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Back by popular demand: https://nnwheelers.co.uk/membership/club-clothing/

Ride report by Mark M

Mark and Chris met at a sunny PC, there was a lightish westerly breeze and scattered clouds kept the temperature in check.
For a change we went via North Barningham, Baconsthorpe, Hempstead, Pond Hills Road, Edgefield Street to Town Close where we met Neil M.
The trio, then set off for Thurning, Wood Dalling and through Reepham for Booton and Brandiston.
Taking the road north of Swannington airfield we reached the Haveringland Road and enjoyed a wind assisted couple of high speed miles of wide, well surfaced road that was slightly downhill and took us to Felthorpe.
Knowing that it would be a small group, the route took us along the often busy Shorthorn Road, today it was quiet and again big ring fast. Crossing the B1149 Holt Road was easy, though the A140 was busy and took a while to get across. Then it was Stratton Strawless, down to the B1354 which took us into a busy Horstead, with queues at the roundabout and the bridge into Coltishall, arriving in good time at the Red Lion pub/café.

The café used to be a popular and regular stop for Wheelers, until it closed about three years ago and turned into a takeaway curry house. We were told today that the café reopened about a year ago, we have been past a few times but never noticed it open as a café. Anyway, despite being quiet today, there was a good choice on the menu and some cakes too. We all had different ciabattas, which were very good and the mugs of tea and coffee a good size. So we were all happy to be able to add to the venue list again.

As the leg to the café was 31 miles, the route home was a simple and direct 20 miles. Through St. James to Great Hautbois, Badersfield, Skeyton, Tuttington, Banningham, Colby and Erpingham.
Unusually as we approached St Mary’s Church, Erpingham, the bells were ringing, which was great to hear. According to Neil, it wasn’t a signal of impending doom but a visiting group of bellringers, practicing their craft.
Today’s factoid, Erpingham Church tower was built by Sir Thomas Erpingham, the leader of the English archers at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.

At Calthorpe, Neil headed for home while Chris and Mark continued to Aldborough, where there was a good gathering of motorcycles at the garage, then Bessingham, Gresham and back to PC. Chris won the race up Gibbet Lane by a good margin.

In other news, Graham A is due to finish his week-long cycle tour of Holland this weekend, hopefully we will get a brief report later.
Doug H is currently at the end of day two of his Rebellion Way bikepacking tour. Mark joined him on Friday for the first 50 mile leg to Norwich, then sensibly took the train back home. Doug has confirmed this evening that he is camping around Castle Acre and didn’t catch the train home in Thetford. He also said that the sand and loose gravel tracks around Thetford Forest, were hard work with a laden bike.
Don’t worry Doug, the forecast rain tonight and tomorrow will damp the dust down.

PC to PC was 50 miles at an average 15.4 mph (15.9 Out, 14.7 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Neil M

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 6th May – Billingford Lakes
Saturday 9th May – Old Store, Fring
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

Due to resurfacing works at PC the starting point for the ride was relocated to West Beckham crossroads by the village sign.

Although sunny and a forecast temperature of 13 degrees C it felt much colder due to a strong 17mph easterly wind.

Three wheelers, Chris, Mark and Andrew met at West Beckham picking up the planned route at Gresham. Just before Gresham the peloton was joined by Andy.

Battling the strong easterly wind the four continued through Hanworth before crossing the A140 Cromer Road and then onto North Walsham. At Meeting Hill the usual road blockage was caused by the local bin lorry plus an oil tanker delivering heating oil. Having passed through Honing the road to Dilham was then found to be closed due to resurfacing work. This meant a detour through the small village of Briggate. Due to the wind and the effect of the detour on time it was decided to cut out the Neatishead loop and continue direct to Hoveton via Worstead and Ashmanhaugh. All thanks to Mark’s local knowledge of the roads.

On arrival at the Flora Café (formerly the Hoveton Garden Café but now under new ownership) it was found to be very busy but the group managed to find a table inside rather than outside in the sunny sheltered courtyard. Malcolm arrived shortly after. A leisurely lunch (one hour and ten minutes!!!!!) of bacon and egg breakfast rolls was enjoyed by all. Conversation ranged from the quality of Hunt wheels to how Malcolm could participate in more rides by either catching a train to Wroxham or by moving house from St Olaves back to north Norfolk!

