Norfolk and Norwich Group of Advanced Motorists
Registered Charity Number 1051282. Affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Motorists Ltd.
It was a good turn out today despite the filthy roads. Ten bikes arrived promptly at our usual meeting place at the McDonald's car park adjacent to the pullover roundabout. With one more to pick up at Swaffham, we split into two groups making a five and a six. Ian C led one whilst I took the other and we decided that due to the slime on the roads we would avoid minor roads. So A47 to Swaffham, no road closures. A1065 to Hilborough, branching off the B1108 to Watton, still no road closures. Then A1075 and B1111, under the A11 to Garboldisham where the A1066 would lead to our destination. My group were somewhat delayed when Elke picked up a rear tyre puncture about 8 miles from the garden centre. Fortunately, it was tubeless tyre and Dave R was carrying a repair kit, unfortunately as Soji's mobile garage wasn't with us we had to use the supplied gas cartridges to partially inflate the tyre. We managed to get in around 11psi which was enough to limp to the nearest garage. We eventually arrived at our destination all sunny side up and met up with the rest of the group.
Bressingham Garden Centre is adjacent to the steam museum and is famous for being one of the most unique garden centres in the UK, with it having a circus-like tented pavilion roof. The site formally known as Blooms Garden centre joined the family-owned British Garden Centres Group in 2019. The Gardener's Retreat Restaurant serves main meals, snacks, treats and the usual beverages. It's worth a visit but be warned you are forced to traverse the Garden Centre to get to the café/restaurant.
The route back took in Thetford then the A134 until the usual bomb burst took place as individuals made their way home. Unbelievable as it may sound there was not one road closure the whole trip, although there were plenty of signs warning of impending work. However, there were plenty of pot holes, a couple of which were gargantuan and best avoided, be careful out there.
Best regards Dave C
The next ride out is to Walker's Café at Barton Mills on the 11th Feb.
