Official Opening Ride
Day 8 - 22nd. July 2006
Corbridge to South Shields (Arbeia)
Distance 31 Miles
The final day had arrived and we would be on the last leg down river to Arbeia South Shields.
but first we had several civic receptions to attend on the way.
Preparing for the days rideLeaving the camp site at Tynedale Park - the riders made their way over the river back into Corbridge - prior to the ride there was a last minute change. We had been advised that the local Greengrocer would provide bannana's for everyone - this meant a change of route and cycling around the Corbridge one-way system. Across the river we turned into Market Square to find the shop - outside they were unloading the days produce. But it seems someone had not told them we were coming !! Undeterred the shop owner produced a box of bannana's and said he would sort things out later.
Leaving Corbridge we negotiated the final climb - Rangers had been sent on ahead to waymark the turning at the top to ensure everyone took the correct route. This next section of road had recently been resurfaced with stone chipping's and despite riding slowly one unlucky young rider took a tumble and badly grazed his knees. Quickly first-aiders were on the scene to tend to his injuries whilst the rest carried on - as we were blocking the road. Descending down we continued to the River Tyne which we were to follow all the way to the finish.
Arriving at Ovingham, two local Rangers greeted us (John & Pat Henderson) and they very efficiently controlled the traffic and cyclists wanting to cross over to the south bank.
This bridge is very narrow and only just wide enough for cars, and is not controlled by lights. The separate footbridge has to be walked over.
Mile 151.5 Tyne Riverside Country Park
photo by Cass GilbertOnce on the south bank, it would be off-road nearly all the way to the Shields Ferry. Due to sensitive issues (horses users and dog walkers) it was flags down to ride in single file through the Tyne Riverside Country Park to the small hamlet at Hagg Bank - here two further Rangers controlled the narrow path leading down to the Hagg Bank Bridge over the River Tyne.
Mile 152.4
Hagg Bank Bridge fore runner for the
Tyne and Sydney Harbour BridgesA jam ensued when the photographers requested we come on down the path on mass - to the consternation of local residents. Once safety down to the bridge we lined up six abreast before crossing. Photos taken we continued along the Wylam Waggonway towards Newburn our next stop. Few other users were encountered as prior to the ride arriving posters advising about the ride had been put up all along this section of the route.
Arriving at the Visitors Centre at the Tyne Riverside Park at Newburn we re-grouped and topped up our water bottles.
The ride through this section went much smoother than anticipated and with the help from the Newcastle Countryside & Parks all the barrier gates were opened to allow us to pass swiftly through as was the gate at the Rowing Club.
Arriving at the Rowing Club a rowing 8 boat was part way across the route, but on spying us this was quickly withdrawn back into the boat house. Following the Riverside route we entered the urban landscape of Tyneside.
Mile 158.0 Newburn Riverside
Mile 159.6 Scotswood JunctionNormally the route crosses over at Scotswood Road at the traffic lights but owing to the large group ( 140+) and it being a Saturday morning - this roundabout gets very busy with shopping tarffic - instead we used the subways under the road at Scotswood Bridge.
The Scotswood Road Crossings
Once through it was up and over the pedestrian Bridge to re-join the railpath again.
Into the Subways
Over Pedestrian Bridge
Mile 160.5 Toucan CrossingOver the preceding months many hours were spent by the local STARS Rangers clearing these subways ( which had been neglected for years) by cutting back all the creeping ivy and litter picking. The council also sent a mini road sweeper through and painted the subway walls.
The evening before I received a call from Ron one of my Rangers who was joining the ride on the last day, advising that a burnt out scooter and washing machine were blocking the track here. Luckily the Newcastle Cycling officer was with us, and he contacted EnviroCall and got these removed immediately - by the time Ron had returned to the scene on his way home they were gone - Power Rangers !!!
Crossing over Scotswood Road for the last time we joined the riverside promenades and set off for our first stop at the Guildhall for luch and the Civic Reception.
