11th June 2023 - Ride out to Reepham - Dave Cusdin

15 degrees at 0830 with a forecasted max of 29 degrees resulted in 15 bikes turning out for a short jaunt to the Reepham and Whitwell railway station. We welcomed a new member in Steve S and it was great to see Steve C back in the saddle. We split into 3 groups of five and with Mel, Euan and I taking the lead we set off. The first two roundabouts were contaminated with diesel to the extent that you could see and smell it, in wet conditions diesel is a real hazard for a 2 wheeler but even in the dry it needs to be negotiated with care.

We took the B roads through Castle Acre then onto the B1145, through Litcham, N Elmham past Bawdeswell garden centre and onto Reepham. The heritage railway station is located on Whitwell road about a mile on from the high school. It’s a popular destination due to it’s collection of diesel and steam engines, trucks and carriages all located adjacent to the Marriot’s Way. Every Friday during the summer months the location hosts a bikers night which is well attended and attracts the owners of some very rare machines.

Martin our secretary joined us as he used to live very close to the station and as child used to take the train to school. I’m pretty sure that Pontious was a pilot back then.

The station has a very good cafe and when Karen and Elke offered to buy the ice creams it was difficult to refuse. The ride back was a fragmented affair as some took the direct route home whilst others took advantage of the good weather and took a longer route.

It was a very pleasant morning had by all but I can’t finish without congratulating Sharon and Colin on obtaining full membership to the IAM, well done and I hope you will continue to attend our ride outs.

Until the next one

Cheers

Dave C