Updates

Bikes are great and a super way to exercise, and we live in an area with a wonderful infrastructure for cycling.  So, whilst only 3 turned up for the run to Walsingham, we were all glad we did.  The route is shown below and it was a really nice one (some new lanes to boot).

Kevin was in a mood to keep the pace up which was good.  We had reasonable conditions for the 1^st of Feb; on the mild side with some drizzle – mucky, though.

A good day on the bikes – very satisfying.  Many thanks, Kevin.

3 out. 44 miles.  Some cleaning to do!

The trees were hung with ice – a product of the temperature and fog – very pretty, but somewhat disturbing when the weight overcame the grip.  The ice fell, sounding like a very local hail storm or it formed glacial features under the trees concerned.  As always, when conditions are like this, there is the odd question as to whether you should go.  But it was quite safe and the temperature was set to improve.  So, off we set for a 23 mile run to lunch via Cawston and Brampton.  Four of us met at PC and Trevor joined us for lunch at The Goat.

Conditions weren’t great, though – the fog hung around for longer than expected and we were damp and cold when we got there.

A straight line was selected for the return to PC – Banningham, Ingwoth and Gresham defined the route.

Despite the conditions, this seemed to be the day when farmers decided to plough their fields – lots of mud on the roads.

Still – the consensus was that it was better to go rather than not go – even on days like this.

5 out.  37 miles PC to PC.  0 punctures.  Some very muddy bikes.

Seven! That’s how many met to follow John on his run to Erpingham.  And it was cold.  No temperature at all when we left, but no wind, and dryish roads.

Erpingham isn’t far away from PC, and so you have to think a bit about the route.  It’s also a chance to get creative and do something unusual.  John did just this.  The original plan (yes, there was a plan!) was curtailed a tad given the cold, but it was entertaining nonetheless and kept us on our toes. It did make us wonder why we were taking (what seemed at the time) so many turns away from Erpingham!

It’s best to look at the map to get a feel for where we went.  The bit parallel to the A140 through Ingworth and then on to Itteringham is the return leg.

A very satisfying ride in cold conditions.  It was good to get a full Club Run in.  Many thanks, John.

7 out.  37 miles PC to PC.  No punctures.

Only two turned up at PC forAndrew’s ride to Walsingham – if I am honest, it was two more than expected!  The forecast was for wind with with some heavy gusts in the afternoon.  The forecast was also for it to be dry – but it wasn’t.  We decided to curtail the route in view of the wind and planned a 25 mile loop that would see us back to our bases by lunch, thus missing the gusts forecast for the afternoon.

Off we set towards Baconsthorpe but, as we turned for Edgefield, we discussed the situation and decided to cut the run down even more.  The side gusts on open stretches and as we passed breaks in the hedgerows were troublesome.  We could feel them playing with our front wheels.  So, we headed off down to High Kelling to then wend our ways home.

It was possibly the shortest club run ever but we made the right decision.  Thanks to Andrew for turning up – we will re-schedule the run to The Bull for later in the year.

2 out. A few miles.  No punctures.

With four regulars missing due to illness or other duties, it was nice to see four turn up for the planned ride to North Walsham.  But, we cancelled last week’s run on safety grounds, and with our planned leader missing and Alan present, we decided to take the opportunity to ride to Food Lovers in Aylsham, leaving the run to North Walsham for later.

Off we set in blustery but sunnyish conditions.  It was Saxthorpe, Wood Dalling and Themelthorpe before starting to explore some new lanes (are there any left?) taking in the Witchinghams and approaching Aylsham via Marsham.  We had a significant puncture delay en-route and this, combined with the 32 miles to the cafe, meant we arrived later than anticipated.

We were ready for some sustenance and the helpful folk in Food Lovers responded well to our bespoke orders.  Wonderful!

Given the time, a direct route was chosen for the return to PC, but the wind, that had been fairly neutral on out outward ride, was now quite troublesome.

It was a wonderful ride with quite a few new lanes in taxing, yet rewarding, conditions.  A real treat to be out.

Alan, many thanks for stepping-in and giving us the opportunity to ride the route that was planned for last week.

4 out.  42 miles PC to PC.  2 punctures (one self-inflicted!)

Given the heavy frost and patchy mist, to-day’s run has been cancelled on safety grounds.  See you all next week.

John S

Five go for a Bike Ride

Not really great conditions for a bike run – grey skies, blustery wind, a tad on the chilly side.  Still, five of us were up for it.  Off we set at our usual time to follow a conventional route, with Baconsthorpe coming up first.  Here a loop via Plumstead was taken out given the pesky wind and its direction.  But, it was the winter solstice 14 mins after we set off and from this time, with winter on the ebb and summer just round the corner, things looked better!

As we approached Binham, having taken in Stody and Hindringham, a pretty loop was put in at Andrew’s suggestion, which recovered the miles lost at Baconsthorpe.  The Chequers has become a really nice place to go in the recent past, and this visit was no exception.  A busy bar with early revellers, a cosy fire and welcoming staff – very nice.

A short route for the return was opted for – well, it was the shortest day of the year!  The troublesome wind that had impeded us on the outward journey had abated, reaffirming the soundness of the law of Mr Sod!

A nice but short run in good company.  Rule one rules – “Always Go”!

5 out.  34 miles PC to PC.  1 puncture (better tyres needed!)