Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Rides and Touring => Topic started by: Ruth on 28 April, 2014, 11:38:01 am

Title: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Ruth on 28 April, 2014, 11:38:01 am
Who's in?

See here (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=39549.0), and here (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=39549.150).
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Polar Bear on 28 April, 2014, 11:44:26 am
Hmmm, interesting.

I actually used the tunnel in 2002 I think it was.   I had ridden a C2C with a friend and we were making our way back to the railway station in Newcastle from Whitley Bay.   Our dawdling meant that we only just caught the train to Carlisle by the skin of our teeth.   

TBH, interesting as it was, crossing on the interesting curved bridge further up river was more to my liking.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Ruth on 28 April, 2014, 11:55:27 am
We'll be crossing that bridge too, PB.  When we come to it  ;)
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Canardly on 28 April, 2014, 01:18:05 pm
Wots happening ref digs?
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Aidan on 28 April, 2014, 02:08:23 pm
Put me down for it.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: tiermat on 28 April, 2014, 03:07:20 pm
Pencil me in.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Ruth on 28 April, 2014, 05:32:47 pm
Wots happening ref digs?

Dunno. Who wants digs and when?
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Canardly on 28 April, 2014, 05:47:02 pm
Not a week end thingy then?
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: SlowCoach on 28 April, 2014, 06:02:38 pm
I'm in. Just have to break the news gently to the boss that she may not now be going away that weekend...
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: SlowCoach on 28 April, 2014, 06:05:16 pm
Not a week end thingy then?
[/quote
The last ride wasn't, though people stayed at the Youth Hostel the night before. It could easily be made into a weekend with rides on both days. There's lots of scope for alternative pootles.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: mcshroom on 28 April, 2014, 07:23:54 pm
I'm in - depending on exactly when I decide to tour in September. I think I should be back by then but I'm not sure.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Canardly on 28 April, 2014, 08:31:57 pm
Interesting...mmm
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Kim on 28 April, 2014, 08:34:32 pm
Pencilled in.

Who am I kidding?  It's an XML file on a server.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Canardly on 28 April, 2014, 08:44:57 pm
Ditto
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Ruth on 09 May, 2014, 06:30:35 pm
What do we think of this option for accommodation, for those who want it?

http://www.euro-hostels.co.uk/newcastle

There's also the George Hotel in Jesmond, which offers discount accommodation for backpackers, but only during the week.

http://www.georgehotel-newcastle.co.uk/

They have a couple of four-bed rooms.

Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Ruth on 09 May, 2014, 06:31:15 pm
'Course, there's always the travelodge option, which is simpler as we'd each sort ourselves out.

Gateshead travelodge is cheaper than the city centre one, about £40+ per night though.

I'd offer to put people up on my floor the night before/after, but since I don't know where I'll be living then, that seems unwise.  It might be an option later though, just training it there and back and hitting the bright lights of Darlo at some stage(s).
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: SlowCoach on 12 May, 2014, 01:46:20 pm
Alternatively I might be able to offer accommodation a little closer to Newcastle - room 1 (a double), room 2 (a single), room 3 a double plus floor space for 3 or 4, garden - room for probably 3 small tents. If there is interest I'll broach the matter with the boss.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: mcshroom on 13 June, 2014, 10:16:06 am
I'll upgrade from a maybe to an yes :D
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Canardly on 13 June, 2014, 04:54:51 pm
Trains are silly expensive atm, so not sure.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 13 June, 2014, 06:28:42 pm
Is there a fixed day/time for this yet? Need to investigate trains, as tickets are available.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: mcshroom on 13 June, 2014, 06:32:51 pm
Calendar says 6-7th September :)
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 13 June, 2014, 06:36:11 pm
Calendar says 6-7th September :)

Is it both days, though? ???
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Ruth on 13 June, 2014, 06:59:49 pm
Calendar says 6-7th September :)

Is it both days, though? ???

Depends if you want to overnight the Saturday night before doing the ride on Sunday.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: mcshroom on 22 June, 2014, 11:43:42 pm
Just a reminder that train tickets will now be available for this. Anyone got an idea where we would start/finish?