After leaving Malcom to return to St Olaves the return journey was slightly easier due to a tail wind on some sections of the route. The return journey passed through Worstead (again), then onto Skeyton and Banningham. After crossing the A140 the four wheelers passed through Ingworth. Not long after, Andy left the group to return to Corpusty leaving the remaining three wheelers to head back to West Beckham via Plumstead and Baconsthorpe. PS Chris allowed Andrew to win the impromptu race up New Road!

All in all quite a tough ride due to the wind but luckily incident free.

Average Speed 15.3 mph (15.1 Out, 15.5 Back)
Total distance: 50 miles

Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Andrew B, Andy S and Malcolm S at lunch

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 2nd May – Red Lion Café, Coltishall
Wednesday 6th May – Billingford Lakes
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 M

Two riders met at PC on the nicest Saturday of the year so far. The sky was blue, the sun was warm and there was little wind, so a pleasant day’s riding was in prospect. Ian and Doug joined at Gresham church and then the peloton was completed by Neil and Andy joining at Aldborough primary school.

The outbound route took us over the A140 and round the edge of Gunton Park to Suffield, Felmingham, Swanton Abbott, Scottow, Sloley and on to Worstead. A brief tack North to pick up the Happisburgh road skirting round Witton and passing through Ridlington led us to our lunch stop, the Lighthouse pub at Walcott. The final part of the route was interesting as we almost always use it in the opposite direction, so it felt both strange and familiar at the same time.

Graham had ridden out independently from Cromer and had already bagged us a table in the sheltered garden of the pub. We had to wait a few minutes for food service to begin at noon, but we got our drinks orders in straight away. Filled sandwiches (with an unexpected chip bonus) and jacket potatoes were the favourite choices and proved both tasty and filling.

Our usual wide-ranging conversations included Doug’s bikepacking solo ride of the Rebellion Way next weekend and various upcoming holidays that will make May’s rides rather sparsely attended. Chris was still in training mode for the upcoming TT season, so departed early for a faster solo ride home.

We bid farewell to Graham who was making his own way back to Cromer and set out on the return journey. The wind was mostly from the North and had got a little stronger, so it wasn’t quite as warm on the way back.

Our return route started by heading South through Ostend and past Happisburgh with the usual view of the lighthouse, to head East past East Ruston vicarage gardens, through Crostwight and north again to Bacton, Edingthorpe, Paston and skirting round Mundesley and turning inland again to Trunch. From Trunch we took the usual route through Southrepps and Northrepps and up the hill to Hall road. Doug left at this point to head downhill to Cromer and home.

The remaining group continued to cross the Norwich and Cromer roads and then picked up the fast downhill run in to Metton and then to Sustead where Neil and Andy turned to Aldborough, Wickmere, Little Barningham and on down the Matlaske road to Saxthorpe and home.

Mark and Ian continued on to Gresham where Ian split off to High Kelling and home. Mark continued on alone to PC to complete the ride. A pleasant day out on the bike with good weather and no incidents or punctures.

PC to PC was 60.3 miles at an average 15.1 mph (15.8 Out, 14.6 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Ian A, Doug H, Andy S, Neil M, Graham A at lunch

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 29th April – Hoveton Hall
Saturday 2nd May – Red Lion Café, Coltishall
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 morning (but chilly due to the cold north east wind) for a ride to Heydon. The route had been shortened due to recovery from various illnesses for which the author was very grateful!

The planned route took us through East Beckham, Gresham, Bessingham, Aldborough, Edgefield, Briston, Hindolveston, Foulsham, Guestwick and Wood Dalling.

About 7 miles before Heydon we spotted Ian in the distance (who had made his own way there) and once we caught up we rode the rest of the way as a group.

On arrival at the Tea Rooms we were shown to a table in the garden in a neat enclosure (see photo) which Mark had booked for us.

The food as always was excellent, with choices of soup, bacon sandwiches, Welsh rarebit, Mackerel pate etc. Those who chose tea as a beverage were awarded with a hug teapot and extra hot water, with Mark managing four cups! Alas no cakes were consumed, much to my disappointment.

On leaving after lunch it was discovered that both Mark and Ian had punctures, so there was a delay while these were fixed (too late for cakes by then!). This keeps Ian in the lead on the puncture chart but Mark is also up there. At least it was nice and sunny whilst the rest of us watched proceedings.

