Club Runs

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!

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.

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/

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/

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!

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.

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.

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/

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/

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.

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/

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.

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!

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/

Ride report by Neil Mc
Four riders met at PC on a lovely morning. It was still a touch cool, but would warm up quickly in the unexpected April sunshine. Ian was feeling keen, so met us at PC rather than High Kelling despite us going through there later.

The breeze helped a fast run out through West Beckham, Bodham and across the A148 at High Kelling and down to Wiveton and Blakeney. We rode down by the quay to take in the ambience and grab a photo opportunity aided by a suspiciously proficient passer-by. We all sucked our stomachs in and tried to look sporting.

We headed out of Blakeney toward Langham where we picked up Andrew at the end of his road. From Langham we took the coast route past the WW2 gunnery training dome and down to Stiffkey and back up the hill to Warham and down again to Wells (up and down hills was a feature of this ride). The planned route was via the quay, but the “carpark full” signs discouraged us and we pressed on toward Holkham Park instead.

The park was also busy with people enjoying the sunshine, but we were just passing through; in the East gate and out the West and on to our second seaside stop at Burnham Overy Staithe. The quayside was busy and there was an attractive little coffee van that was highly tempting, but Mark reminded us that the lunch stop was close so we pressed on to the outskirts of Burnham Market (aka Chelsea-by-the-Sea) and then on to Burnham Thorpe.

A brief stop was made to admire the birthplace of Norfolk’s Hero, although the old rectory is long demolished so there is only an ornamental plaque to mark the spot now. And then on to the lunch stop at North Creake Abbey.

We found a nice outside table in the sun and shielded from the wind by an attractive olive tree in a pot. Food was ordered and quickly arrived. The sandwiches were agreed to be particularly good, with Doug stating it was the best gluten-free sandwich he’d ever had. High praise indeed.

The conversation ranged far and wide, touching on dental implants, golf, Ian’s sighting of an Adder (slightly trumped by Andrew’s Adder picture) and just what had Doug said to embarrass the young lady serving us. It was so pleasant in the sun that a second round of coffees was had before the depart, and then onward into the breeze that had been helping us until now.

The post-lunch route took an even hillier turn with the run through North Creake, North Barsham, East Barsham and Great Snoring. Past Great Snoring we stopped to watch an amazing sight of four hares in a field racing around together, jumping over each other and fighting energetically. “Mad March Hares” indeed.

The route continued on to Hindringham, up the lane that is always flooded (not today – just puddles) and on to Bale where Andrew left the peloton to make his way back to Blakeney. We continued on over the A148 and through Sharrington, Thornage and to Hunworth. Progress was then interrupted by Neil having a mystery puncture in his front tyre which meant a welcome interlude repairing it in the warm sunshine before the slog up to Edgefield. No-one felt like a race up the hill today, so we arrived at the top more-or-less together.

Neil left the peloton at the Old White Horse to make his way back to Corpusty, leaving the remaining 3 to head back to PC. Ian followed the route via Hempstead and Selbrigg pond back to High Kelling, while Mark and Doug saved a couple of miles by going through Baconsthorpe and the final split at Red Barn Lane.

PC to PC was 59.6 miles at an average 15.1 mph
Riders: Mark M, Neil Mc, Ian A, Doug H and Andrew B.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 16th April – Café Verde, Mattishall
Saturday 19th April – Watsons, Bacton
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/

San Jamie to Benissa/Castelli Loop
Report by Chris S

Today’s ride report had to be written whilst supping a can of cold Amstel cerveza (sorry no San Miguel today!). The route was probably a little bit over ambitious particularly as the temperature reached 26/27 degrees C, blue skies with full sun and very little shade to be had.

Only one mad English man (note no dogs this time) set off in the midday sun (actually it was nearer 11am a slightly later start than intended due to having to wait for the rider’s Italian builder to explain where all his internal doors had gone and when they would be back, how he was going to fix the aircon unit which was lacking an electrical supply and when the gas boiler would be fixed!).

Anyway the route followed the usual initial 275 metre climb up to Benissa and then onwards though Xalo, Alcaldali and onto Benigemba. It was here that the fun started as the Garmin flashed up a climb alert – 590 metres in 9.71 miles with an initial gradient of 4%. However just past Castel de Castelli the gradient started increasing with 8% for the last two miles. The top, Puerto de Sa-Creueta (780 metres) was finally reached at a record pace of 3.5mph!

