Doug H, Mark M. Ian A camera.

And lo, Graham appeared, on his bike, but having driven there following completion of his 4-week course of radiotherapy. It was good to see him looking well, and obviously feeling energetic enough to get out on his bike. We wish him well with his further upcoming tests/scans. So now as a group of six, we continued via the flat heathlands to Brisley Green (Andy’s mate is umpiring the cricket there this weekend) and then the ‘scenic’ route to Gressenhall via East Bilney and Bittering and a gravel track(!) to arrive at the cafe around 1215.
For the last couple of miles we’d followed a 1903 Crest 2-seater veteran car – which barely managed to get away from us (it has a 2 speed gearbox and a 3.5hp engine!!) It turned out it was also heading to Gressenhall as the British Veteran Car Club was holding its annual Creepy Crawly rally and about 40 pre-1904 cars had made the trip from all over the country. An amazing sight.

1903 British Crest Veteran Car with owners and admirers, Gressenhall 26-April-2025. L-R: unknown car, Buick, Crest (with Lancastrian owners), Graham A (part of), Andy S, Mark M. Ian A camera.
Enjoying a Quiche Fest, Mardlers’ Rest Café, Gressenhall 26-April-2025. L-R: Graham A, Andy S, Doug H, Neil Mc, Mark M. Ian A camera.

All that nostalgia was soon forgotten when the much awaited plates of “Quiche, Chips & Beans” were served up. The usual good quality/value and all washed down with teas & coffees. Then it was down to some ride planning: Mark tried to call us to order and did his best to elicit some suggestions but it proved to be hard work, and most of our suggestions he already had pencilled in or were ‘inappropriate’. Sorry Mark. With lunch over, we remounted, pausing for a few minutes to admire the throng of veteran cars of all makes – Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Buick, Crest and Renault were all spotted.

Assorted British Veteran Car Club vehicles, Gressenhall 26-April-2025. L-R: your guess is as good as mine. Ian A camera.

Shortly after heading off, Ian dropped his chain too, but it popped back on. Must have been something in the air today. The early season flies were certainly out in force. At Worthing we stopped at the bridge and waved goodbye to Graham (also 1903 vintage – the bridge not Graham). The remaining peloton headed into the (light) wind via Elsing and on to Attlebridge for yet another ‘bridge stop’. Apparently it’s a thing… Then it was on to Swannington, Cawston, Oulton Street and Itteringham, where shortly afterwards Andy & Neil turned for Corpusty via Mannington Hall. That left Doug, Ian & Mark to continue on via the Barninghams where shortly afterwards Doug turned off for Cromer via Gresham and Ian turned left at the top of Red Barn Lane, leaving Mark to continue back to PC and Sheringham.
By the numbers: 2 dropped chains, 3 bridge stops, 6 riders, 7 mad hares, 10 Guinea Fowl and 40 veteran cars. A grand day out with a good average speed, helped by Neil finding his way to the front for a bit, too…

PC to PC was 65 miles at an average speed of 15.5mph
Riders: Andy S, Doug H, Ian A, Mark M, Neil M, Graham A (for part of it)

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 30th April – Pleasure Boat Inn, Hickling
Saturday 3rd May – Cart Shed, Great Massingham
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Club Ride to Biagio’s, East Rudham 23/04/2025

Ride report by Chris S
On an overcast and cool Wednesday morning only three wheelers, Chris, Mark and Andy turned up at PC. Illness and golfing commitments accounted for the reduced numbers. With no rain forecast and a favourable tail wind the three set off.

The tail wind enabled a reasonably fast pace (average 15.8 mph) without too much effort. The outward route passed through Baconsthorpe, Edgefield, Briston, Hindolveston, Fulmodeston and Great Ryburgh. Just after East Raynham the route took the riders past the attractive estate grounds of Raynham Hall and onto West Raynham. The ride then passed the former RAF Raynham airfield which has now been converted to a massive solar energy farm although the control tower still stands and was visible from the road.

Arriving at Biagio’s just after 12 noon the trio sat down for a lunch of jacket potatoes with very generous fillings of tuna mayonnaise/chicken coronation and in Mark’s case coronation chicken sandwiches all washed down with tea. Only Mark had cake!

After the lunch the riders set out into a moderate head wind for the whole of the return leg via West and South Raynham. Whissonsett, Broom Green, Guist, Wood Norton and Guestwick. At Corpusty Andy dropped off heading for home leaving only Mark and Chris to complete the route back to PC.

