Sunday 17th May - Shopping & Stody Gardens

We had both had a tough week at work and were feeling tired as we started the weekend in Binham, I also had a nasty cold and sore throat. We also needed to do some preparation for setting off on our ride to Paris which we set off on next Sunday.
Anyway I wanted to get a larger capacity SD card for the Garmin and we set off on a semi planned route to go to Argos in Fakenham and then onto visit the Gardens at Stody.
After the shopping at Argos we set off past the Race Course and headed through the Rybrugh's and came across the very quaint looking mini Fish and Chip shop:

 Fish & Chip Shop in Great Ryburgh.

 The rather strange memorial in Wood Norton - presented by the WI.

Village Sign in Wood Norton

After Wood Norton we went east , avoiding the main roads , then north up to Hindolveston & Melton Constable. We both had near misses with stupid car drivers in the Village!

We stopped off a the Story Estate and had a wander around the Open Gardens. A fabulous display of Azaleas and Rhododendrons all in brilliant bright colours. There was also a display of sculptures and paintings. 

Jane sporting new hair style posing with colourful backdrop.

 Very fine Owl Sculpture.

What a poser

Village sign in Brinton - not sure if that is a Jester on the sign.

Circular route to Stody GArdens , 36 miles

Garmin Connect

test yet again

Bla bla bla

Brancaster Beach Picnic , Sunday 10th May

Had a pleasant 36 mile ride to Brancaster Beach, where we had a picnic and Tea.

Rode there  via New Holkham  & Burnham Thorpe where we stopped and had a look in the Glass making studio. There was a lesson going on which looked interesting. Some really nice pieces on sale too.

We have cycled through this village countless times but never been round past the Church , all very pleasant and sleepy.

 

Our route took us on through Burnham Market which was rather sleepy, which was a surprise for this time of year, it is normally heaving with London sorts. Leaving the village we took the quiet back road which is the Sustrans route 1, running parallel to the coast. Took the minor road at Choosely Farm down to the coast,  coming out at Titchwell and turning right to Brancaster. We made our way down to the beach, seeing a Heron , Egret and Kestrel in  matter of a minute as we rode through the marshes. Had our picnic lunch sat on the rocks on the beach.

 

Selfie stick in use ...... again.

 

On the way back we stopped off at the Fish shack and got some sea bass and asparagus to go on the BBQ later, before a pit stop at Fat Face in Burnham Deepdale, where Jane made a purchase in the sale. It was then back via Burnham Market and Thorpe making an effort to avoid going on the roads we went on earlier. Managed to hit 40 mph as we skirted around Holkham Estate on the way into Wells. Back home via Wareham, a very pleasant ride followed by the first BBQ of the year,

 

May Bank Holiday Ride

It had been a typical bank holiday weekend with heavy rain most of Sunday. Rather than ride in the rain we went to Norwich for some retail therapy.
Monday's weather was the complete opposite, being bright and sunny with a moderate breeze. We had a shortish ride of 28 miles , stopping off at Holkham where the Cycling festival was coming to a close.
We heard the announcement that the fastest time for covering the 250 miles over 3 days was 13 hours. (100+100+50).
Our route was a bit random : Warham , Wighton, Walsingham , Egmere, Sth Creaks, Nth Creaks, Holkam, Wells, Stiffkey, Cockthorpe, Langham & Binham. Average speed 11.5 mph.

Wighton Scarecrows, Jane taking part.

Through the Ford at Willingham.

A Big , not so blue, Sky looking towards the Sea.
 

One of the gate houses on the way into Holkham Hall.

Pedal Norfolk event at Holkham. Duck pancake rolls for lunch.

What is it they say about Dogs and Owners?

Selfie in one of then mini sheds at Stiffed stores.