I tried reading the old thread but got lost somewhere around the point that you were failing to escape from Death Star ASDA in South Shields :)

Oh, also spotted this if you did want it to be a whole weekend: -
Tyne Tunnel and Tees Bridges would make a cracking weekend.

*has a charlotte-esque little moment at the very thought of it*

Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Polar Bear on 23 June, 2014, 06:01:37 am
We're looking at doing a c2c / Reivers loop starting and finishing in Carlisle nearer the end of September / beginning of October so we're definitely out.  Sorry. 
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Ruth on 27 June, 2014, 11:52:52 pm
Right.  http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=10126

A lot of my life in September seems to involve gigs in and around Newcastle, so I reckon I might spend it camping around there with my bicycle.  This campsite looks rather pleasant, and I reckon if we wanted to make a weekend of it we could do worse.

What do we think?
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: mcshroom on 28 June, 2014, 12:06:32 am
Looks very like a lot of Scout Camp sites I've been to. Very basic, I'm not sure how well the lack of toilets would go down :)

Quote
There aren't toilets but we can provide you with a spade to dig your own and there is water 10 minutes walk away at the farmhouse. This is "camping sauvage" at its best!
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Ruth on 28 June, 2014, 12:07:07 am
Yeah, I thought that.  It does look nice though.

Also:  it's not the Gateshead Travelodge.

Such a shame they shut the youth hostel in Newcastle.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: mcshroom on 28 June, 2014, 12:07:47 am
It does.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: nikki on 05 July, 2014, 08:34:14 pm
Any chance of a quick redux, please? Where's the likely start and finish, roughly how far is the ride and which of the two days would it be on?

Cheers.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Ruth on 05 July, 2014, 08:38:32 pm
It's an either/or at the moment, Nikki.

The last time we did it, there weren't many miles (I can't remember the number) but it took all day.  Lots of eating ice cream, faffing, getting lost, riding on boats and pointing at 'planes.  We set off at about 9am from the youth hostel, and got back to the car at about 8.30pm (as I recall).

We can be flexible around things like train times if you like.  But if you fancy a weekend's 'wild' camping, you'll have maximum flexibility.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Ruth on 05 July, 2014, 08:44:31 pm
Are you looking at train tickets Nikki?
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Ruth on 05 July, 2014, 08:57:42 pm
Right, unless someone else wants to lead this ride it's off.

Sensibly, my mental health at the moment is not good enough to plan, organise and follow through organising a ride involving other people.

I'm sorry to let people down but better now, before people spend money and make plans, than later on.

Sorry chaps.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Ruth on 05 July, 2014, 08:58:13 pm
I'll be deleting this thread in a week or so.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: nikki on 05 July, 2014, 08:59:52 pm
I was going to say:

Quote
It comes at the end of a week that's currently earmarked to be kept free of work, so there's possibly an option to get creative with the journey up and then get the train home. Driving might be an option too.

I seem to be quite injury prone at the moment though, and fitness is very low, so it all might be wishful thinking.

So, is it a circular day ride sorta thing?

...but no worries if you don't feel up to it
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: nikki on 05 July, 2014, 09:00:31 pm
...except, y'know, hope the mental health improves soon...
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Ruth on 05 July, 2014, 09:05:28 pm
I will probably still holiday in that region, since it is a wonderful part of the world.  Anyone of this parish is welcome to join me for as much of that as they would like.

The fear of letting people down is enough to prevent me leaving the house at all, unfortunately.  Best to do my own thing, and organise group stuff when I'm not ill.

I'll post details of my itinerary nearer the time.

I really am sorry.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: mcshroom on 06 July, 2014, 01:00:40 pm
I'm not sure if I'll be on a bike again by September, but I'm happy to try and organise something to keep this going. Give me a day or so to plot something out :)
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: mcshroom on 07 July, 2014, 08:09:56 pm
Right, had a quick look.

If we plan to ride from near Newcastle Central Station then we could head out West a bit to meet the Scotswood Road bridge (the one which links C2C and Hadrians) and then turn east, taking in the bridges as we head along the banks on NCN72/NCN14, Possibly stop off in the Bike Hub Cafe along the north quayside then follow the river east a bit to get a look at the Willington Viaduct. Instead of the tunnels we could look at catching the Shields Ferry (round trip from one end of the tunnel to the other using the ferry is a little over 7 miles).

