22nd April - Wylam Waggonway / Johns Garden Buffet
To celebrate to re-surfacing of the Wylam Waggonway a ride was organised between Newburn and John of Wylams house where rangers were treated to a garden buffet provided by John & Allison Kirkbride.

Testing the new surface

With almost everyone assembled at Newburn Visitors Centre we set off along the Waggonway. This has recently been completely resurfaced using Fiberdec material which provides a good ride - the gravel texture ensuring riders to not ride too fast and upset other users. One down side is it is now obvious just how much horse muck gets deposited onto the track. The route was remarkably free of both litter and dog muck plus there appeared to be more cyclists using the route now, outnumbering other users.

Photo Shoot at Stephenson's Birthplace

Pausing for a photo shoot at George Stephenson's Birthplace we made our way to John's.

Arriving at John's we parked up our bikes and headed for the patio where Angie joined us a few minutes later.
Cold beer awaited - provided by Doug who has supplies left over from his 60th Birthday party.

The weather although threatening did not rain on us and got quite warm and sunny later on.

A magnificent buffet had been laid on by Allison and was greatly appreciated by everyone -

Many Thanks to John & Allison for providing the buffet.

"You look that way - I'll look this way and the baby Alex that way"

The children had soon discovered Johns garden and were having a great time of chasing around while the adults chatted with each other and listened to Ken.

By mid afternoon it was time to depart for those that had cycled all the way - while the remainder stayed awhile.

All in all it was a very successful days outing.

Photographer poised on Johns Gazebo taking a group photo