9th November 2025 - Ride to Route 11 Cafe - Ian Cain

Nine of us turned out on a sunny Sunday morning for a ride across Norfolk to the Route11 cafe on the A11 between Attleborough and Wymondham (the Norfolk one this time). It was nice to see Secretary Elke back on her bike after a lengthy illness, she has been missed for the last few months. And because Elke was back we have much better pictures to accompany this article.

We have been starting our rides over the warmer months at 0900, and since the Sainsbury's where we meet doesn't open until 1000, the car park has been fairly quiet. Now it's Winter we start our rides at 1000, and the car park was very busy. Why do so many people go shopping at 1000 on a Sunday? We had to be careful as nine bikes got in amongst the morning shoppers trying to park as close to the door as possible, but we all got out without mishap.

Our ride to Attleborough was pleasant, mostly dry roads and not much traffic. However we were riding East so the rising sun was often in our eyes and on occasions flickered through the trees at the side of the road. Very off-putting but we shouldn't complain about sunshine on a Winter's morning.

The Route 11 cafe was at one time a Little Chef I think. It then became a motorcycle dealer with a cafe attached, and is now just a very nice cafe. I can recommend their sausage sandwich and everybody else seemed to be enjoying what they had. It's become a popular spot for motorcyclists, their car park is marked out largely in bike sized bays, but I understand that it has become a meeting point for car clubs as well. Well worth a visit if you're in that part of the world.

After our social drinking and eating we set off for home using various routes depending on where in West Norfolk individuals lived. I lead a small group to King's Lynn via Dereham, Gressenhall, and Gayton. The weather stayed nice for us so a thoroughly good time all round. Thanks to Ewan for leading a group, and thanks to everyone for the company.

Ian Cain