Today's Ride

[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!

 

[al-onestare]

Re:

That looks great, especially that last shot!

 

[rwm1962]

Aye - felt a bit guilty going on my own so taking the Mrs there for coffee & cake tomorrow.

 

[al-onestare]

Re:

Super-wet morning but managed to find a new road route over the downs to Lullingstone which I'll check out further on Friday when it's dry. No pictures but really glad I got out and stretched the legs.

 

[seiben]

24 miles yesterday up the Ridgeway and round through Swincombe woods on my mongrelly old Univega.

Felt really good, despite the rain!

 

[rwm1962]

21 miler to take the lasses ebike battery & charger to the bike shop for assessment. Fortunately it's in a canny spot for a ride. Stopped off at the Big Lamp Brewery for a pint on the way home.

Pond at Bradley Gardens, Crawcrook


Disused railway bridge over the Tyne at Wylam


George Stephenson's birthplace, Wylam


Prince Bishop, The Keelsman, Newburn


Site of the Blaydon Races


Blaydon Burn

 

[mk one]

Disused railway bridge over the Tyne at Wylam

Like the bridge, bet its also great for jumping/diving off in summer