9th March 2025 - Rideout to Whitwell Station - Ian Cain

As you would expect on a March day that felt more like a Spring day, there was a good turnout for this ride. 12 bikes, one with a pillion, came along for a ride to Whitwell Station heritage railway, popular with bikers for its restaurant, ample parking, and outside seating. The old railway line is now a walking and cycling trail so the station is also a popular refreshment stop for them.

From King’s Lynn all we had to do was follow the B1145 to Reepham, about 50 miles. The B1145 is a lovely road with sweeping bends and also more technical sections, always a popular choice for a ride.

Among the riders were two recently joined members, and the daughter of a member who had only recently graduated to a bigger bike so came along with her Dad to see what we were like. Hopefully she’ll join the Group in the future.

Having all arrived safely and bought our chosen refreshments, some of us sat outside to enjoy the unseasonal sunshine and put the world to rights. We were slightly put out by the noise of a diesel shunting engine, it’s smell, and the clanging and banging as it moved various carriages around. I suppose we should have expected that given we were in a railway shunting yard.

We spent about an hour at the station before all setting off home in varying directions. Thanks to Dave R for leading a group and to everyone who rode with us. Spring is on the way so maybe we can expect this sort of weather for all our rideouts.

Ian Cain