Otherwise we could start a bit further up the Tyne in somewhere like Ovingham (direct train from central) and pick up a few bridges in places like Newburn and the Hagg Bank Bridge (the one on the cycle-path on the night ride) and then turn around near the Bike Hub.

Not sure how long people would like this ride but if you have an idea of what time you would like to get to Newcastle/Get home then I can try and plan round that :)
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: SlowCoach on 10 July, 2014, 05:15:06 pm
Sorry, I've been out of the loop some time and just resurfaced.

I've got a variety of routes round here between 20 miles and 120 (depends if you want to include the Tees and the Wear as well with visits to Quaking Houses, No Place, Terris Novalis, Stadium of Light, Angel of the North, Penshaw Monument, North Shields Fish Quay etc.). How far do people want to go? If the ride starts from Newcastle Central I would suggest that we head out west a little way first and then head east as far as possible saving all the silly gratuitous crossings in Newcastle (Millenium, High Level, Tyne, Swing bridges etc.) for the way back. These are all within a mkile or so of each other but there is much faffing of changing level to get them all in the right order. If someone is running late for the train you could then miss them and head straight for the station. Last time we went from the old youth hostel (North Bank near Jesmond):
1) along the North bank to Tynemouth Priory and the pier head
2) across the Shields Ferry intending to go to Souter Lighthouse (but never got that far)
3) back along the south side to the cycle tunnel
4) through the cycle tunnel
5) back along the North Bank to Millenium Bridge
6) Crossed Millenium Bridge North to South
8) Crossed Tyne Bridege South to North
9) Crossed High Level Bridge North to South
10) Crossed Swing Bridge South to North

My plans for the Redheugh and Scotswood Bridges got waylaid through lack of time. Basically we took it very easy with lots of stops. We could have taken things more seriously and covered a much greater mileage (but on the day we couldn't be bothered). The 2 landmarks which were on my original route which we can't currently hit are  the cycle tunnel itself (cos it's still closed) and the 'Get Carter' carpark (cos they've pulled it down). Ovingham bridge (to the west) is also out of action at the moment. How far do people want to go? This is a ride on quietish routes through a largely industrial landscape. There's not a lot of climbing unless you take a longer route out to Consett steelworks direction, but it isn't totally flat. I can make either or both days  - if people wanted to stray over the weekend. I could organise a route both days. The other alternative to camping would be to run it from Durham and I could put up to 8 people up for the weekend (have 5 spare bed slots plus lots of floor).
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: SlowCoach on 11 July, 2014, 01:49:36 pm
How about something like http://cycle.travel/map/journey/8020 (http://cycle.travel/map/journey/8020)?

72km, starting and finishing at Central Station taking in Scotswood Bridge to  the East, the bend of Tynemouth Pier on the North Bank and Souter Lighthouse on the South Bank
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Ruth on 11 July, 2014, 04:06:30 pm
It looks like a great route, that, but we'd need to start early-ish (ie, before lunch).
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: nikki on 18 July, 2014, 05:49:06 pm
How about something like http://cycle.travel/map/journey/8020 (http://cycle.travel/map/journey/8020)?

Ooh! Mappage! That makes a lot more sense to me now!  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: nikki on 19 July, 2014, 12:14:24 pm
This is all very speculative atm, so treat it as musing aloud rather than an actual plan, but...

I've been weighing up workloads and calendars and I reckon there's a fair chance that I might be able to do a bit of touring from say Wed 3rd, do this ride on Saturday (has a day been officially declared yet?) and then travel back towards Birmingham on Sunday giving me a bit of turnaround time before heading off to work in Bristol.

'Touring' might involve camping in one location within striking distance of the start for this ride and doing some circular rides on the days before, or I might follow the Hadrian's Cycleway or similar across from Carlisle or however far across is easy to get to and within range of my fitness.

Driving up is still an option, as is morphing the Not Yet A Plan to accommodate the usual Modorian accomplices if they're interested in partaking...

Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: SlowCoach on 21 July, 2014, 01:16:52 pm
Ok - 10am meet at Newcastle on Saturday 6th September. Route approximately as above unless anyone disagrees mightily. I ought to suggest meeting under the portico, but that's currently a building site, so I'll say meet inside the station near the portico (on second thoughts, given the general silliness of this route, perhaps starting in the middle of a building site could be appropriate...).
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: mcshroom on 21 July, 2014, 01:25:53 pm
Fine by me (if I can ride a bike by then) :)
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: SlowCoach on 21 July, 2014, 03:02:25 pm
Fine by me (if I can ride a bike by then) :)
We could always "borrow" the mobile advertising hoarding/quadricycle that we saw at the Miners Gala.  ;D It would be impossible to fall off and if we rigged a sail to it you'd get quite a turn of speed.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: nikki on 21 July, 2014, 03:48:40 pm
Ok - 10am meet at Newcastle on Saturday 6th September. Route approximately as above unless anyone disagrees mightily. I ought to suggest meeting under the portico, but that's currently a building site, so I'll say meet inside the station near the portico (on second thoughts, given the general silliness of this route, perhaps starting in the middle of a building site could be appropriate...).

 :thumbsup: Sounds good

We could always "borrow" the mobile advertising hoarding/quadricycle that we saw at the Miners Gala.  ;D

Ooh! Oooh! Ooooh! Can we have one of those banners too, can we, please?
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: SlowCoach on 21 July, 2014, 04:34:42 pm
Ooh! Oooh! Ooooh! Can we have one of those banners too, can we, please?

You'll be wanting the brass band next  ;D
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Ruth on 21 July, 2014, 07:27:37 pm
If we borrow the one with the coffin he could just lie there looking at the sky while he gets pedalled round the Toon  :D

That is if we remember to leave the lid off.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: nikki on 21 July, 2014, 10:03:44 pm
You'll be wanting the brass band next  ;D

If it's in an Acid Brass stylee
http://youtu.be/Mxf-8HkwAMY?list=RD27-FwZuEKQE

TOTALLY!
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: SlowCoach on 22 July, 2014, 12:42:25 pm
If we borrow the one with the coffin he could just lie there looking at the sky while he gets pedalled round the Toon  :D

Yeah - the Co-op Funeral Service were a bit mystified by the unhealthy interest we were taking in their bicycle hearse at the Gala. Mind you, I was a bit mystified by their decision to put an exhibition stand between the the fairground stalls and the Labour Party Tea Tent. Perhaps they were scanning the number of red puffy faces in the crowd and thinking that they had a lot of potential clients. It might have been better to put them next door to the first aid tent - it would have eased the processing of casualties.  ???
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: mcshroom on 22 July, 2014, 12:48:14 pm
If we borrow the one with the coffin he could just lie there looking at the sky while he gets pedalled round the Toon  :D

That is if we remember to leave the lid off.

Are you sure anyone would be mad enough to try and drag my weight up some of those hills ;D

The more I look at it and the more I hear from specialists, the less likely I think it'll be I can ride - but I'm not pulling out until I have to. Put me down as a maybe? :)
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: jogler on 22 July, 2014, 01:03:53 pm


The more I look at it and the more I hear from specialists, the less likely I think it'll be I can ride - but I'm not pulling out until I have to. Put me down as a maybe? :)

Beware too much too soon.
 :)
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Kim on 22 July, 2014, 01:48:59 pm
...or find a recumbent trike from somewhere.   :demon:
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: mcshroom on 22 July, 2014, 03:56:04 pm
Quote
The more I look at it and the more I hear from specialists, the less likely I think it'll be I can ride - but I'm not pulling out until I have to. Put me down as a maybe? :)
I'm not a doctor (well, not a medical doctor) but I'd be inclined to listen to them - last time I was afflicted with something similar I was told to give it 10-12 weeks before doing anything remotely strenuous and/or boneheaded. On the other hand, if you discover that you've acquired a new superpower which involves rapid healing then go for it ;)