It was then a fast downhill run past the rather unusual Love More-Live More Budhist Centre(?) in the middle of nowhere followed by more climbing including another 200 metre climb to the restaurant at the top of Coll du Rates. Luckily from here on there was a long and quick descent down to Parcent. Parcent to Benissa included yet another 200 metre climb in 1.9 miles. Then it was a final 275 descent back to the coast and the usual climb back up to San Jamie to finish off the ride/rider.

Total Distance 59.35 miles
Average Speed 13.54 mph
Total Ascent 1875 metres Total Descent 1886 metres

Ride report by Mark M
With holidays and illness, Mark was alone at PC but had arranged to meet Clive A, at the Selbrigg junction.
As it was a cloudy day with a very cold north easterly wind, it was back to leg warmers and full finger gloves as well as the winter base layer. Knowing that Clive was cycling from Blakeney and back, together with the miserable day, the route was shorted and Junction 21 became the café stop.
It was a fast wind assisted route via Edgefield, Briston, Hindolveston and Foulsham to the café. We were pleased to get inside and get some hot food and drinks. The café was fairly busy during our visit, though no other cyclists turned up.
It was no warmer after lunch but now we had the headwind for the leg home as we went via Kerdiston, Wood Dalling to Corpusty. Then it was along the Matlaske Road to Little Barningham, where we turned for Plumstead and Baconsthorpe and up Bodham Hill to a fast turning wind turbine.
At the end of the road Clive turned for High Kelling and Blakeney, hoping that the wind would now be helping him, while I returned to PC.

PC to PC was 36.6 miles though Clive would have done about 50 miles
Average speed 15.0 mph
Riders: Clive A, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 12th April – North Creake Abbey
Wednesday 16th April – Café Verde, Mattishall
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/

Ride report by Mark M
Another sunny and cloudless day, though the strong north easterly wind kept the temperature down, no fear of overheating here. Neil Mc had managed to get a late pass and escape doggy minding duties, so was able to join Doug and Mark at PC. We picked Ian up at Selbrigg, to make a group of four and continued with the wind pushing us, to Holt, down to Hunworth and across to Stody and Gunthorpe.
As we approached Thursford, Neil reminded us that it was the first Saturday of the month and Coffee and Cakes would be available at Thursford Church. Extra cake was too good to miss, so we joined a good number of locals and volunteers at the well organised event. Doug had cash and generously made a donation to cover us all (it’s for roof repairs) only to be told there were no gluten free cakes this month, so he had to watch on as we enjoyed ours, thanks Doug. That lack of extra cake must have been the reason he would fade on the return leg home!

Refreshed and a bit chilly from sitting in the church, we set off with renewed vigour to Great Snoring and on to Fakenham, where we took some quieter roads to the site of Gogg’s Mill on the Wensum and stopped to look at the river and the ever present ducks. Then it was past Hempton Garden Centre and up Beacon Hill towards Tittleshall, reaching a dizzying 89 metres (take note Chris) before turning for Oxwick, Whissonsett and the Old Dairy, Stanfield.
The rear courtyard garden was sunny and wind free so we had a leisurely lunch of well filled and very tasty sandwiches and panini and coffee.

Then we went back to order some of their excellent cakes and more coffee and Doug had a gluten free chocolate orange brownie, so he was very happy.
In Chris’ absence, it was Ian who took over the role of getting us all moving again, so we reluctantly left the sun trap and ventured out into a strong headwind.
Through Brisley to Broom Green and the compulsory photo stop at Bintree Mill, before the steep climb from the mill and on to Bintree.

Outside Foulsham we lost Ian, who had stopped to take photos of large lambs in an oilseed rape field (sadly space limitations meant that photo had to be cut).
It was noticeable today how much colour there was across the landscape, with rape in yellow flower, deep green fields of wheat and barley and white blossom in the hedgerows, spring has arrived.
Continuing into the wind through Guestwick and into Corpusty, where Neil was happy to give up the lead and turn for home, leaving three to continue the battle northwards. At North Barningham, Doug peeled off for Gresham and the final few hard miles to Cromer, Ian keen for an extra couple of miles waited for the West Beckham junction before getting a tailwind back to High Kelling.

PC to PC was 54.3 miles at an average 15.0 mph
Riders: Doug H, Neil Mc, Ian A, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 9th April – Chrysalis Café, Sparham Hill
Saturday 12th April – North Creake Abbey
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/