Monday, 7th June 2021
Norfolk Broads CAMC Site (N52.70036 E1.51371)
Cloudy start, although, 17C, soon sunny and 21C.
An exploratory cycle ride to Ludham (about 2 miles away, but, just under 6, with our exploring).
As we left the site, were behind two much younger cyclists (middle 50's at most, I would guess), both on electric bikes. After about half a mile, they stopped to let us pass, because, and I quote, we were going too fast for them. Not bad for two pensioners 73/74 years old ;)
We discover two pubs, which will require further investigation, The Dog Inn is nearest and walkable. The Kings Arms is in Ludham village, a bit further, but, cyclable or walkable.
Things must come in twos here, because, there are two shops. Shops have basic, but, not fresh fruit/vegetable. We do note a sign for someone selling fruit and vegetable, but, I suspect, it is from a garden or allotment, something else to investigate.
A bonus is, I get the "L" (Ludham) for my Cyclechat ABC of Towns and Villages Challenge, that is an easy one, at only two miles, compared to some.
We also discover a place called Womak Staithes. There is a shop, jokingly (I assume), called the Big Shop, a rather scenic area for boats to tie up, and a couple of small campsites, one a CAMC CL, Womak Water, the other a Camping and Caravan Club CS, Manor Lodge.
After lunch, and, an hour or two lazing in the sun, the exploration continues.
We follow the sign post to the fruit and vegetable sales.
Not. exactly a supermarket, but, rather, someone's garden.
There are a few cabbages, cauliflower and tomatoes. Perhaps, you have to be here earlier in the day?
We press-on along the lane, which is an alternative route to Ludham, a little longer I suspect, but, quieter and probably a good bet when cycling.
There are also signposts to St Benet's Abbey, which may be worth a visit, on another day.
Tuesday, 8th June 2021
Norfolk Broads CAMC Site (N52.70036 E1.51371)
We need a small amount of shopping (fresh fruit etc), and I have plotted a route to Martham, which has a small COOP, and, just happens to begin with an "M".
We find the COOP and buy our fruit and vegetables.
I am trusted to use my initiative and sense of direction, to get back to Ludham via Potter Heigham (an usual development), thus avoiding much, but, not all of the A149 section.
and, instead, gave it to The Bishop of Norwich (perhaps, the Bishop had some good negatives?).
An "M" was bagged for my Cyclechat ABC Villages Challenge, and, a couple of my bike in front of a gate (Cyclechat), and, my bike infront of something unusual (Cyclechat).
Relaxing with a coffee, not in bad shape after approximately 17 miles, in the heat, two 73/74 year olds, on "real bikes" (ie no batteries).
Well done you two! Whilst at Charlotte's in Frome I tried her e-bike (not that I need it of course) but in an effort to entice E to see any difference between tbe very vasic, jerky machines we tried and were put off by. This one, with Bosch equipment was incredibly smooth and frighteningly powerful (on Turbo mode!) However, i t was heavy and the seat needed adjustment (no quick release lever!) so she deferred.
ReplyDeleteYes, as the years advance, we will have to consider E-Bikes. I have spent a fair amount of time reading about them. It seems to me that the Bosch system is "the best" in that it is most powerful. The problem I see is they are so heavy (25kg is typical), and, there are bound to be situations where you have to manhandle it (thing gates and barriers on "cycle tracks", to deter motor cycles). Almost all, if not all of the more powerful bikes I have looked at have front suspension, which adds to the weight, and, to me is unnecessary for the type of riding we do.
DeleteI have found one model (not Bosch powered), from a Company called Ribble. They have e-Bikes which weigh much less (12kg), but, they. are hub powered units, unlike the typical Bosch units. They are an online seller, so difficult to 'try". They do have a showroom in Clitheroe. Wait and watch for the time being, for us.