6th September would be 9wks after surgery :-\

I'm seeing the consultant on Friday, I'll have a chat with him about things. I know he cycles himself, as he was asking me questions about road bikes in the fracture clinic (he's buying one to replace his hybrid).
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: SlowCoach on 22 July, 2014, 04:29:56 pm
...or find a recumbent trike from somewhere.   :demon:
The hearse we saw was one up on a recumbent... basically a tandem equipped with a coffin carrying sidecar  :demon:

It would be just the thing for the Whitby Halloween ride
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Kim on 22 July, 2014, 04:59:54 pm
...or find a recumbent trike from somewhere.   :demon:
The hearse we saw was one up on a recumbent... basically a tandem equipped with a coffin carrying sidecar  :demon:

Not so good for taking the stress off b0rked arms, thobut.


Quote
It would be just the thing for the Whitby Halloween ride

Indeed!
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: SlowCoach on 23 July, 2014, 01:06:00 pm
Not so good for taking the stress off b0rked arms, thobut.

I'm sure that the coffin occupant has a totally stress free ride. I suspect it's hard work for the pedallers though.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: nikki on 19 August, 2014, 09:19:24 am
I had a look at train prices last night - gosh it's expensive!

Not much in it between driving and training, price-wise, so looking like I'll drive up for the added flexibility.

Current inclination is to base the tent at http://www.highhermitagecaravanpark.co.uk from Wednesday and then to make forays out for History as weather and mojo allow on Thursday and Friday. I'll probably get the train from near the campsite to Newcastle on the Saturday.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: mcshroom on 20 August, 2014, 05:52:33 pm
Nope, won't be back on a bike by then unfortunately so won't be riding :(
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Kim on 20 August, 2014, 06:06:31 pm
Think I'm going to plead logistics and defect to an unofficial Brighton run that the CycleChatters are organising.  Will endeavour to make the Carlisle-Newcastle ride, possibly using touring-based logistics rather than painfully expensive orange cardboard.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Ruth on 20 August, 2014, 06:06:41 pm
Bugger  :(
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Kim on 20 August, 2014, 06:27:31 pm
I know :(

My legs could do with a bit of Ditchling Beacon as preparation for my ROAY attempt, anyway.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: L CC on 22 August, 2014, 04:35:35 pm
I *think* I'm coming if this is still on
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: CrinklyLion on 23 August, 2014, 03:18:24 pm
Den accommodation available Thurs/Fri/Sat nights if it helps anyone with planning.  I don't think I can come - beyond my current cycling capacity I suspect.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: SlowCoach on 24 August, 2014, 04:23:33 pm
Ok - I went out and cycled the route yesterday so we shouldn't get lost (more than once or twice). It's about 55km and flat - York flat - apart from the uphill bits (and there's only 3 of them, all short, one of which could be avoided if you were prepared to bypass the ice-cream van at the Spanish Battery at Tynemouth). The route is mainly offroad paths but is entirely tarmac or paved. Apart from 5 minutes at the start and end plus about 3 miles of road in South Shields from the ferry it would all pass the "can an 8 year old ride it safely" test.

1) Start at Newcastle Station
2) Drop down to the river past Life and then head west on the North bank of the Tyne past the Gun Factory to Scotswood Bridge (Hadrian's Cycleway)
3) Cross the bridge and return east past Dunston Staithes to the Swing Bridge (Keelmans Way)
4) Recross the river south to north at the Swing Bridge
5) Head east along Hadrian's Cycleway towards Tynemouth along the Quayside
6) Stop at Cyclehub for coffee and cakes. The cheese scones taste better than they look (I'm told that their appearance was something to do with the repairs part of the cafe being quiet and bike mechanic having baked them...).
7) Continue heading east past Segadunum, Swan Hunters, the Great British Bollard Company, The Wooden Dolly etc. to stop at North Shields Fish Quay for bacon butties at Wight's, fish and chips or beer as your fancy takes you.
8 ) Proceed on as far as the ice cream van at the Spanish Battery (Tynemouth)
9) Double back to the Shields Ferry and cross to South Shields
10) Follow the Keelman's Way west along the South Tyne to the Baltic and the Silver Slug (The Sage)
11) Recross to the north bank over the Millenium Bridge then climb up to the Tyne Bridge. If there's time, there may be the opportunity for a Ping Pong break here - if anyone remembers the bats and balls
12) Cross the Tyne Bridge then swing round to recross the river over the High Level Bridge
13) Finish at Newcastle Station

