Club Runs

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/

Report By Chris S

On a lovely sunny Spanish morning with a high of 22 degrees C and not a cloud in sight only one wheeler, Chris, set off for a circular ride.

The route headed inland via the initial 9 km 275m climb to Benissa. On the climb Chris actually managed to pass a number of other cyclists for once (admittedly one group was a group of girls although they were probably at least 30 years younger and very much fitter looking!). The ride then continued to Senija and Lliber, where after being caught by traffic lights Chris then found himself leading a group of cyclists for the next five miles passing through Xalo (very busy due to market day) and onto Parcent. Luckily (for Chris at least as the pace was beginning to tell plus there was quite a strong headwind) the group turned off towards Benidorm.

Chris’s ride continued downhill (a few more cyclists passed!) through Orba and Benidoleig where a long flat straight stretch with a tail wind took the rider on through Ondara and to Denia. Traffic then slowed progress considerably until the seafront was reached where Chris stopped to take a photo of his dream yacht.

It was then a long steep climb (250 metres in 3km) towards Javea (three more cyclists passed on the climb) followed by a fast ride with lots of hairpin bends down into the town.

The final stretch comprised a further climb to the town of Benitchell and another fast downhill section into Moraira. This just left a very steep 80m climb to reach home.

Rider: Chris S
Total Mileage: 50.48
Average speed : 14.59mph
Total Ascent 1233 metres Total descent 1251 metres

Chris S is back in the Costa Blanca, Spain. Last time he cycled down the mountain, all the spokes in his rear wheel came loose. Now he’s back with a repaired wheel and honed by a winter of spin classes…

San Jamie to Puerto de Bernia @620m
Ride report by Chris S
Wednesday’s ride became manana’s ride due to a delay in the repair to the rear wheel. Therefore on Thursday one ‘billy no mates’ wheeler, Chris set out to climb the mighty Puerto de Bernia. The weather was cool and windy – rather like being at home.

The route started with an initial short down hill run to sea level followed by a 9km 275m up to the town of Benissa. Having worked hard to gain height the route then went downhill again through the town of Senija where a quick stop was made for a photo opportunity against a mural of a very big bike and onto Xalo. Here the serious climbing started all the way to Puerto de Bernia. Despite maximum effort the lone rider was still passed by two groups of younger fitter riders (oh and also two people cheating on electric bikes). However he still managed to catch them up at the top.

The top of the pass was damp, cold and cloudy so after a few minutes Chris set off downhill. just behind one of the other groups of riders. After about 2km Chris came across two rather unpleasant looking large feral dogs running downhill. Clearly they had been chasing the first group of riders. Not wishing to get bitten/eaten he slowed down hoping the dogs would disappear into the undergrowth. Unfortunately this did not happen as just around the next bend they were in wait 10 yards in front with one on each side of the road. There was only one option – pedal like hell and pass through the middle of them. Luckily this strategy worked and Chris survived to live another day.

Apart from some scarily fast downhill mountain stretches of road (even under heavy braking!) the rest of the ride was uneventful passing through Benissa, back down to the coast and home.

Rider: Chris S
Distance: 39.13 miles
Average Speed:13.83 mph
Total Ascent:1254m Total Descent : 1259m

Ride report by Ian A

Xairetisis apo tin Kipro! Y saludos desde Espana! Messages just received from two regular Wheelers currently recovering from the rigours of a Norfolk Winter on a golf holiday in Cyprus and a Gin Tasting (sorry Hill Training) holiday in Spain.

Meanwhile Spring is continuing to give us glorious sunshine, hedgerows ablaze with daffodils and primroses… and a keen easterly breeze to keep us honest. So with Andrew and Chris on holiday, just the three Wheelers met at PC this morning for the ride out to Wroxham Barns and the famous (if now a bit tatty) pink cow at the entrance. With one very new, and one pretty new bike and three very new saddles Mark, Andy and Ian set off. More saddle reports over the coming weeks – though Mark’s posterior seems settled and comfy.
The route took us largely into the easterly wind but initially south through Gresham and Aldborough where we turned into the headwind and onto Suffield, then swinging through Felmingham and Swanton Abbot before crossing the Norwich road, under the main railway line and onto Worstead. (For once, the doors were open at Corvette Kingdom near Felmingham, so it’s good to know they are still operating.) We then looped down and around to Ashmanaugh arriving at the Courtyard Cafe at Wroxham Barns just before midday.