The route took us through Southgate, Aylsham, Ingworth, Calthorpe, Wickmere, Plumstead, Baconsthorpe and West Beckham. Ian made his own way back. Andy S and Duncan also split off on the way to make their own way home. Despite still recovering from illness, Chris found the energy to sprint up the final two hills, leaving the two of us in his wake!

A great ride in fine sunny weather. The views of the countryside were also amazing with everything in blossom, as evidenced by the photos from Ian.

PC to PC 51 miles at an average 15.2 mph (15.7 Out, 14.6 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Duncan S, Andy S, Mark M, Ian A and Andrew B.

Ed’s note – Ian leads the Puncture Challenge with 6 and is on course to set a new record as the last two years were won with 6 punctures. Full disclosure, Mark is second with 4 and also managed to nip his tube on installation, so had to resort to the spare spare.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 25th April – The Lighthouse, Walcott
Wednesday 29th April – 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 Doug H

On a glorious morning, with just enough of a nip in the air to still warrant arm and leg warmers, four wheelers met at PC. Mark, who was well on the mend from a nasty virus, was joined by Chris, who was just over the peak of it, with Doug and Neil standing just far enough away to feel they might not be next on the sick list.
With the sound of rasping coughs, we set off into a headwind towards Bodham, past High Kelling, collecting Ian and Andy on the way through. With the peloton complete, we rode on to Blakeney for the first photo opportunity of the day, then up to Langham, Warham, and on to the second photo stop at Wells-next-the-Sea. There was another opportune pause to greet Harvey at some temporary traffic lights — lovely to see him.

On we went through Holkham Park and on to the next photo opportunity at Burnham Overy Staithe.

Then we were off again, heading inland, skirting past Burnham Market and making a final stop at the home of Nelson.
At this point, even Chris’s cold rallied briefly to allow him to comment on the number of stops — this may be the only time we get away with that! Off we went through Burnham Thorpe and on to the lunch stop at Creake Abbey Café.

An excellent lunch was enjoyed, with the breakfast bap being the star of the show. Normal ramblings followed, with many topics covered. With lunch finished, Chris rejoined the peloton for the afternoon and we were away with a lovely tailwind towards North Creake, then through North, West and East Barsham, Great Snoring, Hindringham, Bale, Sharrington and Hunworth — where the race of the day commenced.
With the main protagonist too ill to compete, it was left to Ian and Neil to fight to the top of the hill, with Ian taking the plaudits. But it’s important to note that Chris was not last!
With that done, Andy and Neil headed home, while the rest of the peloton continued on to Baconsthorpe, with Ian turning off for home. Doug then headed for Cromer and Mark and Chris carried on back to PC.
A great day with some lovely stops.

PC to PC was 60 miles at an average 14.5 mph (14.3 Out, 14.7 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Doug H, Neil M, Mark M, Andy S, Ian A and Harvey T on the road at Wells

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 22nd April – Heydon Tea Rooms
Saturday 25th April – Lighthouse, Walcott
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

A bit of confusion about who was out today on what was hoped to be a dry and mild day for the ride to Kelling Heath, a new destination for the Wheelers club riders. In the end it was only Mark at PC and he picked up Duncan and Ian at the Bridge Road/A148 junction in High Kelling. It was good to see Mark back out although still not fully recovered from the nasty viral infection that’s doing the rounds. (So we had to share the workload on the front!) The trio headed past the Rugby Club meeting traffic at the pinch point at the NNR road bridge but swerved through that to continue down to the junction and turn left for the gentle drag into Holt where we picked up Andy on the Cley Road who had ridden there from Corpusty via Edgefield.

The route then took us on a loop via Wiveton, Langham, Saxlingham, Glandford and back to Wiveton. On the way we had a brief ‘comfort stop’ where we removed gilets, leg warmers etc. as it was definitely warming up. We then continued uphill via Newgate and onto the junction at “The Heater” (who knew) where we turned left for the descent to Weybourne down Holgate Hill. That just left us the small matter of the climb past Weybourne Station and up Sandy Hill Lane to arrive at the holiday park and our lunch stop. Duncan showed us all a clean pair of heels up the climb from Newgate and out of Weybourne to the Holiday Park entrance. Not to mention a very clean chain & cassette as Andy had remarked earlier!
After an unsuccessful attempt to use the wooden bike racks (our wheels were too big!) we parked our bikes against a fence and walked across the plaza to the cafe/restaurant. It was quiet inside (not to mention a little gloomy too – trying to save energy costs maybe?) and after some quick negotiating we found a nice round table for lunch. The toasties and wrap with fries were all very tasty and good value – even if not perhaps overly laden with filling – but the coffee was good too.

