by Norman King...

I last rode Round Norfolk in 2021 and knew I could do it better so some time ago I entered this years. So before I lose the crowd there is another version in 2024 and I would highly recommend it for a couple of reasons, it's close by, you have 4 feed stations, only 6,000ft of climb and you can ride at a good pace and it's a very friendly Sportive (albeit a long one).

So Round Norfolk 2023, this time we stayed in a Travelodge for 2 nights (last time we drove back the evening of the event, mistake, we were so tired) we were in Gorleston and it was a good choice. We got to the Travelodge about 1530 after meeting our other brother in Norwich for lunch and a catch-up. I was always going to cycle to the start, but we had to go via Sports Direct as Andy (my youngest brother) had forgotten his cycling shorts. So he purchased said bib-shorts. We then went to the Racecourse, then rode back to the Travelodge, very busy but i knew at 0500 it would be so much quieter. Andy was supporting me again, last time he was recovering from injury so felt he'd get more mileage in. His plan was to leave the Travelodge about 0600 and meet me before each feed-station. This was very kind of him but as he said he wasn't riding any further and I must be mad! 

I left our Travelodge at 0400, it was 6.5 miles to the start. Signed in and got the same T-shirt as last time. Then off we went at 0510. Quick start as we had a tailwind all the way to about Thetford. Some pacy riders (but as it proved I overtook a lot later and some dropped out due to the heat). I knew it was going to be warm so I had suntan cream ready to apply at CP1. Got to South Lopham (CP1) in under 3 hours (42 miles and 15.3mph) then off to Welney. On the way to Welney (CP2 at 90 miles) I had my first bad patch from Thetford to just past Brandon. Then picked it up again to Welney, Andy rode out to me twice, first time to help a rider who'd collapsed and crashed in the heat (sorry this was still a fun and enjoyable ride). Lots to drink and ate what I could although I couldn't stomach too much.

It was now really hot and the leg from Welney to Thornham (CP3 135 miles) was horrible. I suffered a little before Kings Lynn (Garmin said 110F), stopped twice, once in a village shop for Cornetto, Lucozade and a Coke. That helped as I then somehow got a spurt on and overtook loads before Thornham (Andy couldn't hold onto me when he met me). Along the way I saw riders sitting by the side of the road, in pubs, by shops, all trying to recover. Ate more this time and drank a lot. I was about 75 mins ahead of the cut-off. 

The next leg from Thornham to Overstand (CP4 168 miles) was hard work, a headwind and ups and downs (no, Norfolk is not flat). Tired a bit before Sheringham. Andy had to drag me into the Checkpoint (not literally) and I was suffering, mainly I think lack of food. Whilst there a lady said she couldn't go any further, we tried to convince her it was 1845 she only had 135 mins to cycle 32 miles, but nope she was done in.

Then the last leg, 32 miles, started with 7 others and this was what I needed, although I lost them before 10 miles had gone but it had done the job. Last 22 miles I averaged over 15 mph. Finished, great ride, but I think I've done it now (ask me in September again). I was 0.6 mph faster than last time.

Thanks to Andy for riding out to me and supporting me. Beer and pasta in the Travelodge wasn't bad either and  a cooked breakfast on Monday morning was what the Doctor ordered. So where did I finish, no idea, but I overtook more than overtook me in the last 110 miles and there were loads finishing as we were packing the bikes away.

Oh, next challenge Chase the Sun with Simon Richardson and Vincent Murray.

Photos can be viewed from here