Pretty empty when we got there but it did get busier. We all opted for bacon/sausage baps or combinations thereof. Andy, noting that we were just a small group today, offered to buy the cakes as his bank account is overflowing with oodles of cash after recently selling a house. (I know, it’s rude of me. Thanks Andy, honest!!) It is also worth mentioning we didn’t stop for our normal ‘nature break’ on the ride out. No point really as Chris wasn’t with us to annoy him. On the return leg, Ian took further advantage of Chris’s absence to stop twice for ‘jacket adjustments’. Once to fix the zip that had come undone, and later on to remove the (removable surprisingly) sleeves as he was too warm.
After our baps and cakes generously provided by Andy, we set off in good spirits due to the anticipated tailwind for the return to PC. (Why is it that tailwinds never quite feel as good as headwinds feel bad?) We skirted Coltishall and climbed up the usual hill to The Hautbois and on to Badersfield. Mark tried to tempt us with another stop at the Java Bean Cafe (which is good coffee) but we were on a mission and Andy had to get back to rehome a sick pony. So back to Swanton Abbot, Skeyton, Tuttington and past The Crown at Banningham, then up Scarrow Beck Lane where Mark lit (probably just one) of his afterburners and arrived clear of the other two at the top of the hill. Mind you, no one had said we were racing. At Wickmere we deviated from the planned route to allow Andy to leave us a bit closer to home and head back to Corpusty via Mannington Hall. Mark and Ian continued on via Barningham road and the climb up to Bodham Hill where they made a gentleman’s agreement not to race, though both were probably thinking “I could of ‘ad ‘im easy!” At Hill Farm Ian turned left for the wind-assisted run to High Kelling and Mark turned right to return to PC.
A good ride in uninterrupted sunshine but with the easterly breeze reminding us we were in Norfolk, not Spain or Cyprus.

In other news, Ian recently presented Mark with the OSPR 2024 Award. (A box of nitrile gloves for Outstanding Service to Puncture Repairs last year.) And possibly a bribe to ensure he’s equally helpful this year? Should the need arise!

PC to PC was 51 miles at an average speed of 15.2 mph
Riders: Andy S, Ian A & Mark M.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 5th April – Old Dairy, Stanfield
Wednesday 9th April – Chrysalis Café, Sparham Hill
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 what promised to be another fine sunny day according to the BBC’s weather forecast four wheelers met at PC for Saturday’s coast to coast ride. In addition, club member Neil Smith stopped for a quick hello and chat having almost completed his early morning ride. With Mark on his immaculate new bike, Chris on his not so clean bike, Andrew and Andy on summer bikes the four wheelers set off.

At Gresham Church Ian, Neil, Doug and Graham joined the ride with Doug enthusiastically looking forward to a less hilly ride than on the previous Saturday.

With a tail wind the ride continued incident free through Hanworth to North Walsham where just after Graham turned back to Cromer. A couple of stops were made enroute to view the partial eclipse of the sun as Andrew had brought along his special cardboard viewing goggles. On the second stop just after 11am we had a superb view of the eclipse. The ride then continued to Honing where another stop was made to admire Honing’s ‘Mile of Daffodils’ and have a photo taken by our resident ‘David Bailey’ (thanks Ian).

It was then onto Waxham via Ingham and Sea Palling. A final sprint to the café saw Neil pip Chris to the finishing line.

At Waxham Barns the group were able to sit outside enjoying the sunshine and as always the excellent and well proportioned food. Malcolm S had cycled over from St Olaves to join the group for lunch.

After the usual good humoured (?) banter, the Wheelers set off back to PC leaving Malcolm to head off south. The return route passed via the ramshackle dune houses at Sea Palling before turning inland into a head wind to Lessingham and onto Knapton, Trunch, Thorpe Market and Hanworth. Just before Hanworth Doug tuned off to Cromer whilst Neil and Andy continued straight on to Corpusty.

Mark, Chris, Andrew and Ian continued back to PC with Ian dropping off at Gresham Church to make his way back to High Kelling.

All in all another enjoyable Club ride on the last Saturday of March before the clocks spring forward with the beginning of Spring.