Conversation centred around upcoming trips to Gozo, Norway, Andy’s rather challenging house/shed/barn(?) clearance task and expensive local eateries – Ian was at the Gunton Arms yesterday and the food/service was excellent and doesn’t have to be silly money if you choose sensibly!
After lunch the route took us on to Bodham where we crossed the A148 without incident and then rode via West Beckham and the Barninghams to the Matlaske junction where Andy turned right to head back to Corpusty while the remaining trio continued on to Aldborough, Hanworth and Sustead where we took a small deviation from the planned route to avoid heading directly south into a headwind and took an easier route back to Gresham Church where Mark headed back to PC leaving Ian & Duncan to head up Holt/Mill Road (yes Duncan left Ian behind there too – but waited at the top) where they took the well ridden route back to High Kelling via Lower Bodham. At the A148, they parted ways for Holt & High Kelling. A slightly lumpy and not very long ride round well known roads and I think we’d all be happy to stop at Kelling Heath again – but probably always outside the busy summer season.

PC to PC was 44.4 miles at an average speed of 14.5 mph
Riders: Andy S, Duncan S, Ian A, Mark M

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 18th April – North Creake Abbey
Wednesday 22nd April – Heydon Tea Rooms
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 illness a couple of the usual stalwarts were absent today so Doug met himself at PC where he proceeded to meet Andy, Ian and Neil at the top of Red Barn Lane. It was good to see Andy out on a club ride again after fracturing his leg on a skiing holiday.
Due to the forecast for a wet morning and being Andy’s first group ride for some time, and Ian needing to get back for guests arrival, a cunning plan was hatched. Instead of the planned route to Mattishall we opted for a shorter ride to the Station Cafe at Reepham. Basically using the original route but cutting across to Reepham a mile after Cawston, and picking up the return leg via the Kerdiston Road/Wood Dalling route.
Shortly after setting off we met a pheasant by the roadside, looking unable to move – maybe clipped by a car? Andy used his ‘Man of The Land’ skills to dispatch it to save it a slow death. The route took us south to Itteringham where we deviated from the planned route to avoid Heydon and a road closure – thanks for the heads up Mark – carrying on via Oulton Street to reach Cawston where shortly after we turned west for Reepham via Booton, past the impressive but redundant Grade 2 listed St. Michael the Archangel’s Church to reach the cafe around 11:15am. A bit early for lunch but Doug managed a jacket potato while the rest of us opted for excellent blueberry and lemon scones with jam.

So we saddled up to leave before midday – surely a record, though possibly not one to be too proud of? From Reepham we headed towards Kerdiston, then Wood Dalling, Thurning, waving to the roosters along Heath Road. Neil then headed back to downtown Corpusty and we dropped Andy off soon after, leaving Doug and Ian to cross the Norwich Road and head up the steady climb to Edgefield via Ramsgate Street. Ian found the energy for a last minute spurt and won (in his mind anyway) the ‘sprint’. Doug just can’t be goaded! The route continued via Rectory Road and towards Hempstead where Ian branched off to head back to High Kelling via Selbrigg Pond, leaving Doug to stay with the route to Baconsthorpe and back to Cromer via Gresham.
Footnote: During the afternoon leg, Neil lost his big ring so was stuck with the smaller one, hopefully not due to recently replacing his chain, cassette and bottom bracket himself.

With our two regular diesel engines (Mark & Chris) missing, the pace was slower than usual. Ian led most of the way and was mindful to keep Andy on board too. No-one actually rode ‘PC to PC’ so the distance and speed figures below are estimated. A nice sociable club ride with plenty of time left in the afternoon for other activities.

PC to PC 35 miles (estimated)
Average speed: 14.4mph (estimated – Ian’s home to home average)
Riders: Andy S, Doug H, Ian A, Neil M.

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 15th April – Kelling Heath
Saturday 18th 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/

Ride report by Andrew B

Three riders met at PC on a sunny spring morning with the promise of warm weather later for a ride to Hickling Broad. The forecast caused some confusion as to what to wear as the temperature was still in single figures when we set off, leading to an array of different clothes. Those that trusted the forecast were proved right!

