Thirteen members set off for Wells Youth Hostel on the Norfolk coast on Saturday 19 September. The aim was for a pleasant, relaxing weekend awheel, organised most ably by Mark Eastwood, assisted in route finding by John Steed.

A coolish start improved to warm sun and light northerly winds, which set the trend for the weekend. Other riders were Chris and Will Curtin, Soren and Jonathan Sjolin, Alan Trolove, Lindsay Clayton, Dick Lines, David Young, Richard Seggar, Will Newland and Peter Heath. Familiar roads took the group to East Harling but then we headed along quiet lanes for Hingham, just north of Attleborough, for an excellent lunch at Lincoln's tea room on the picturesque village green. Just 30 miles from Bury St Edmunds, Hingham would make an ideal Club run stop.

More quiet lanes to Fakenham and then through Little Walsingham, site of pilgrimage, and on to Wells for 4pm, some 66 miles from the start point at the Tollgate pub. Here some took tea, whilst others enjoyed a refreshing pint before being assigned rooms at the four star hostel; the known snorers were selected for a pleasant evening on their own! The hostel is very well equipped and maintained, with lovely hot showers. In the evening some elected for French's famous fish and chips, which were delicious consumed at the harbour side, whilst the more refined members of the party ate in The Cricketers Pub close to the hostel, and not too far to stagger!

The group also sampled the ales aboard The Albatross, an old Dutch sailing barge moored in the harbour, which now serves as a bar and restaurant; favourite tipple in hand we watched dusk close in as a very high tide brought the water to within a foot of the top of the harbour wall.

The next morning many complained of a hot, sleepless night as 'Snorers United' kept several awake in more than one room; the proximity of the St Mary's Church clock sounding the hours through the long night only making things worse. But Lindsay soon had breakfast organised with cereals, bacon sarnies and toast accompanied by fruit juice and tea or coffee, yummy. Well fed, we set off for the return journey with the wind at our backs and soon reached Hingham for yet more of their lovely food and cakes, enjoyed on tables Mark had reserved for us outside in the sun.

Riders appreciated Mark's excellent organisation and quiet route through some lovely countryside, and all agreed that we must do something similar next year. Most arrived home around 3:30 after the 135 miles round trip; many thanks to Mark and John for an enjoyable weekend away. The Club now has membership of the YHA and the card is available for members to use.

A photo album of the weekend is available in our Photo Gallery section