Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Rides and Touring => Topic started by: LindaG on 19 October, 2010, 11:42:11 am
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Are there any Audax rides that use the cyclists' tunnel under the Tyne?
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living in the NE I am not aware of any... this maybe due to the urban nature of the surrounding landscape and busy roads... one branch of the C2C passes by the tunnel on the north side of the Tyne on it's way to Tynemouth...
Why do you ask? Are you a keen tunneller?
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Are there any Audax rides that use the cyclists' tunnel under the Tyne?
I've occasionally toyed with the idea of running a Summer Solstice ride, a 200 to match the Winter Solstice but starting early evening and through the night. The route could pass through the Mersey tunnel, where cycling is only allowed on Saturday night into Sunday morning. So far I have resisted the temptation to take this idea further.
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A summer night 200 is a great idea (though not original - ask any Oz randonneur). Hey - you could return along the E.Lancs, that's a great road at dead of night.
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living in the NE I am not aware of any... this maybe due to the urban nature of the surrounding landscape and busy roads... one branch of the C2C passes by the tunnel on the north side of the Tyne on it's way to Tynemouth...
Why do you ask? Are you a keen tunneller?
No; just curious really.
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I've thought about riding through the cycle tunnel - but as ASF says, the bits either side of it are a bit crap.
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Hmm. I wonder how many utility cyclists use it. It looks like one of those relics of a bygone era, like the way some tube stations look. I should go through there one of these days. My grandparents (the Geordie ones) used to reminisce about it being built.
I only thought about it when I followed a link on the 'escalators' thread.
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We should do a ride up there. I've been to Jarrer, but I could stomach another visit.
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Yes. Let's do that.
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It's lovely. Shame it connects 2 areas no one really wants to go to.
It was, when I used it, quite busy with people riding to work/college.
You could do a nice ride up the Tyne criss-crossing the river on bridges, tunnel and ferry.
*off in reverie re-living youthful adventures*
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The upper Tyne Valley is beautiful. It'll be lovely up there at the moment, with the leaves turning.
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We could mix in a few of the old railway lines, Hownsgill viaduct and wotnot.
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You could do a nice ride up the Tyne criss-crossing the river on bridges, tunnel and ferry.
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"an ye could gan doon the bigg morket and check oot the colour o the lasses knickas if they were wurring any"
I use the Tyne Foot Tunnel in the nineties on a C2C ride. The Sheilds Ferry is nicer, used that on HJOG in 2004.
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You could do a nice ride up the Tyne criss-crossing the river on bridges, tunnel and ferry.
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"an ye could gan doon the bigg morket and check oot the colour o the lasses knickas if they were wurring any"
I use the Tyne Foot Tunnel in the nineties on a C2C ride. The Sheilds Ferry is nicer, used that on HJOG in 2004.
Grandad! I thought you were dead!
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I'm going to do some investigations and planning.
Anyone up for a ride from the toon between christmas and new year?
Ferry-tunnel-some bridges- maybe up the Tyne as far as Stocksfield or Hexham.
I haven't ridden in Newcastle in probably (Jesus! I'm so Old!) 20 years, so be prepared for a lot of 'wasn't like that last time I was here' type of thing.
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Aye, sounds like a plan.
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A good plan. I don't know my Christmas rota yet tho' so can't commit. If I can wangle it I'd be up for it. The train connections are easy from here.
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We would love to join you guys if you dont mind.
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This is getting better and better :thumbsup:
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I'm spectating from the touchline
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Awww, why? :-\ Surely you're allowed out to play more than once a month?
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because I often commit to something in advance & the work-stuff gets in the way & I have to withdraw:as may be the case with the imminent FNRTSR to Whitby. :(
So if I leave it untill
a)I know the date of the ride
b)I have some notion of worlkload at that juncture
I will keep a watching brief.
I should add that I have a particular liking for you Yorkshire lot,your county,your city & also Tyneside so my default setting would be to attend if at all possible.
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I know where you're coming from. It's horrible when you have to cancel because work gets in the way. I guess we're both spectating from the touchline.
Cup of Bovril and anna pie? It's on me.
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& mrs. jogler has never limited my biking/playing time 'cause she is 8)
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It's horrible when you have to cancel because work gets in the way.
Yes it is:I hate doing it not least because It's easy to develop a reputation for being un-reliable.
I find that if I have a suitable incentive,such as giving a lift to someone as per the Snow Roads audax,I make more of an effort to prioritise the cycling.
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I'm up for this one, subject to date and work/ home / weather constraints.
Any idea of a date? that would cross one off the list
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& mrs. jogler has never limited my biking/playing time 'cause she is 8)
I've got one like that. It's good, isn't it. :)
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& mrs. jogler has never limited my biking/playing time 'cause she is 8)
I've got one like that. It's good, isn't it. :)
it's magic :thumbsup:
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I'm up for this one, subject to date and work/ home / weather constraints.
