Thursday 27/07/2023 – Skyliner start on a Thursday !
The rainy weather forced a re-think on the days ride. Martin’s original plan was a start in Acle and a route out to Waxham Barns and then on to Stalham. Rather than travel to Norfolk to get wet we stayed in Suffolk with a start from Skyliner. Martin (Lead), Stella, Dewi, Nick, Frank & Bob ( visiting from Tasmania!) set off and headed to Hillcrest in Stanton via Great Livermere, Troston, Honington & Sapiston. Two notable topics of conversation on this section of the ride : The Paulownia trees which are being grown on some 200 ha ( 500 acres in old money) of the Euston Estate – was this a good use of farm land or “green washing” & how quiet it was in the Hilcrest Cafe – was this because of the School Hols or the “cost of living crisis” ? Both topics being political hot potatoes and we concluded we had better stick to cycling and enjoying the ride!
Onwards via Walsham Le Willows, south through Long Thurlow & Wetherden before arriving at The Stag Cafe on the edge of Elmswell. Unfortunately there was a minor collision between Nick & Bob en-route, one of those “slowing …… stopping …..stopped” situations which resulted in a few plasters being used on various parts of Bob. Thanks to the 2 workmen who were nearby and produced a camping chair for Bob while Nick & Martin got to work with the first aid.
The final leg back to Skyliner was via Tostock & Thurston. We stopped off at Mike’s to say hello and check up on him before landing back at the start. Good ride in reasonable conditions with only a few spots of rain. Thanks to Martin for leading the ride.