February 9th 2008 – A Winter Warmer – 38miles

Very mild for the time of year – perfect weather for a perfect winter ride. I’ve had a rubbish winter when it comes to cycling - contracting one ailment after another. I need a good weekends cycling to get the blood pumping again.

I got up nice and early – stuffed down a large breakfast – sorted out my bike and geared up. I left Beccles at 10am, heading out towards Ringsfield – then cut down Becks Green Lane. Lots of Horse riders about.

At the end of Becks Green Lane I turned left towards Redisham, then turning right down the rather amusingly called Butts Lane. A left took me along Cox Common toward Westhall. In Westhall I took a right down a lovely arc of a road called Hares Lane. Then I took a right again – under the railway bridge, then across the A144 onto Church Lane.

The bike and my legs in perfect harmony – a slight breeze, with lots of sunshine – I needed this after a long (and rather snotty) winter. I headed towards Spexhall, then took a right onto Hall Lane then left onto Gravell Street toward Rumburgh. Rumburgh was nice and peaceful – I’d hardly seen any traffic at all this morning. A couple of cyclists passed me going in the opposite direction as I headed towards All Saints.

On All Saints common I turned left and headed towards St James. Considering my long winter layoff I felt good – great even – the modifications I’d made to my Carrera winter bike were paying dividends – new carbon forks, new wheels & tyres, new seat – all have made the bike a pleasure to ride rather than a torture instrument!! Money well spent.

After St James, I headed towards, and through Metfield – then heading down towards Withersdale. It was here I passed two large ‘gaggles’ of cyclists – pleasantries were exchanged. I then realised the two Norwich starting (100km Norfolk Mardle and the 200km Old Squit) Audax rides were taking place today – one of the routes was obviously through here. Just before Withersdale I took a right up Sandpit Hill, then after a couple of miles, turned left along Mundy’s Road towards Mendham.

Down and through Mendham I encountered two more cyclists. I stopped on Mendham Bridge to take some photos and admire the view. I continued along Wortwell Low Road and out into Wortwell, then right towards and into Homersfield. I stopped at my Nan’s for a cuppa and a bite to eat – catching up on the local gossip.

I headed back towards St Cross, up the double hills, being constantly passed in the opposite direction by more cyclists. Past St Cross, I headed towards and through St Margaret’s South Elmham. Back past All Saints, then Rumburgh, then across the A144 at Stone Street. Back down Becks Green Lane, then right towards Ringsfield, and then home to still sunny Beccles.

I pondered the day’s ride over a mug of tea. Already looking forward to the next days Godric Club run – but that will be another story.

– Stephen Plumb