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6th Leg - Liverpool to Newcastle - Part 2
Not wanting to travel on busy roads but, wanting to be involved in some way and help raise money for charity, Josie and her sister, Wendy, travelled from Allenheads to Newcastle. About 43 miles were covered, although the support, Dave Parsons, thinks it was considerably more. Having had virtually a week of rain, we were expecting a mud bath on the cycle tracks but, nothing could beat Des’ epic ride! (3rd Leg)
Wendy raring to go!
Wendy still raring to go!! Josie applying layers as too cold.
The Pink Ladies at the start. 10.30am 536m climb ahead. Wendy was wondering why Josie chose to start at the bottom of the hill and asked Dianne to drive her to the top. Not happening!
Our support – Dave, Dianne and Kodi.
Our support puppy, Kodi and Dianne.
And we’re off! Thought we’d follow a cyclist but, he was too slow.
Oh dear. Wendy’s walking so were the two guys we were following. Josie waited and waited and waited at the top having pedalled all the way. ?
Wendy took the lead at the top to set a comfortable pace. We had a nice downhill stretch on quiet roads into Rookhope.
Rookhope. The pub was shut! No Cider! Started stripping off. After that climb, the layers were no longer a requirement.
We got going on a hill again. 500m climb over shorter distance than last – about 11/2 miles.
Oh dear – Wendy’s off again!
And the real climb began! Terrain was terrible. Large stones, huge puddles and lots of mud! The top was even worse more like a river bed with slimy stones, running water and more mud! We left our support vehicle at the bottom to go up and over the moors. Josie cycled. Wendy walked.
Josie had a nice rest at the top waiting for Wendy. Top of Bolt’s Law Railway Incline.
She’ll be coming round the mountain when she comes!
Not far now Wendy – you can do it!
View from the top.
Nearly there!
Wendy taking a photo to prove to her husband that she actually got to the top. She was now ready to give up.
Who said that a sheep says “baa” This one was definitely saying “yeahhhhh” cheering us on. Had a little break before crossing the moors where no photos were taken as we were just riding through boulders, mud and puddles and needed tight grip as the bikes were slipping.
Having got onto some better ground. Wendy set the pace.
Where are we? In the middle of nowhere.
Coming into Parkhead where we met the support vehicle for next set of directions. Dave was absolutely magnificent at keeping us on the right track.
Headed towards Waskerley Way. Took a wrong turn here and ended up going in the wrong direction. Josie’s map reading left a lot to be desired and sign-posts were non-existent. Asked some cyclists who put us in the right direction.
And what’s this???!!! Our support in the pub! Having a Cider!
Waskerley Reservoir. The scenery was magnificent however, Wendy had past caring. The terrain wasn’t much better here. Every puddle was a huge one which you couldn’t go round so just ended up getting very wet and muddy! Needed a tight grip on handlebars again. The downhill wasn’t enjoyable as it was dangerous.
Blackhill - First proper pit stop. Still no Cider! Cup of tea for Wendy and water for Josie. Wendy drying her socks on someone’s garden wall. We were drenched by this time.
The smell of Wendy’s feet was too much for Kodi.
Back on the bikes and we rode through Derwent Walk. Scenery was fantastic and houses were mansions. Even the paths were nice – no more mud. Josie’s mud guard fell off and Wendy’s chain came off. Didn’t take any photos through this part of the ride as Wendy just wanted to get to the finish. Arranged to meet Dianne and Dave further ahead.
Swalwell Juniors FC. Somehow, we’d managed to overtake the support vehicle. Dianne and Dave were waiting in Derwentside Park then back-tracked to Hamsterley Mill to look for us. Stuffed our faces with Jelly Babies.
15 minutes later, the support arriving. They’d met a friend and decided to have a chin-wag! This is where we said bye to Dianne, Dave and Kodi. They must have had a really boring day but, were a great support to us.
We’re coming home Newcastle! Going over the Scotswood Bridge over the Tyne. 2 minutes earlier Josie fell off bike whilst stationary. Couldn’t get up for laughing. Wendy was too slow (again) to get a photo.
Scotswood Bridge a distant memory. Cycle track was great here just following the River into Newcastle.
View of all the bridges - Redheugh Bridge, King Edward Bridge, Metro Bridge, High Level Bridge, Swing Bridge, Tyne Bridge and Millennium Bridge.
That is definitely mud on the back of Josie’s trousers.
Some footballer getting Wendy’s number!
Special thanks to Aaron McLean who generously sponsored us. Both of us were thinking we absolutely stink, we were thick with clarts and he was pulling us closer into the picture.
Under the Millennium Bridge and The Baltic in the background.
The Sage opposite the Pitcher & Piano but, still we didn’t have a Cider.
Ignore the sign! This is, and always will be, St. James’ Park – home of the best team in the North-East.
Shearer’s Bar and still we didn’t have a Cider. The guy waving actually pulled a moony when Josie put the camera away.
The end! Note no welcoming party! Wendy has vowed never to get on her bike again. Josie wants to do it all again. Next week Newcastle to Hawick.
We actually had one day training for the ride. We are definitely good weather cyclists. Wendy advised Josie to never volunteer her for anything again calling Josie a “slave driver.”
The day after. Wendy feeling much better about what she’d achieved. Just have to get her to do the Coast to Coast now.
Meeting the lads who rode from Liverpool. Martyn, Richard, Josie, Dianne, Richard, Nick, Grace and Wendy. Somebody managed to lock us out (I’m not mentioning any names), everyone’s keys, bags, phones and Dianne’s puppy was locked in. Martyn Headley had to break-in and I’m sure it was something he had done before! New lock required.
And still no Cider!...
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