9th June 2024 - Bircham Windmill - Dave Cusdin

Normally 14 degrees with dry roads would be considered to be excellent biking weather, but this is summer and expectations were somewhat higher, however it was not to be and for the nine bikes that turned up it was those clad in Gore-Tex that were the most comfortable – the leathers can stay in the wardrobe for now.

The destination was Bircham Windmill. Standing in the heart of Norfolk's undulating fields, the windmill now looks as it did over 100 years ago. Today, very few windmills are left, and Bircham is the only windmill in working order in this area open to the public. Visitors can climb the five floors up to the fan stage and, when possible, on windy days, visitors can also see the sails and the milling machinery turning. Although there is a fee to climb the stairs it’s free entry to the tea room.

As the mill didn’t open until 10am we split into two groups and took a convoluted route via Grimston, Gt Massingham, Litcham, Fakenham, South Creake and Syderstone. We have a wonderful, picturesque panorama right on our doorstep and this short ride out highlighted how pleasant Norfolk can be. Previously I have bemoaned the lack of investment in our road infrastructure and this now extends to the overgrown foliage obscuring road signs and preventing effective forward observation, even from the elevated position on a motorcycle. Still stick to the mantras of never sacrificing safety for position and always being able to safely stop in the distance that you can see to be clear ahead and it’ll be reet.

On arrival some of us were rather chilly so of course hot drinks and cake were the order of the day, it was nice to catch up and not be dripping wet. As we were only 15 miles from Lynn and it was threatening rain most if not all took the direct route home. Many thanks to Ian C for leading the second group.

The next ride out in a couple of weeks will be a longer affair to Willingham Woods near Market Rasen in Lincs. By then of course we will be well into summer and the sun will be shining…. won’t it?

Cheers for now

Dave C