Any idea of a date? that would cross one off the list
I'm thinking Monday 27th. How does that grab your fancy? Disclaimer: after my Jan adventures I will not ride if snow risk is greater than 10%.
I may have various members of the boab family depending which bikes we take oop north, or if parents fancy coming out to play too. Potentially there could be 7 of us but likely 3.
Could someone move this over to rides and touring, as I'm not envisioning either 200k DIY or energy gel and marshalls.
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I'm up for this one, subject to date and work/ home / weather constraints.
Any idea of a date? that would cross one off the list
I'm thinking Monday 27th. How does that grab your fancy?
Not possible for me
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& mrs. jogler has never limited my biking/playing time 'cause she is 8)
I've got one like that. It's good, isn't it. :)
it's magic :thumbsup:
Yeah. I've got one like that, too.
Been watching this thread with nostalgic interest, as I was temporary Geordie in the early70's (indeed, it's where Mrs D and I met). But alas I won't be able to be there.
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Temporary Geordie.
Terrific expression :thumbsup:
I love the place & the people.I worked up there 3 days a week from '74 to 79 & loved every minute of it.The very best time of my working life.
I tried on several occassions to get my then boss to open an office up there but without success.I was fully prepared to sell up & move the family up there & run the show.
My affection persists in the form of being a Newcatle United FC fan despite my decreasing interest & increasing dis-illusion with football.
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Just seen this thread (I don't normally venture in to this part of the forum - Audax sounds too much like hard work and I don't look at anything with Sportive in the title). I could well be up for this - depending on the date.
I have a circular route I do occasionally which, although I normally use the Shields Ferry could be massaged to use the cycle tunnel instead. It runs Durham > Lanchester > Consett (C2C) > Derwent Valley Walk > Blaydon > Newcastle Quayside > Tynemouth Priory > back to the tunnel > South Shields > Sunderland > Durham. A lot of it is sustrans / railway lines so is probably better on a slightly wider tyre (particularly if there's snow). You could start at any point on the route. It usually runs at between 60 and 70 mile depending on how often I get lost.
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Could someone move this over to rides and touring, as I'm not envisioning either 200k DIY or energy gel and marshalls.
Yep, mods, can you move the thread please?
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Could someone move this over to rides and touring, as I'm not envisioning either 200k DIY or energy gel and marshalls.
Yep, mods, can you move the thread please?
You can move the threads that you started yourself. Bottom left, move thread link <- click it.
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Done. Thanks.
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Bump.
Slow coach's route sounds brilliant. Might it be a big long if the weather's really bad/cold? Is it easily bailable at any point?
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I was thinking the same thing. Maybe shorten it to about 40 or 50 miles?
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That'd be better. I'm hoping I'll have December's rota by tomorrow so more of an idea whether I can come.
If there's been heavy snow I will have to cry off, I fear. Unless someone persuades me. We'll see.
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I doubt if Mrs GT would want to venture out in the snow either.
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Let me have a think about shortening it. Unfortunately the obvious area to cut is the Tyne Tunnel bit as that's got the grottiest riding either side.
Alternatively - cut out Durham. Start at Newcastle - ride out to Consett via the Derwent walk - C2C to Sunderland - coast route up to the Tyne Cycle/Pedestrian Tunnel and then back to Newcastle along Hadrians Cycleway. That's just off the top of my head so there may be better options. Unfortunately the cafe at Souter Lighthouse will probably be closed at that time of year, but I dare say we would find some thing at some of the dives along the North Shields quayside.
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Thanks SC. I'm sure we'll have options.
The coast at night in midsummer might be nice as well. One at each solstice ;D
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If there's been heavy snow I will have to cry off, I fear. Unless someone persuades me. We'll see.
Snow can be interesting. I walked through the tunnel in January this year during the worst of the snow. We had to kick steps to get some of the party into the tunnel from the South side...
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Whoa. If things had got bad outside you'd have still been in there in March!
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Watching this thread with interest. Like jogler, I don't know if I'll be able to make it. I've never ridden up there, and it's something I'd love to do.
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Oh no. Night duties Xmas eve, Xmas day, boxing day. Then a day shift on the 29th. No way I can make the 27th. Sorry.
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Oh no. Night duties Xmas eve, Xmas day, boxing day.
So we are looking for a route on the 27th which starts at shift end from your workplace and takes us to the Tyne Tunnel... ;)
we'd have to call it a Three Rivers Ride (Tyne, Wear and Tees - I presume you are somewhere near the Tees) but it could be tricky finding a route which comes into the 30 mile max requirement >:(
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Looks like we will have to postpone the ride a couple of weeks.
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Watching this thread with interest. Like jogler, I don't know if I'll be able to make it. I've never ridden up there, and it's something I'd love to do.
You should. It's wonderful.
