Updates

The magnificent seven met at PC on a damp, cool and blustery morning; but all were suitably attired so looking forward to Malcolm’s ride to the always popular café at Mundesley.

As we headed due south towards Little Barningham Malcolm announced that we would take a left once there and then thought to himself that this link from Church Road to Wickmere Road is often rim deep in mud after rain. As it happened it wasn’t bad at all and indeed for the rest of today’s run road conditions were okay for the time of year. Those without full mudguards didn’t fare too well (neither did those who were behind them at any point!)

We wound our way through the lanes bisecting Wickmere and Wolterton eventually reaching Erpingham, past the recently closed “Arms”, and onward to Ingworth, Aylsham, Burgh, Skeyton, Swanton Abbott, Worstead, Briggate, Honing, Crostwight, Edingthorpe Street, Paston Green, Paston Street and finally Mundesley. Just under 31 miles before lunch and it was agreed that it had been a good ride. Just what you need for a good appetite.

CJ was there to meet us, sat alone at the 3 reserved tables, but the Wheelers being a sociable bunch (Cycling Weekly recently described us as a club who “exude affability and old school charm”) the banter was soon lively and we enjoyed the normal excellent service from The Corner Café staff before stepping out into the cooling breeze for the start of the return leg.

John S left us to more or less retrace our route back home and the remainder including CJ headed towards Trunch and Southrepps before a left turn to Lower Street, where we said goodbye to Robin.

Just before Gunton Station CJ left us and the remaining five continued to Thorpe Market and then Topshill Road to the A140, a slightly tricky dog leg crossing to Parrow Lane and along to Hanworth. Malcolm decided that his leader duties were done for the day and left Alan to lead the four back to Pretty Corner.

A good ride out, slightly tiring in the less than ideal conditions but at least no punctures or other mechanicals and bikes not too mucky!

Alan, Alban, Andrew, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Robin and CJ at the café.

46 miles PC to PC (and of course the extra for some to get to PC and home again)

Nine met at PC for Trevor’s ride to Aylsham only to learn that unfortunately Trevor would not be with us as he was feeling under the weather.

So, Malcolm led the group towards Itteringham turning off to pass by Mannington Hall and then on to Saxthorpe and Corpusty where we hoped to find a bonfire stack on the Green opposite The Duke’s Head ready for the weekend festivities. Alas no, so unless it’s happening elsewhere they have a lot of work to do before Saturday night.

Onwards and upwards, literally, up Station Road into Heydon Road to….Heydon, then Salle before joining the B1145 to take us almost into Reepham. We took a left opposite the entrance to The Old Railway Station Café leading us to the Norwich Road which we followed for a mile or so before turning left into the lanes once again and eventually to Cawston.

At this point John D suggested the Abel Heath route into Aylsham which we were more than happy to take and would you believe it we found ourselves on the Heydon Road again but this time just outside of Aylsham!

Today’s surrogate leader was a bit concerned on reaching the café as we hadn’t phoned ahead to let them know we were coming. However the staff couldn’t have been more welcoming and we enjoyed good value food.

We said goodbye to John D before making our way out of Aylsham to Burgh and then a left turn at the Church Road crossroads into Norwich Road (another one!) to Tuttington. With something approaching a tailwind we made swift progress to Banningham at which point Malcolm decided to let the group follow their noses back to PC which they did via Ingworth and beyond.

Many thanks to Malcolm, although I say it myself, for leading today’s ride.

Alan, Alban, David C (at the café and on the return leg), Geoff (from Potters Bar), John D, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Robert, Stephen.

40 miles PC to PC

Cool and damp conditions first thing in the morning prompted several Wheelers to prepare for an Autumn run but fairly warm and sunny weather was to be the order of the day as 9 Wheelers, plus Jack who left us early on, set off from PC on Kevin’s ride to Cley next the Sea.

A straightforward enough route to Itteringham only notable for a reasonably stiff westerly breeze which would surely help us on the return leg. However halfway up New Road hill and a turn right and Kevin’s ride became very interesting following a great route via Corpusty and on to Thurning. On the way a swiftly repaired front puncture for John S didn’t delay us for long!

It’s impossible to predict when hedgerows are going to be cut and unfortunately Thurning to Hindolveston took far longer than planned as a thorn strewn stretch of road brought puncture after puncture after………..plus a slow flat that Andrew hoped would at least last until the lunch stop! It did as it happens!

North to Melton Constable and then Briningham, Thornage, Letheringsett, Glandford and finally the pub. What a great ride and we all looked forward to a refuel.

Whether an allergy to CO2 (the cartridge now being the preferred method of inflation after a puncture), butyl tubes or otherwise, Alban’s hands had suffered an alarming reaction to something or other and he, Andrew (GP retired) and Stephen (escort home if needed) left us to seek treatment by way of an antihistamine. Hope it was sorted!

The remaining six Wheelers suitably refreshed left The Three Swallows by way of the long drag up Holt Road to Bridge Road and finally to the junction with the A148. Always a busy road it took a few minutes before we could all cross safely. As we headed due East we said goodbye to Robin who turned towards Plumstead then Barningham, Itteringham and home and five continued to the junction of Mill Road and Red Barn Lane where two carried on to Lower Gresham and beyond while just the three turned left to return to PC.

What a glorious day and a great ride, thanks Kevin.

Alan, Alban, Andrew, David C, Jack, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Robin, Stephen.

38 miles PC to PC – (would have been longer but Kevin amended the return route because of lost time to punctures).

Eleven headed towards Itteringham on a cool and initially wet Wednesday morning to start Robert’s ride to Skeyton.

With most wearing water (or at least wind) proof tops the NNW logo was only just on display; overshoes were worn by some for possibly the first time this year; and there were two diehards in shorts – good for them and just as well the NE wind wasn’t cooler and stronger!

After Itteringham and en route to Cawston Robert announced that today’s run was going to be a straightforward loop on good roads. Good choice Robert! The other Saturday when we were joined by Owen of Cycling Weekly he did ask if we changed our lanes and byway routes after or during bad weather and in the winter months when the road conditions deteriorate. After all it generally means safer riding conditions, less punctures and less time cleaning your bike!

Fortunately the rain didn’t continue today and the bunch arrived at Cawston nicely warmed up. Crossing the B1145 we then followed The Norwich Road as far as Easton way where we paused to reflect on the new Ratcatcher’s Inn. Mixed feelings on its new appearance – it did have a good reputation in the past – we’ll see when it re-opens!

Onward along Haveringland Road, where we said goodbye to John D, into Shorthorn Road and eventually Stratton Strawless. Then Buxton before arriving at The Goat Inn at the same time as a beer delivery – is this what is meant by serendipity! Trevor left us as he had a busy afternoon ahead.

Once inside most of us resisted the temptation of the ales on offer and enjoyed a good lunch before setting off up Long Road. Reaching Church Road we carried straight on to Tuttington and then Banningham where Malcolm left the group and the remaining 8 Wheelers headed in the direction of Ingworth.

From there Calthorpe, Wickmere, Bessingham (at which point Robert lead himself home), Gresham and finally PC.

Thank you to Robert for leading today’s ride.

Alan, Alban, Andrew, John D, John S, Kevin, Malcolm, Robert, Robin, Stephen, Trevor.

PC to PC 40 miles

Just to let you know that in this weeks Cycling Weekly there is four pages on the North Norfolk Wheelers.

Great pictures and write up !

Geoff