Average Speed 15.2 mph
Total Distance: 62 miles
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andy S

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 26th April, Mardlers’ Rest, Gressenhall
Wednesday 30th April, Pleasure Boat Inn, Hickling
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Club Ride to Watsons, Bacton 19/04/2025

Ride report by Doug H
On what can only be described as a traditional ‘not quite sure what the weather is going to do’ Easter Bank Holiday Saturday, Mark, Chris and Andy met at PC. Setting off through Gresham they collected Ian and Neil. With Ian on the orange winter bike following a baffling issue with the pads of his disc brakes. However, he was adorned with his new varifocal, reactolite, side vented, smart looking cycling glasses. Very nice.

The group then headed off via Metton to upper Roughton Road to collect Doug who joined at the back of the group, which then headed into a cold head wind through Northrepps, on to Mundesley, Trunch, and Knapton. Shortly after the group were offered a short cut to lunch, but it was decided to complete the loop via Crostwight, Ridlington then back to Bacton. With the potential of not having a table at Watsons, we upped the pace and at arrival at Bacton, Neil made a dart for the last large table for lunch.

With great relief we arrived ready for lunch. With Ian forgetting his phone the emergency £20 was broken into and we commenced the ordering. Thank you Mark. One would imagine that ordering a mug or pot of tea for one for two, and a pot of tea for two should be relatively straight forward, but not for us. We managed in the end and was astounded at the size of the pot of tea for two, which was meticulously shared. We then endeavoured to eat our way through a very seasonal gift of mini eggs from Ian, who had now, with the impact of photo chromatic changes, began to resembled Austin Powers.

Lunch at a busy Watsons, Bacton 19th April 2025 L-R Doug H, Andy S, Ian A, Neil Mc, Chris S, Mark M

With lunch completed we began the return with the promise of a tail wind, which did its best to allude us. We set off through Edingthorpe, skirting North Walsham on to Briggate and Worstead. At around this point Chris experienced a wobble on his back wheel, and by the time it was diagnosed as needing a closer look, the remainder of the group was gone just leaving Chris and Doug to make the repairs. On inspection, a spoke had broken and with a quick use of a cable tie and a quick snip we were off again. However, with quite a wobbly wheel we slowly got back to the group. We continued on through Swanton Abbott, Skeyton, up to Colby and on to Erpingham. At which point we said goodbye to Neil and Andy, then up via Wickmere with Doug going right to Aldborough and Mark and Ian heading back to PC. A lovely day on the bike.

PC to PC 56.9 miles at an average 15.4 mph
Riders: Chris S, Andy S, Mark M, Ian A, Neil Mc, Doug H

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 23rd April – Biagio’s, East Rudham
Saturday 26th April – Mardlers’ Rest, Gressenhall
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/

Club Ride to Café Verde, Mattishall 16/04/2025

Ride report by Andrew B
Five riders met at PC on a sunny spring but very windy morning for a run to Café Verde, Mattishall. The planned route took us through East Beckham, Little Barningham, Itteringham, Oulton, Cawston, Haveringland, Felthorpe, Attlebridge and Weston Longville.

Wheelers at The Wensum, Attlebridge 16-April-2025. L-R: Andrew B, Mark M, Andy S, Chris S. Ian A camera and non-conforming gilet…

The going was tough against the wind but Mark seemed unperturbed by this and lead most of the way. There were a few diversions to the route due to road works and the closure of Heydon park.
On arrival at the Cafe we decided to go inside as the wind was cold. The service was good and the food excellent, with most opting for the all day breakfast except for Chris who stuck to his diet!

Lunch at Café Verde, Mattishall 16-April-2025. L-R: Andy S, Mark M, Ian A, Andrew B. Chris S camera.

The route back to PC took us through Clippings Green, North Tuddenham, Peaseland Green, Mill Street, Sparham, Wood Dalling, Thurning, Ramsgate Street, Baconsthorpe and West Beckham. However, it was decided to stop for Ice Cream at Dann’s Farm, North Tuddenham, after only three miles which was welcome and even better as Mark treated us all!
Andy left us at Corpusty for home and Ian at Hill Farm. The remaining three continued back to PC. The days combativity prize has to go to Mark. Overall, a hard but great days ride.

PC to PC 58.6 miles
Average speed 15.1 mph
Total Elevation 2300 ft
Riders: Mark M, Andrew B, Andy S, Ian A, Chris S.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 19th April – Watsons, Bacton
Wednesday 23rd April – Biagio’s, East Rudham
Routes for rides on the website under Dates and Destinations: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/
Visit the Clubs Runs Gallery for larger and more photos: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/club-runs/club-runs-photo-gallery/