 |
 |
A ride report by David Daniels If Phil Goldblatt ever has another ill-conceived, half-witted, foolish idea similar to the 100 mile bike ride from Bowness-On-Solway to Tynemouth, please could he share it with the rest of the STAR’s group, because never before have I enjoyed a cycle ride more than the one we undertook on Easter Monday. Taking into account the weather for the previous 3 days, I was a bit dubious whether the ride would still go ahead, and waited anxiously beside my mobile for a call to say the ride was cancelled. But alas, it never came. So come Sunday evening, adorned with a multitude of layers and carrying a bag full of chocolate, I made my way to the Guild Hall to meet the other rangers and for transportation over to Bowness. The trip over there was pretty un-eventful, apart from the loony on the A69 risking his own life, and others, by pretending he was Hamilton Lewis, but if anything, the trip highlighted the mammoth task we were undertaking, especially as we made our way along the flood plains of the Solway Firth and the possible hazard of cycling in 2 foot deep flood waters. Sunday night saw perhaps the low point of my whole trip, getting thrashed at pool by Ben, the 10 year old son of fellow ranger, Rob Wood. Fortunately no money was at stake so the only thing I lost was my pride. As with many great plans conceived during a boozy night, the following morning saw those plans thrown out the window. The intended start time of 7.30am quickly disappeared and by the time breakfast had been devoured, the luggage packed, and the customary photographs taken, it closer to 8am before we eventually set off.
To say it was nippy along the Solway would be an understatement. Within 5 minutes of the ride I lost feeling in my fingers, quickly followed by loss of feeling in my toes. Thankfully, all my other appendages were well wrapped up and protected from the bitterly cold air.
The first stretch of the ride, on the road to Carlisle, seemed to flash by in a blink of an eye and before long we were on the cycle path skirting out around Carlisle city centre. Unfortunately, due to the recent rain/snow/sleet showers, the cycle path resembled more a dirt track in places and made light work of sucking my skinny wheels into the ankle deep mud. I swear, the bike never felt the same after it’s mud bath.
Once past Carlisle, it was into the countryside and the start of the hilly section. As well as myself, also participating on the ride were Phil Goldblatt, Rob Wood and his son Ben, John Kirkbride, Bob Sorley, Stuart Rintoul, Simon Hackett, Mike Daniels and Doug Cockburn. So back to the ride, and after reaching Warwick Bridge and crossing the A69, we began making our way to our first scheduled stop at Brampton. But before getting there we had to tackle two little climbs on the way, one out of Hayton and the second leading up to Brampton itself. Although both climbs weren't that difficult they did at least serve as an indicator of what was to follow. At Brampton, the riders re-grouped and stopped for refreshments (coffee) at a local pub. However, after a quick drink and a good old-fashioned energy bar (a snickers) I was eager to press on. Not because my legs were beginning to seize, but because I was well aware of the possibility of falling behind schedule and finishing the ride in darkness. So without further ado I left the main party of riders and made my way after Rob & Ben, who had also decided to make an early get-away. Peculiarly, if there's one aspect of cycling I’m not comfortable with, it's going downhill, at speed. And this was never more evident after passing the Wood family on their tandem and then having to suffer the indignity of being overtaken by a hand waving Ben on the steep descent to Lanacost Priory.
However, one mile along the road and the smile returned to my face. I had reached Banks. Now depending on which route is taken, the climb at Banks is, in my opinion, the 3rd hardest ascent over the whole ride from Carlisle to Tynemouth and represents a personal challenge each time I ride it. Having never stopped in more than a dozen rides up the climb I was determined today wouldn't be THE day when the climb got the better of me and forced me off my bike.
Rob & Ben on their tandem pass Hadrian's Wall near Birdoswald Roman Fort
Thankfully I maintained seated throughout the climb and almost managed the same on the climb at Greenhead as well, but unfortunately I had to ‘cheat’ one or twice by standing in my pedals on the way. It was during the climb at Greenhead that I caught up with John and bob, whom had set off 1/2 hour earlier from Brampton. From here, the three of us made our way into Haltwhistle and then onto the planned rendezvous of Twice Brewed for lunch. But after tackling the climbs out of Bardon Mill, and suffering the effects of riding into a headwind for the first time, the stop over at Twice Brewed was cancelled in favour of a packed-lunch at the nearby Once Brewed.
Half an hour later, and stuffed to the gills with mars bars and snickers, we were off again. For this section othe ride, Doug C., who was just as eager to finish the ride in daylight, joined john, bob and myself. Riding away from Vindolanda, and up to the summit of the route, the four of us were treated to a light snow flurry, but rather than get downbeat the weather actually inspired me because, personally, there's nothing more magical than watching a snow fall.
After a photo shoot at the summit signpost we continued our ride to Wylam, and our last scheduled stop for Tea. Arriving at John's house, the group had been reduced to three, as Bob was finding the going tough, especially riding out of Corbridge. I have to admit, even I struggling at this stage and was desperate for a break. But I must say, never before have scones and cakes tasted more delicious than the ones John’s wife, Alison, baked for us. With about 20 miles to cycle I couldn't over-indulge, but I still found room for some carrot cake, a cream scone and one of those chocolate cornflake cakes that mum used to bake when I was a kid. Heavenly. Sadly, it was whilst we were at John’s house, we were informed that a close relative of Bob’s had passed away and that Bob would be leaving the group to return home. My warmest sympathies to Bob and his family. By now, it was almost 5 o'clock and knowing that it was at least an hour and half to go to Tynemouth I was contemplating going it alone but just at that moment the rest of the group turned up so I decided to wait and ride the final leg of the ride as one pack. Reaching Scotswood Business Park it was almost dusk and the skies were turning grey with the thickening clouds. And then it started. Just lightly at first, but the first flakes of snow fell. And they kept on falling, heavier and heavier until at one point, as we rode along the north side of the Tyne, the snow was so thick we couldn't even see the other side of the river. It was brilliant. Those five minutes, riding in the heaviest snowfall I’ve ever seen, was without doubt the highlight of the ride for me and will be a moment I will never forget.
Of course the downside to all the snow was it quickly led to icy patches in some places and my skinny tyres, which were engulfed by mud earlier in the day, provided little or no grip whatsoever in these conditions. The last 10 miles were fraught to say the least.
After safely maneuvering ourselves through the war-zone, otherwise known as Walker, we sped through Wallsend, Willington Quay and the Royal quays before disaster struck just as we were approaching North Shields. Simon discovered a piece of glass had punctured his back tyre. Of course, all this should happen on the one occasion we weren't being followed by Doug in his back-up vehicle. As a result, Simon had to complete the final two miles by initially pushing his bike and then deciding to ride the last stretch on a flattie. Nevertheless, after 100 miles, over 10 hours in the saddle, and numerous chocolate bars, the remaining riders of Phil, John, Stuart, Simon, Doug and myself eventually reached Tynemouth. In total darkness and surrounding by a snow covered landscape. So all that remains is for me to congratulate the riders who completed the full ride and to pass on my sincerest thanks to all those involved in making this a memorable ride.
Tynemouth at last - John has a good glow on !! Same again next year ? Phils Computer Statistics |
Doug Ridgway - MMVII