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Ashwell Wells-next-the-Sea 123 mile ride, Friday 5th Sept 2014, 8:00am
Owdo
Take Friday 5th September off and man-up/woman-up for the end of summer Ashwell to Wells-Next-The-Sea CC Ashwell Classic ride to the Norfolk coast. In my opinion, the best* annual point-to-point Classic the Club does. There's something rewarding about cycling to the coast.
Well be starting from the Three Tuns at 8:00am to navigate the almost pan flat lanes to pretty WNTS. We will be going at all-inclusive pace. Its a great way to bookend whatever season youve had with a big club ride.
From Wells, as before, its a 20 mile tootle to Kings Lynn station for the train back after fish and chips overlooking the harbour. Id estimate getting back to Ashwell environs 7pm ish. Without puncture delays.
If 123 miles total seems a lot to you, ask those that have done it before, because the lack of climbing really makes a difference in the effort. Also, the more who come along, the bigger the draft so all aboard! Remember too, the route takes us past the nearby stations back, so if you only want to come as far as Ely or Downham Market happy days. Last year, Jill made it, having only ridden 60-something miles before in one ride. Three years ago, Bob did it just fine.
Having said all that, I just need to underline that everyone is responsible for their own selves on this ride. I recommend thicker tyres, something to pick flints out of tyres. Bring cash. And we should pack at least one spare tyre for the group. In the deepest parts of Norfolk, theres not an awful lot of bike shop actionne.
Lets try and avoid the 12 [twelve] punctures from 2013
The route keeps us off the busy roads, barring a tiny part of the orribl A10 where caution is required. Highlights include, Ely, Flandersesque Ten-Mile-Bank, watching the tornados taking off at RAF Marham and going through Holkham Estate to the bemusement of the National Trust punters.
Lowlights include the food stop at Narborough. A little town trapped in time like some episode of Sapphire & Steel. You will need to bring your own butties and jelly babies as theres nowt much more than a bench and bus stop there. Im happy to help out continue the tradition of the Belgian beer and Crumps sausage roll fest.
The weather might play its part. If the forecast is shocking, we will have to think about cancellation.
A few top of head thoughts;
Please check your tyres and bike condition.
If theres a puncture, please all use the time to check your tyres for flints.
Keep it super tidy on the A1198 up Arrington hill. And A10, of course.
No stopping unless we are all agreed/aware we are stopping.
Only strong and confident riders at the very back and front please.
Id avoid too many chips. They can be like lead weights. Fish and peas is best.
The Fenman pub is nice enough at Kings Lynn for a refreshment. Theres also a big Morrisons just a minute from the station.
Buy your train ticket back in groups of four to get a discount.
Every finisher gets a limited edition badge. Supreme heroism and audacity brings on the Double Badger.
Its less the legs and more the eating on this ride it seems. Keep eating/pack more than you think.
Sunrise 6.20am, Sunset 7.40pm. Bring decent lights.
No one will mind if other people outside of the Club join in. The more the merrier. If its a big group, we will split it.
* Only.
Take Friday 5th September off and man-up/woman-up for the end of summer Ashwell to Wells-Next-The-Sea CC Ashwell Classic ride to the Norfolk coast. In my opinion, the best* annual point-to-point Classic the Club does. There's something rewarding about cycling to the coast.
Well be starting from the Three Tuns at 8:00am to navigate the almost pan flat lanes to pretty WNTS. We will be going at all-inclusive pace. Its a great way to bookend whatever season youve had with a big club ride.
From Wells, as before, its a 20 mile tootle to Kings Lynn station for the train back after fish and chips overlooking the harbour. Id estimate getting back to Ashwell environs 7pm ish. Without puncture delays.
If 123 miles total seems a lot to you, ask those that have done it before, because the lack of climbing really makes a difference in the effort. Also, the more who come along, the bigger the draft so all aboard! Remember too, the route takes us past the nearby stations back, so if you only want to come as far as Ely or Downham Market happy days. Last year, Jill made it, having only ridden 60-something miles before in one ride. Three years ago, Bob did it just fine.
Having said all that, I just need to underline that everyone is responsible for their own selves on this ride. I recommend thicker tyres, something to pick flints out of tyres. Bring cash. And we should pack at least one spare tyre for the group. In the deepest parts of Norfolk, theres not an awful lot of bike shop actionne.
Lets try and avoid the 12 [twelve] punctures from 2013
The route keeps us off the busy roads, barring a tiny part of the orribl A10 where caution is required. Highlights include, Ely, Flandersesque Ten-Mile-Bank, watching the tornados taking off at RAF Marham and going through Holkham Estate to the bemusement of the National Trust punters.
Lowlights include the food stop at Narborough. A little town trapped in time like some episode of Sapphire & Steel. You will need to bring your own butties and jelly babies as theres nowt much more than a bench and bus stop there. Im happy to help out continue the tradition of the Belgian beer and Crumps sausage roll fest.
The weather might play its part. If the forecast is shocking, we will have to think about cancellation.
A few top of head thoughts;
Please check your tyres and bike condition.
If theres a puncture, please all use the time to check your tyres for flints.
Keep it super tidy on the A1198 up Arrington hill. And A10, of course.
No stopping unless we are all agreed/aware we are stopping.
Only strong and confident riders at the very back and front please.
Id avoid too many chips. They can be like lead weights. Fish and peas is best.
The Fenman pub is nice enough at Kings Lynn for a refreshment. Theres also a big Morrisons just a minute from the station.
Buy your train ticket back in groups of four to get a discount.
Every finisher gets a limited edition badge. Supreme heroism and audacity brings on the Double Badger.
Its less the legs and more the eating on this ride it seems. Keep eating/pack more than you think.
Sunrise 6.20am, Sunset 7.40pm. Bring decent lights.
No one will mind if other people outside of the Club join in. The more the merrier. If its a big group, we will split it.
* Only.
Comments
Will probably jump on at the hand car wash on A1198
pencil me in for this had agreat time last year even with all the punctures.hope tim comes with that huge saddle bag (funny).
strappy
Aye Strappy - the punctures didn't spoil it really. I believe we were undone by one of those street cleaning vehicles - the irony! - and Belgian toothpaste roads. Feeling luckier this year.
Pete
thanks martin!!
I did the maths once. There's less climbing on this ride over 100 miles than once up Coombe Hill to Therfield or something like that.
Pete
Ashwell to Wells. Fish and chips. Pint. Then back again to Ashwell instead of the 20m ride to Kings Lynn.
Roughly 200m.
Un troisieme badge peut-etre?
Bring yer Garmin!!
Weather permitting I'll be there.
Anyone else around in the same boat..?
However my issue is the day.
I would have to do it on a Saturday, so anyone interested in a Saturday towards the end of September?
Adam
Looking forward to it.
Martin L
Matt S
Strappy
Nathaniel
Pete2
Robbie
Will
Phil F
Vic
Tim D
Jess L
Gwen
Stiggers
Jeremy P
John M
Tom D
Dominic B
Robert B