I'll post a gpx of the final route just as soon as I get round to editing out my multiple attempts at finding a half reasonable route to cross the last 2 bridges. The route is relaxed, suitable for just about any bike and as I said at the start - it's flat. Whilst it goes through what was once a very industrialised area (we pass shipyards, lead works, collieries, docks, a paint factory and the rope works) it is a remarkably green and quiet way.

Oh - one last thing - you'll need £1.50 for the Shields ferry.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: nikki on 01 September, 2014, 07:41:13 pm
I've started packing in a procrastinating-heavily-with-the-other-the-other-things-I-should-be-doing style  ;D

So, who else is doing the ride?

SlowCoach
fboab
Ruthie?
Aidan?
Tiermat?
Canardly?
phantasmagoriana?
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Ruth on 01 September, 2014, 07:43:15 pm
I'm afraid I won't be able to ride.  I'm injured.  But I am thinking about coming to say  hi to everyone at the station at the start.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Canardly on 01 September, 2014, 08:27:41 pm
Im also out I'm afraid. Trains are too spendy atm. I have looked at a number of options.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: L CC on 01 September, 2014, 11:36:10 pm
Im also out I'm afraid. Trains are too spendy atm. I have looked at a number of options.

YHPM
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: nikki on 02 September, 2014, 08:07:13 pm
I'm afraid I won't be able to ride.  I'm injured.  But I am thinking about coming to say  hi to everyone at the station at the start.

:( to being injured, but :) to coming to the start anyway!


Trains are too spendy atm.

I'd offer lifts back in a southerly direction the following day, but that would involve campsite logistics and may not simplify matters...
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Aidan on 02 September, 2014, 08:31:39 pm
Afraid I can't make it. I have to work   >:(

Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Canardly on 02 September, 2014, 08:33:09 pm
Due to above I have signed up to attend a Sustrans working group on Saturday.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: L CC on 02 September, 2014, 09:52:07 pm
Trains are too spendy for me, too.
I'm having to add this ride to the extensive list of rides I wanted to do this year,  and didn't.
 :(
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Canardly on 02 September, 2014, 10:03:07 pm
Can we not reschedule this for a later date?
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: nikki on 02 September, 2014, 10:37:14 pm
I'm not yet committed to anything (haven't booked campsite) and think I came to the decision earlier this evening that I would have to be going up on Thursday rather than tomorrow, so I wouldn't be too heartbroken if it got rescheduled. So long as it does happen at some point!

How do you feel about it, SlowCoach?
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: SlowCoach on 03 September, 2014, 01:40:57 pm
I'm happy to come out and play on Saturday, but it looks like it's just the two of us at the moment, unless I've misread. If  you want to reschedule later in the year it won't be a problem. I think we should run it again later anyway (even if we do go this weekend) because it's such a silly route. For this weekend we have to run it on Saturday. There will be too many joggers on the Tyne Bridge on Sunday (Great North Run day - our route shares the same road as them for part and crosses their route). Let me know what you would like to do, Nikki
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: nikki on 03 September, 2014, 02:58:56 pm
Okay. Let's postpone 'til another time.

I'm struggling to clear work stuff, so it looks like I'd spend more time in the car driving up than I'd get mucking around in tents and on bikes/bridges. BAH!

