2022

After the hard ride on day one, and knowing how hard day two was going to be Trevor decided not to cycle on the second day but to ride in the van with Ian so he could have a rest, a decision we all fully supported as we knew how hard the day was going to be.

As Wetherspoons was so handy we elected to just go there for our breakfast. All fed ready for the coming day we packed our bags to place them in the van for the day.

Bags all packed, we walk out to the van in the car park to be greeted by the sight of Peter with his bike rear wheel off.

Fortunately it was only a minor adjustment on the rear wheel bearing, quickly done and refitted.

While we waited for Peter we decided to check our bikes over after the hard day yesterday
Fortunately apart from mud splattered frames no other repairs were required.

Trevor insisted on taking the photo as he was not riding today, Shame he cut Bob in half.

Then we saddled up and set on our way. First short section is up towards the main street, which was just a very gentle incline, then the route turned right and we climbed straight up to above Penrith.

Top of the steep climb, cruel at the start of the day but only a taste of what was to come.

Its undulating on the minor roads as we steadily climb towards Hartside, the highest point of the ride.
So we have frequent stops, which are photo opportunities

Only just over 4 miles from Penrith, nice that the signs confirm we are on route.

A little further on we come across Ian and Trevor who have stopped for a visit to Long Meg and her daughters
A stone circle that's just off the route, they are both big fans of culture.

As we are stood chatting a couple go past looking smug on the climbs. They are on electric bikes so find the climbs much easier than us, but we like the challenge.

Then we come to the first off road option. After a discussion we agree on the off road route as its safer than cycling in traffic and its shorter, although a harder route.

Then we come to another junction with options. Again we decide to take the off road route for the same reasons, even though I advise them its worse than what we have just covered,

As we are standing discussing the options a lad goes past on a bike all panniered up, we give him some encouragement as he takes the road option.
Hope to see you at the top.

As we climb higher and higher it turns colder and windy, but the reward with the frequent stops is the great views back the way we have come
with the hills of the lake district in the background. There are lots of markers across the moors, Bob wonders if they are cyclist grave yards. Certainly the route is very challenging.

Push past the derelict barn

Keep pushing lads its not a cafe.

Peter finds a gate hinge to fix

Just over a rise and there is a section were we can cycle down to a small bridge.

we have to stop for pics and views

The small stream is in strong flow

Then its back to the pushing up hill

The ground is boggy, we all try to pick a dry route but end up with wet feet

Still cant find a dry route and its a long push

The views from the top are our reward.

Even have seats to sit on

As we had been pushing up the last section we saw the cyclist with the panniers winding his way up the road, getting close to the top. Bob and I decide to race him to the top. We were pushing up the steep off road section, but managed to break into a run and get to the top first. Oh the little things that entertain us.

We all arrive at the top and felt a great sense of achievement, especially as we knew it was a nice long downhill to Alston.
Although we did miss the cafe that was no longer at the top.
Ian and Trevor were already there with the van so a group photo was in order.
The cyclist with the panniers had made it to the top and was taking a selfie.
I walked over and offered to take a full picture of him with the sign, which he greatfully accepted and then returned the favour so we could all be in the picture.

Turns out he was called Christian and was doing C2C then heading back down country towards home.

Then the long easy downhill to Alston, where we decided on a cafe stop. Although we were cycling at the end of June it was cold wet and windy, typical for over the top of the Pennines.

Not many options for food and drink, we finally found one near the top of the town. While we were parking the bikes, a scrap man drove past eyeing up all the bikes. Then he stopped further down the road and the passenger got out and walked up a side street opposite the cafe. I was highly suspicious of their actions so stayed outside with the bikes.
I was glad I did as the passenger had looped round the top and came walking back down the main road, he was disappointed that I was guarding the bikes.

Then as I was stood waiting Christian came past, and stopped just over the road, he said he was debating with finding digs in Alston or cycling on a bit further. As there did not seem many options in Alston for food and stays he decided to cycle on.

Then it was time to saddle up and tackle the second part of the day. Its fairly easy down to Nenthead, where we stop for another break and discuss the route options. As we are behind schedule and the weather is closing in we decide on the shortest route to Stanhope and our overnight stopover.

While we are chatting and buying snacks from the shop, I cross the road to the play area where I played on the zip line the last time I did the C2C with a group.
Cycling is turning into a tradition so I play on the zipline again

The downside to the chosen route is there is a very steep climb out of Nenthead, where we cross the county border and come into Co Durham.

After cresting the steep climb we expected easy riding all the way down to Stanhope. No the wind was from the east, which is quite rare in the UK and strong so we were having to pedal down hill.

We kept up a decent pace and fortunately made it into the digs just before the rain started.

As usual Ian was there with the van so bikes stored and into the rooms which were very clean and comfortable

Then all showered changed and down to the bar for food and drink.
Excellent stop with lovely food and generous portions.

Peters bike under repair	Adjusting rear wheel bearing
Quickly fixed and refitting