Bravely we set of with a steady breeze assisting us up the coast following NCN 1 Coast & Castles threading our way through the sand dunes to South Beach where we would turn inland and hopefully leave the fog behind us. In Blyth we
followed the route as per the Sustrans map and then the projected route direct to ASDA. This is the route that Stuart & Doug did a survey off and it looks likely that Northumberland CC will implement it - as a "safe Routes to School" as it passes the Blyth Community College. About 1Km of new track will be required.

Continuing north we followed the converluted route of NCN 1 as it cross back and forth over the A189 Spine Road until we reached the Mining Museum at Woodhorn. Here we had a bit of a muddle with the museum staff, first they raised the half barrier across the entrance for us - only for it to descend again before we had all passed. Then having looked at the location of the bike parking we "rode" into the museum grounds only to be told of for riding - then having just locked our bikes up were told they had to be parked in the car park. Finally we made it to the cafe where some partook of food while others wondered around the new muesum.

I came away disappointed - it had no life to it (unlike the old museum housed in the bath houses) it was too sanitised and what exhibitions for body art, shoes and wigs has to do with mining beats me.

Terry Negus

Doug & Margaret Cockburn

Elizabeth Cockburn

Hastily we rode on to the Woodhorn Grange pub on the other side of the lake - passing the very run down looking narrow gauge railway, where I had hoped to transport our bikes to the pub on the train.

Drinks were got and food was ordered from a very strange bar person. having settled down for a wait ( food would take 1/2 hour as they were busy) - it arrivied in less than 5 mins.

Soon it was time to start the return leg - this time against the wind, The Cockburns left here to return to Morpeth. By now the sun was trying to break through so on we pedalled back the way we came. Stuart on receiving a call left us leaving just Doug, Phil & Lindsay. This time we followed the signed route through Blyth which is well signed but somewhat converluted.

Arriving at Woodhorn Museum

End of the ride and the sun comes out

Arriving at Seaton Sluice we stopped for a very welcome pint at the Kings Arms PH in the hazy sunshine before finishing the ride at Lindsay's house. Here Phil hitched up the trailer Doug had brought over for him and it was time to say our good byes. Account by DougR

June 17th Downhill All The Way Ride
The annual 27 mile downhill ride from Parkhead to Gateshead Civic Centre following the C2C route and the Derwent walk. As usual this ride gets fully booked very quickly. The limiting factor is how many people the coach can carry. Some rangers were disappointed this year not to get a place on this ride. I have an arrangement with Neil Friar to block booked several places but I have to confirm with him very quickly the exact numbers so other members of the public may have a chance to take part - hence my request for speedy replies for anyone wanting to take part. First come first to get a place. This year Doug, David, Rob & his son Ben took part. Ben still has the scars from last years ride when he come off his bike in the Derwent Walk Park.
At the last moment Neil Frier asked if we would help with the ride owing to non availability of council staff !
The day arrived with the skies looking a bit threatening but with hardly any wind. With the vans packed with bikes we boarded the coach to take the circuitous route to Parkhead - getting as far as the turn off for Chester Le Street where we got blocked by traffic going to the Test Match. Finally we arrived at parkhead to find it very busy with other riders. Here we met Doug, Margaret & Elizabeth who were doing a tandem bike ride from Langley Park.
the ride got off to a good start when David found his bike had suffered a puncture in transit requiring speedy repairs.

Rob & David carry out repairs

Doug waves the Sustrans flag

The more experienced riders who knew the route set off first while we followed soon after with less confident riders unfamilier with the route and in some cases with a bike !!!!!
Pausing several times for back markers to catch up we made our way back down to Gateshead. In Derwenthaugh park we were treated to a flying display by the Red Kites who were soaring overhead. By this time everyone was scattered all over the place but I don't think we lost anybody. Neil Frier said he had replies next day thanking Gateshed for organising the ride.
June 19th Pedaling Picnic Ride - Hartly to Blyth
This was cancelled due to lack of an uptake by people staying at the caravan park - only ONE expressed an interest.

June 25th Wlyam Waggonway Sustrans Celebration Ride
This was arranged by the Sustrans Newcastle office and was by invitation only. The prime aim of the ride was to publicise the resurfaced Wylam Waggonway and Sustrans 30th Anniversary. Sustrans staff, along with media, press, tourism and local authority partners were invited - only a token number of rangers were requested for the ride.
As it turned out no one from the media turned up so Sustrans staff along with Doug, Lindsay, Ron and Marrion enjoyed the ride with a "brief" stop at the Boathouse - Newburn for drinks paid for by Bryn Dowson Regional manager Sustrans North. Arriving at the Guildhall we sampled the excellent cuisine provided by Carol - various curries, snacks and drinks on offer. The ride went very well without any rain which had been forecast and with the path re-surfaced we all arrived without the usual mud streaks up our backs !!

Sustrans Staff and Rangers at Hagg bank Bridge - Wylam

Steve Psallidas - Sustrans getting ready to jump !!

Ron, Lindsay and Doug outside the "Boathouse" PH at Newburn

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