It is a mighty fine (silly) route! Thanks for doing the groundwork, SlowCoach, and for prompting the thing in the first place, Ruthie  :thumbsup:

Hopefully the universe will align itself more betterer next time...
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: essexian on 03 April, 2019, 10:14:41 am
Some excellent news and photos in the Guardian yesterday

https://www.theguardian.com/cities/gallery/2019/apr/02/how-they-built-cycling-tunnels-under-the-tyne-by-hand-in-pictures

Perhaps when the tunnels have re-opened, we can do a group ride? I would be up for a C2C plus them later in the summer if anyone is interested.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: aidan.f on 12 April, 2019, 09:21:39 pm
I must check if there will be space in the lift for a tandem trike...
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Deano on 30 April, 2019, 10:19:32 am
Argh. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-47832420

(Who else called it?)
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: L CC on 30 April, 2019, 11:35:00 am
I won't believe an opening date till I'm riding under the ground
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Deano on 07 August, 2019, 11:05:01 pm
Word is, it's open!!!1!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-49261527

Anyone fancy a ride up on Sunday?
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Andy64 on 08 August, 2019, 04:31:21 am
Restricted opening times though. 6AM - 8PM I think
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: canny colin on 08 August, 2019, 08:45:15 am
The council has asked curious visitors to keep away at peak times to avoid  queues . The old escalators have been removed and only the vertical lifts remain which can hold a couple of riders and bikes at a time .The new inclined lifts should be finished in mid September ish   I used to often shoulder the bike and carry it down the stairs ( old stationary escalator  ) as long queues used to develop on a sunday afternoon .
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: L CC on 23 October, 2019, 10:14:12 pm
I won't believe an opening date till I'm riding under the ground

I'm a believer
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: FifeingEejit on 23 October, 2019, 10:48:03 pm
I won't believe an opening date till I'm riding under the ground

I'm a believer

Are opening hours still restricted?
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: L CC on 23 October, 2019, 10:58:40 pm
Yes. Only the standard lift available for bikes, and the escalators not running for peds, either.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: FifeingEejit on 24 October, 2019, 12:02:46 am
Yes. Only the standard lift available for bikes, and the escalators not running for peds, either.

Thanks, Dinner Dart route is planned going that way 'cos it's flatter than going inland, so I'll do the finer planning based on wanting to not be there before 6am.
Leaving Berwick somepoint after 11pm on the Friday... around the 120km mark, so 20kmh on the road.
If I get there stuipidly earlier it's easy enough to go along the river on both sides until a bridge arrives.

Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Andy64 on 24 October, 2019, 10:27:29 am

If I get there stuipidly earlier it's easy enough to go along the river on both sides until a bridge arrives.
Depending how early that is, there's always the ferry from North Shields to South Shields. Closer to the tunnel than any bridge (if that matters)
https://www.nexus.org.uk/ferry/timetable
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: FifeingEejit on 24 October, 2019, 01:20:37 pm

If I get there stuipidly earlier it's easy enough to go along the river on both sides until a bridge arrives.
Depending how early that is, there's always the ferry from North Shields to South Shields. Closer to the tunnel than any bridge (if that matters)
https://www.nexus.org.uk/ferry/timetable

 :thumbsup:
I had considered that alternative.
It would work as the controls are Whitley Bay and Jarrow so just moving the south-westward portion across the river, and I like travelling on ferries too.
Sadly the first ferry is at 7am so after the tunnel opens at 6am.
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Ruthie on 26 October, 2019, 05:26:30 am
I was just talking about this yesterday as I walked down Luisestraße in Munich’s beautiful Autumn sunshine. We really should do it. But I want Crinklylion to come, do we think she would?
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Kim on 26 October, 2019, 11:50:14 am
I was just talking about this yesterday as I walked down Luisestraße in Munich’s beautiful Autumn sunshine. We really should do it. But I want Crinklylion to come, do we think she would?

Maybe if we arranged for there to be a suitable gig at the other end of the tunnel?   :D
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Ruthie on 26 October, 2019, 12:44:25 pm
I was just talking about this yesterday as I walked down Luisestraße in Munich’s beautiful Autumn sunshine. We really should do it. But I want Crinklylion to come, do we think she would?

Maybe if we arranged for there to be a suitable gig at the other end of the tunnel?   :D

I like your thinking!!!!
Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: L CC on 26 October, 2019, 04:42:50 pm
If we can get her to Durham it's all [Deano] flat from here :)

Title: Re: Tyne Tunnels Ride With No Tunnel, September 6/7 2014
Post by: Ruthie on 26 October, 2019, 06:59:30 pm
‘Here’? Where do you fecking live now fboab?!