Today's Ride

[Markybeau]

Re:

As the easing back to work begins, I'm getting more used to the commute distance again. Added to which it turns out the Mtrax is now quite comfortable, much more than the C16r was anyway.

Took the longer ride in, and another longer ride home.

Rode as far along the dismantled railway, that I followed the other day, as I could today. Tried to picture how different the surrounding area must have been when it was still in use.
Looking at the map, I've actually ridden a couple of later sections in earlier lockdown rides.

Sunny intervals would best describe today's weather. About 14°c morning, 18°c afternoon. Still a breeze, stronger this morning than this afternoon, but pleasant. Threatened rain, but didn't.

 

[mk one]

Really nice day today, perfect weather for a ride.

Headed to do a longer loop i haven't done in a while, as usual i never happened as i was feeling a bit tired when i first started. I ended up just staying on a trail i know that just ends at a country park. By the time i got there i was feeling a lot better and had added a couple of diversions in along the way. A lap around the park and i headed down a bridleway i have never rode, it just goes to a village and roads, but it was a little gem to ride and only a short downhill stretch of road before i found my way back onto the trails.

Lots of cyclists out on the trails today, most not in the mood to acknowledge a simple hello.

Great ride, and i even stopped to sit in a field for a while to soak up some rays

 

[The History Man]

Out-retroed you all yesterday. Needs to be flatter for it though.

 

[mk one]

Out-retroed you all yesterday. Needs to be flatter for it though.

definitely an RSF route that one

 

[rwm1962]

Down to the Tyne at Blaydon, quick unsuccessful mooch around Alpkit for a bar bag then back along the Derwent.

 

[rwm1962]

Re: Re:

Nice shots gents.

& that one is a corker! Liking those tyres too.

 

[al-onestare]

Cheers I'm not a fan of Schwalbe tyres; heavy and they wear out quickly but these boys are the exception. There're very capable off-road until it's wet then it's skid-pan time

Went exploring the other side of the Cray valley - forbidden territory! Well that's what it felt like at times; super-quiet with no-one about, sort of no-mans land. Exploring can result in dodgy trails and exiting one of the excellent trail tunnels, I tried to avoid some illegal tipping but sadly ran over some glass.

Changing a tyre on a single speed takes a bit longer so I had to head back after the change. Tomorrow I know where to avoid and I'll continue on a path that looks like it goes up and over the A20 towards more open space.

Superb morning - blue skies, the northerly breeze has disappeared - spot on!

 

[rwm1962]

Great new 17 mile route from the back gate & about 75% of it was new to me. Had to take my time to keep checking the map - be swifter next time. Averaged a 100ft of ascent per mile.

Looking across the Tyne Valley towards the Cheviots


Section of bridlepath above Prudhoe


Steep climb out of Hyons West wood


View over Stocksfield towards Hexham - the steam from the formica factory just visible on the horizon


Towards Hedley on the Hill


Paddock Wood near Whittonstall


Looking across the Derwent Valley


Spoiling my dinner with Blueberry Pie at Blackhall Mill

 

[mk one]

Great new 17 mile route from the back gate & about 75% of it was new to me.

Some great views and countryside around there

 

[rwm1962]

Aye. I'm having great fun on the OS app plotting out local routes!