2022

All up nice and early for breakfast. Lovely big Breakfast, set us up for the day.
Although when we commented on the breakfast the waitress misheard and thought we were complaining.

All packed up and ready for the off. Went to get the bikes out of the van but the majority opinion was why spend all that time pushing the bikes up Crawley side bank,
when we could ride in the van to the top and the start of the flat Waskerly Way. Trevor was rested and ready ride today.

Just cram in the van its only 2 Miles

Ian drives rough, on purpose so we have to hang on

The start of the easy Waskerly way

Cycles unloaded ready for a nice ride on traffic free route

The weather was changeable so its coats on coats off as we cycle along the top of the Waskerley way.

Skies look to be closing in

Yep here comes the rain, Ian had called at the next car park to check our progress. He said he would wait at Mcdonalds Consett for us.

Then the sun comes out, Cycling heaven, flat traffic free sun breaking through

The sun is breaking through. Looks like its going to be a good day cycling.

We come off the Waskerley way and all cross the busy A68 safely, crossing in pairs.

Then its a short ride traffic free to the viaduct leading to Consett. We stop to admire the views and realise Trevor is not with us.

Some cyclists catch us up to say Trevor has a puncture and Peter is going back to help him.

The views off the viaduct are amazing

Great views both directions

It has been a popular spot for people jumping over so now has high barriers fitted

Got to admire these old railway viaducts, built to last.

Ian was worried because we were late, and as in previous years I was sharing my live location with him via google maps.
so when he saw us stationary on the viaduct for a long time he wondered if there had been a problem or disaster.
Not enough worry to ring one of us, and as time was ticking on he decided to drive on to the next meeting point,
which was wise as we had decided to miss out our food stop in Consett as we were know behind schedule.

Trevors bike all fixed again we rode on to Consett where there are intersections of cycle routes, but well signed so that's a big help.

All routes well signed at the intersection.

Dave poses for a photo.

Yep I captured the picture well with the sign in the background

A Sustrans route sign post

We take the Rolwands Gill, Newcastle signed route as this will take us along the Tyne north bank to come back through the tunnel.

Its a nice gentle downhill on old railway lines, all the way to the Tyne signed as Derwent Walk and Country Park.

Only problem was when I got a phone call, last nights stop over asking if we had taken a room key with us.
Quick check of pockets, and yes I had it. I am having a disorganised trip this year.
I assured the Bonny Moor Hen I would drop it back later that evening when I was back home.

Start of the Derwent Walk route

Well signed but its easy to follow the route

There are more bridges but these are not fenced in like the Consett one.

Straight and a gentle down through the trees.

With lots of good signage

We leave the Derwent walk at Swalwell, then there is a tricky bit over and beside busy roads to get to the cycle path alongside the Tyne.
why are there lots of signs when its straight with no turnings, but nothing when there are loads of options and its on busy roads.

Eventually we get back off the busy road section and pick up the cycle route, traffic free and a hard surface so nice cycling.

The route brings along the side of the Metro Shopping Centre. another photo opportunity.

After the Metro Centre, the route continues along the south bank of the Tyne
Its very flat with a hard surface so easy cycling.
Newcastle bridges start to come into view so we know its not far to lunch stop at Wetherspoons Quayside

The route brings us to the low level bridge that crosses the Tyne, this is where we cross the river to the north bank of the Tyne and the lunch stop.

Made it to the lunch stop, Ian is already there

Refreshment break. well deserved.

Dont know why Peter looks unhappy, he loves a Spoons meal & drink.

Cheers, nice stop by the river.

As we come to the Blinking eye bridge I ask if anyone wants to ride over it. Seems like I was the only one, so rode over on my own, moved over for two girls with pushchairs who did not want to move, clipped my handlebar on the handrail and went down hard on my knee.
I was having a bad time this ride, the blinking eye has metal strips with rough raised bits for grip so I tore a couple of long strips off my knee.
Just picked myself up, straightened my handle bars and rode on.

Then back off the bridge we continued along the route which is now the Hadrians way cycle route, Familiar territory for those who cycled Hadrian's way ride in 2019.

While we are waiting I decide to have a look at my knee, I would have just cycled on but as we are stopped anyway and it is bleeding quite heavily.
I have time to give it some attention.

Soon we come to the Tyne Tunnel, guess what the escalators are not working so we have to down in the lift ,
which is a slow process as the lifts are small and only take two at a time.

Tyne Tunnel has been open a long time.

Glen and Conner exit the lift.

At least its clearly signed which section to use.

Saddled up and on our way back Under the Tyne

Then its easy riding through South Shields to our usual finishing point at Minchella's

Unfortunately with the delays we are late and they have closed so no refreshments available.

Coming towards the finishing point

Glen seems really pleased to finish this year. It has been a tough one.

Group photo at the end of another great cycling holiday

Dave loves his memento pictures

Dipping our wheels

Try to get the bikes wet but not our feet

Well done Conner you smashed it and kept the wheel dip tradition as well

Peter dips his wheels, but then thinks I will go one better

Peter dips himself in the sea.

Didnt stay in long its very cold. Crazy man.

As usual ever reliable Karen has come to meet us at the finish line, This year because of COVID Colin N didn't do the ride so Julie was not there either to give anyone a lift.

Only one thing for it Trevor and I went home with Karen in the car, the rest of the lads piled in the van with the bikes.

Then all that was left was for me to take the key back to the hotel, and for Ian to take the van back the following morning.
So glad I did a week hire and not three days. It worked out well.

Then that was it another great cycling holiday over, already planning next years