Distance 54 miles
Average Speed 15.5 mph

Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andrew B, Neil M, Ian A, Andy S, Graham A, Doug H with Malcolm S joining for lunch.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 2nd April – Wroxham Barns
Saturday 5th April – 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/

Ride report by Andrew B
Six riders met at PC on a sunny spring morning for a run to Nelsons Cafe, Wells, including occasional visitor Ian who was staying in Holt. The planned route took us through East Beckham, Baconsthorpe, Edgefield, Briston, Stody, Brinton, Sharrington, Field Dalling and Binham, were Ian left us to make his own way back to Holt. The remainder then continued on through Westgate and Warham.
On arrival at Wells we found Nelsons relatively quiet (although it quickly filled) and ordered light lunches of sandwiches and soup. Alas, although arriving at 11:30am we were still too late for breakfast! The food and drinks were good with a number finding room for the excellent cake choices. Chris stuck to his diet and refused to partake in this – there could be no stopping him soon!

After lunch we stopped at Wells quay, then continued through Holkham park (a slog as we were now dead into the wind), Wighton, Binham, Langham, Wiveton and High Kelling, were Ian A left us for home. The remaining four continued back to PC, with Andy leaving us for home at the top of Red Barn lane. The days combativity prize was difficult to decide, with Chris leading a big sprint in the morning from Binham and Ian and Mark make several breaks on the hilly sections in the afternoon. Overall, a great days ride in spring weather conditions.
Graham A has started his hospital treatment, so will be out of action for a few weeks, we wish him all the best.

PC to PC 47.19 miles
Average speed 15.2 mph
Total Elevation 2088 ft

Riders: Mark, Andrew B, Andy S, Ian A, Chris and guest Ian from Holt

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 29th March – Star Inn, Lessingham
Wednesday 2nd April – Wroxham Barns
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 a very pleasant and summer like morning Doug, Mark and Chris met at Pretty Corner. Ian being elsewhere on a gravel ride round Thetford Forest, and with Andrew recovering from dental work and advice regarding anaesthesia, we admired Mark’s new wheels and started to contemplate the ride ahead. Then just as we were about to leave, Andrew appeared reporting as ‘fit to ride’ but just a little ‘groggy’ from the dentistry.

With four very keen wheelers basking in the warmth, we began the journey south via, Barningham, Little Barningham, on to Corpusty. At which point we meet Neil by the Dukes Head, and then on to meet Andy eight minutes further on at the outskirts of Corpusty. With a full house we set off to Thurning, through Hindolveston, Fulmodeston, Little Snoring, Great Snoring and onto Waterden where one of the many races to the top of the hill took place. From all accounts it was close with Neil being crowned the overall ‘king of the mountain’ for the day. I could only guess as I was very much last on each one, but maybe next time.

At this point the weather began to shift with the start of a very light drizzle. we arrived for lunch at Norton’s Cafe in Walsingham, which was surprisingly quite. However the food as always was well priced, well portioned and of excellent quality. Graham was there to meet us, and had already indulged in a cake. At this point Neil also joined the feasting with the biggest scone we had ever seen followed by a massive baked potato, and this turned out to be the only thing to beat him all day. Still it didn’t slow him down at all.

With lunch completed we set off up another hill to Thursford on to Gunthorpe and Sharrington. At Letheringsett we said farewell to Graham who took the direct route back to Cromer. Whereas the rest headed up and up to Glandford skirting round Wiveton and up and up to High Kelling. At this point the rain arrived with vengeance. Quite the hilly day and now with added wetness. Shortly after Mark, Andy and Chris headed back to Pretty Corner. With Andrew and Ian continuing a bit further and peeling off back towards Corpusty and Doug making a very bedraggled way back to Cromer. A very nice day with lots of hills and a little rain.

PC to PC was 56.2 miles at an average 14.2mph
Riders: Doug H, Chris S, Mark M, Andrew B, Neil Mc, Andy S, Graham A

In other news, Ian A successfully completed Saturday’s Glorious Gravel’s, Suffolk Gravel X event and sent this report:
Well my alarm went off at 05:15 and up I got!
Set off from High Lodge, Thetford around 0830.
53.6 miles tricky sandy sections and some VERY bumpy sections on hard packed field edges – think cobbles… Seriously. But only for 4-500 yards I guess. And I didn’t fall off. But a bloke near me did in the sandy/loose stuff. And a girl stopped in front of me so I had to put my foot down but I stayed upright… So the ‘gravel stuff ‘ was tough but there was more on roads than I’d expected but I’ve got mixed views on that as it was tough enough! Would I do that one again? I’ll think about that one. Nice scenery etc but you spend all your time looking at the ground avoiding rocks and roots etc!
Averaged 13.6mph.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 26th March – Nelsons, Wells
Saturday 29th March – Star Inn, Lessingham
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/