The North Norfolk bike ride 2022 held on Saturday 7th May 2022

Grey skies and Great Northern’s cancellation of trains from Cambridge to Kings Lynn was not the most auspicious of starts for the TWT 2022 North Norfolk fundraising cycle ride.

But Barry, plus trailer, and several cars with racks, meant we were in good time for a scrumptious welcome at Kings Lynn with the famous Franklin’s homemade scotch eggs, croissants, hot tea and coffee.

After much munching, chatting and two puncture repairs, the assembled throng of 30 cyclists, in three variable speed teams, were ready for the off.

Following Route 1, we wound our way north up the cycle paths of Lynn til breaking open countryside at the charming village of Castle Riding.

Passing spectacular views of spires and coastal meadows, we entered the Sandringham estate. Only Barry and part of the ‘C Team’ found time to scale the walls for a cheeky view of the Queen’s garden.

The sun shone, legs were fresh and the slight northerly breeze didn’t dampen anyone’s high spirits as they headed north up and down country lanes to our first pit stop at Ringstead Down. Tea and Dutch currant buns, flapjacks and bananas recharged riders young and old as they met up. Much refreshed, the faster A and B teams headed East as the Barry and the back markers arrived.

Taking the narrow inland road that runs parallel to the main coastal road, we passed just a single tractor, before rounding Burnham Market and reaching The Lord Nelson at Burnham Thorpe for the second pitstop. Some were keen to push on for lunch while others took the opportunity to sample some Norfolk ale.

The route took us through the Holkham estate with its long drives, obelisks and landscaped parkland.

From Wells, much to the consternation of the purist road cyclists, route 1 cut cross country up to Wighton. A puncture or two later we emerged to witness the results of the impressive Wighton scarecrow competition.

From there, a mere two hops via the Piper-esque ruins of Binham Priory to Langham and lunch hosted by Sarah Burles.

After much needed refuelling and regaling, cyclists chose their afternoon: relax at Langham, back to Kings Lynn by car, or cycle or onward to Cromer.

It was a hardy dozen that braved a chilly Norfolk fret that blew in over the coastal hills across Felbrigg Hall.  

Sadly not the seaside ice-creams by the pier we’d envisaged but cups of hot tea, biscuits and cake from the back of the Whitbreads’ support vehicle.

The route back cross country proved a navigational challenge for Tusa’s A-Team, but included the rhododendron rides of Sheringham Park and steam engines along the North Norfolk railway.

It was just after 7pm that the last riders made it back to Barry and Sarah’s where the after party was well under way with bottles of Italian wines and cauldrons of chilli-con/senza-carne.

Almost £8,000 was raised by the gallant riders for The Waterberg Trust

If you would like to sponsor them, TWT have a Justgiving page here.

If you are able to provide matched funding, please contact TWT here

You can see photos of the projects in the Waterberg that will be supported here

A massive thank you to all the support crews and meal providers. Can’t wait until next year: Saturday 6th May 2023. See you there!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TAKE PART IN THE WATERBERG TRUST NORTH NORFOLK BIKE RIDE NEXT YEAR, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW

“Thanks, Barry and William for such a great ride yesterday, and to Sarah and Jane and all others for wonderful support and hospitality.” Andrew Tusa

“Loved every bit of it. Great day. Great route, superb organisation, fantastic rescue team, amazing scotch eggs, wonderful people, inspiring cause. Thank you all at Waterberg Trust. Have booked out every weekend in May for next year.” Nick Froi

Very many thanks to you Barry for pushing this hard and getting us all involved and for raising a very decent sum for such a good cause. Loved being part of it this year and look forward to next! Thank you to everyone else for making it such an enjoyable day – from have the reassurance of back up to the delicious spread at the end of it. Ivor

“‘C Group’ knew its place in the pecking order, free of aspiration or status we had immense fun!“ James Bradley

“Thank you everyone for a great day out and hope we raised lots for The Waterberg Trust :)“ Benjamin Aluwihare