As Mark was absent due to Man Flu, Chris led the way setting a cracking pace. The planned route took us through East Beckham, Gresham (where we picked up Clive), Metton (where we picked up Doug after some confusion regarding the meeting point), Thorpe Market, Trunch, Knapton, Edingthorpe, Ridlington, Happisburgh Common, Ingham, Calthorpe Steet and Hickling.

On arrival at the pub we found a queue of people waiting for it open as the fast pace meant were there before 12:00pm. Ian had just arrived as well after making is own way there. We found a table in the garden as it was now warm and sunny as predicted.

Once the pub opened we were able to order food and drinks fairly quickly and the food arrived soon after. Most opted for sandwiches which were served with salad and crisps and were excellent. The talk over lunch unusually concentrated on the latest news on the war in Iran. Alas a sign of the times. However, this did not dampen our spirits with fine weather.

After lunch Chris left us to make his own way back as part of his training for the upcoming time trial series. The remainder took the planned route back through Hickling Heath, Stalham, East Ruston, Honing, Spa Common, North Walsham, Suffield, Alby, Aldborough, Bessingham, and Gresham. Again a fast pace was set (Andrew to blame this time), resulting in Clive and Ian deciding to ride at their own pace in the later stages. Doug left to make his own way home around Hanworth and Duncan at Gresham.

A great ride in fine sunny weather, hopefully the first of many this summer! The views of the countryside were also amazing with everything in blossom, as evidenced by the photo from Ian.

PC to PC 54 miles
Average speed 15.7 mph
Total Elevation 1575 ft
Riders: Chris S, Duncan S, Clive A, Doug H, Ian A, Andrew B.

Upcoming Rides –
Saturday 11th April – Café Verde, Mattishall
Wednesday 15th April – Kelling Heath
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

As the US Artemis II rocket was heading into outer space towards the moon on Easter Saturday two Wheelers, Chris and Mark, blasted off from PC to set out on their own adventure into the greater depths of Norfolk. As usual for an early Easter the weather was cool but dry and sunny with a south westerly wind veering south and increasing in strength throughout the day.

At Gresham Church, a third wheeler Doug was relaxing in the sunshine waiting to join the peloton. The three then headed south into a predominantly head wind passing through Bessingham, Aldborough and Calthorpe before collecting Neil at The Spread Eagle in Erpingham.
Just before setting off again a noise emanated from Doug’s direction sounding like chronic wind. The source was traced to his electric pump which had set itself off. Having recovered from this the quartet continued through Ingworth, Tuttington and Oxnead where a number of newly born lambs were spotted in the fields. The route then dropped down to Frettenham before turning north up to Horstead where a short stop was made to view the navigable head of the River Bure.

Arriving at A Piece of Cake Coltishall having completed 25 miles the only table available was outside in the courtyard which luckily was very sheltered and south thus benefiting from the sun. Lunch comprised soup, paninis’, a jacket potato and hot drinks with conversation topics ranging from mental health issues, house insurance, fly tipping and environmental contamination.

Back on their bikes again the group headed east to Neatishead before a short northerly leg followed by a longer westerly run from Worstead to Aylsham. This westerly leg involved battling against an increasingly strong cross wind.

After Aylsham it became plain sailing as the route was mainly in a northerly direction and therefore benefitted enormously from the southerly tail wind. Just after Itteringham Neil turned off to head home to Corpusty.

The remaining trio continued onwards making good pace until just 5 miles from PC when Mark announced he had a puncture (could this put him top of the 2026 leader board? (ED. No, Ian is still leading)). After a brief discussion Chris and Mark decided to abandon Mark to his roadside repair and continue on with a somewhat spirited ride back to PC. Doug left the ride at the top of Red Barn Lane to head to Cromer leaving only one rider to head back to PC.

PC to PC was 59 miles at an average 15.6 mph (15.5 Out, 15.7 Back)
Riders: Chris S, Mark M, Neil M, Doug H

P.S. Mark met Geoff P and dog on Woodland Rise, he was in good spirits though he now needs a couple of new hips, if you have any in the shed. He says Hi to fellow Wheelers.
Also, passing through Itteringham, we saw a mini with a very rare two character number plate, a quick online search found a similar one for sale via a broker, yours for just £688,212.50

Upcoming Rides –
Wednesday 8th April – Star Inn, Lessingham
Saturday 11th 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/