9th August 2026 - Rideout to Parlour Cafe, Binham - Ian Cain

10 riders met at our usual rendezvous for a ride across the heights of West Norfolk to the Parlour Cafe next to Binham Priory. Our carefully planned route was disrupted by a road closure, which seems to be becoming the norm these days, but we worked our way around it.

We rode through the posh bits of Norfolk: the Birchams, Burnham Market, Holkham, to get to Wells-Next-the Sea, and then took the back roads towards Binham. And back roads they certainly were. Initially just a bit narrow but eventually single track with a layer of dust and gravel down the middle. Anyone who doesn't ride a motorbike can't appreciate how unnerving this sort of road is. We've only got two wheels so you don't want either of them on a loose surface so you try to avoid crossing the centre of the road where possible. But we all got there in the end.

The Parlour Cafe is a lovely spot which serves delicious food and cakes. But the serving of these delights always seems chaotic. They insist on bringing your food and drink to you, even if you're happy to wait by the counter, but none of the tables appear to have numbers so if you're outside, as we were, you have to describe where you're sitting. Describing our table as full of handsome chaps didn't work, we ended up with two spare coffees. I don't know who missed out.

Anyway, a long chat with friends in the sunshine with the priory bells in the background made it all worthwhile. As usual we made our way home in small groups via various routes. I followed two Associates home and it was nice to see them riding so well. Another good morning's ride. Thanks to Steve Silcocks for leading a group and to everyone who came along.

No pictures this time. Our usual photographer, Elke, wasn't there, and I forgot to take any photos. Sorry.

Ian Cain