Ride Report: Rebellion Way
Ride Report by Adam Cross
Launched by Cycling UK towards the end of October, the Rebellion Way is a 232 mile mixed surface loop celebrating the rich and rebellious history of Norfolk and Suffolk that dates back to the Iron Age when Boudicca rose up against the Romans. It’s the latest of a growing number of these type of routes which have been put together to link areas, trails, byways and back roads up and down the country. Designed to be done over 2-3 days, the route can be easily broken into sections as it passes through the major towns of Norwich, Diss, Kings Lynn, Hunstanton and Holt where there is plenty of opportunity for rest and refuelling.
Exploring the stories, ancient sites, stunning vistas and thriving wildlife of this unique area enriches every mile of this leisurely but rewarding loop. Cycling UK
This winter there is very little racing on the horizon for me as the formerly strong mountain bike scene has faded away, in part due to 2 seasons off thanks to Covid and Forestry work making access to different trail centres difficult for Kings Lynn MTB to organise. So for me the appeal of having a crack at the Rebellion Way in one go was very strong!
Setting off at 1615 on Thursday 20th October after a day in the office and despite heavy downpours throughout the day, I rode out of Norwich in only short lived light rain. The forecast for the night was mild and dry so despite some very large puddles I knew I should stay relatively dry and warm! Some people don’t enjoy it, but night riding for me is a real joy and brings back a lot of memories from racing Dusk til Dawn at Thetford - a race that I really wish would return - so I went into this ride in a really good spot mentally. As darkness fell and I headed towards Thetford forest I was feeling great. Here I was joined by my Dad aboard his new e-Mountain Bike and we rode together through the forest and past Lynford Lakes in Munford until the Desert Rats Memorial where my Mum took over and rode alongside until Swaffham. Whilst there was strictly no drafting it was great to have some company for a couple of hours. As we neared Swaffham at around 10pm, I began to feel quite rough - I think a symptom of not drinking quite enough, so as I turned towards Castle Acre I made sure to get the fluids in and ease off a touch.
Kings Lynn marked nearly halfway and after some very quiet off road sections it was nice to see life again and grab some supplies at a petrol station - chocolate milkshake downed, bottles topped up and a packet of salt & vinegar crisps in hand I rolled out with the coast in sight.
Rounding the coast I was on familiar territory, passing through Holkham Hall flanked on both sides by herds of Deer, their eyes piercing the darkness as they reflected my front light, then onwards through Wells where I had hoped to top up my bidons but found the water fountain hanging off the wall and out of action. Next stop Holt, where the mist was settling and the temperature was dropping so I donned my down jacket, but only for a short spell as this section of the route round towards Sheringham features some lovely techy singletrack climbs which quickly warmed me back up.
Water, oh water, where art thou?
Passing Sheringham the end was in sight with around 60 miles to go and just as my bidons ran dry I passed a caravan site - quickly diving into an empty field I spotted the glorious sight of a water tap and filled up my 2 bidons and backpack bladder to the brim. An hour or so later I called Dad to check in - “you’re still going” he cheered, “yep, I’m still plugging away, 40 miles to go now” I replied - he quickly did the sums in his head and said “well you better push it now, come on, you’ve got 2hours 45mins left to break 18hours” - having been doing sums all night I knew that with a good push and a bit of luck it was possible!
The finish line was in sight
The last 3 hours were a real blast as the route joined the Bure Valley Way from Aylsham through to Wroxham before heading in towards Norwich from Mousehold, the finish line acting like a carrot on a stick. Avoiding the main roads, the route takes cycle paths through the city, but as I reached the final cycle path to cross the river with only seconds to spare for sub 18 hours I was greeted by CLOSED signs: bugger! Racing back around and down Prince of Wales Road I skidded to a halt back at Norwich Train Station to finish in 18hours and 1minute - sharing a laugh and a hug with my friend Rory who greeted me with a hot coffee and a mince pie.
Full details of the route can be found here.