If you peeps want to go ahead on the 27th without me, that's fine. Trying to have a social life around my job can be a bit of a 'mare, tbh, and it's still a great idea for a forum ride.
That reminds me. Need to check last night's lottery ticket.
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I can do any day that week- I only suggested the 27th as it's a bank holiday. It would be a shame you couldn't make it LindaG as it was your idea!
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Monday - Thursday the week before I'm free.
I would like to have a day with my son and my husband eating poultry and brandy butter one day during Christmas week, I'll be asleep on the 27th. Realistically I can't see me wanting to go out on Friday after 60 working hours in 7 days. Hmmm.
How's the weekend of 1-2 January for everyone?
By the way, my lottery ticket is broken. None of the numbers match. Guess I'll have to keep going to work.
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Oh no. Night duties Xmas eve, Xmas day, boxing day.
So we are looking for a route on the 27th which starts at shift end from your workplace and takes us to the Tyne Tunnel... ;)
we'd have to call it a Three Rivers Ride (Tyne, Wear and Tees - I presume you are somewhere near the Tees) but it could be tricky finding a route which comes into the 30 mile max requirement >:(
You know, that really is not a mad as it sounds. But not do-able within 30 miles. But it'd be hellish fun wouldn't it? Start off at 0830 from James Cook Hospital, via Stockton to Durham then pick up SlowCoach's route, finish at Newcastle Station, drink beer, train home, bed.
No, I'm not serious.
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I'll be in Edinburgh for Hogmany but could be around on the 2nd....
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You know, that really is not a mad as it sounds. But not do-able within 30 miles. But it'd be hellish fun wouldn't it? Start off at 0830 from James Cook Hospital, via Stockton to Durham then pick up SlowCoach's route, finish at Newcastle Station, drink beer, train home, bed.
Possibly one for sometime next year at a time when everyone isn't suffering from post Christmas / Ne Year overindulgence
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2nd Jan, if there's no ice and there are trains, is probably do-able for me. Anyone want a cake?
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2nd January.
If anyone still has the will to live, I can do this day.
The Trainline says the first train from Toytown arrives in Newcastle at 10.06 on Jan 2nd.
It changes in Darlington at 0933.
Trains back from Newcastle every hour or so.
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OK - I'm still negotiating for 2nd Jan, but 80% certain. Will pm a possible route (40 mile - is that too long?) to Lindagordinho and boab, who between them seem to have started this madness.
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A possible route for the ride may be:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&msa=0&msid=118055681326317690691.000494a46e33cd8f491ba&ll=54.931482,-1.494141&spn=0.234343,0.727158&z=11 (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&msa=0&msid=118055681326317690691.000494a46e33cd8f491ba&ll=54.931482,-1.494141&spn=0.234343,0.727158&z=11)
Its 65km - with about 470m of climbing. Head south from Newcastle Central station over Redheugh Bridge and then down to Team Valley. Follow the back roads south until you meet the C2C just west of Chester-le-Street. Follow the C2C to the coast at Roker and then head north past Souter Lighthouse and Marsden Grotto to South Shields. Cut across to the cycle tunnel and then follow the North side of the Tyne to Newcastle Quayside (Hadrian's Cycleway?). At the Quayside we can play silly beggars if you want - crossing the Blinking Eye Bridge and then back on the Swing Bridge. If you really want to be daft we could then cross back on the High Level Bridge and then return again on the Tyne Bridge. Then its under half a mile back to the station.
Places to stop may be a problem. Souter Lighthouse is normally good for tea but will be closed. We may be able to get ice cream (!) somewhere along Roker seafront. At the end there will certainly be something open along the Quayside or we could go and terrorise the cafe at the Baltic Art Gallery or the Sage. Failing all else it would have to be Yates opposite the station.
The main problem with choosing a route is that the Cycle Tunnel is not in the most picturesque of areas. It was built to allow the workers to cross the Tyne to get to the ship yards... If it snows, the C2C section may be a problem, and the stretch from Roker up the coast to South Shields will be into the wind - it always is. The one good thing is that most of the climbing (there isn't much) is at the start of the day. In my mind's eye the entire route is down hill - though as we start and finish in the same place there must be some climbing...
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2nd Jan should be ok for me too, normal caveats apply
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Is anyone still remotely interested after the rigours of Snowmageddon?
2nd and 4th January are good for me. I will be more than usually slow by then, mind. But I need a cycling goal to prevent me getting cabin fever. It's getting a bit rank in here.
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4th I'm at work (although it will be a fab day at work because I'm in charge of the training day so we're working with a pro animator all day who is absolutely amazing) but I have outline agreement for the 2nd.
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Is anyone still remotely interested after the rigours of Snowmageddon?
2nd and 4th January are good for me. I will be more than usually slow by then, mind. But I need a cycling goal to prevent me getting cabin fever. It's getting a bit rank in here.
I ahve cabin fever, I was off work last week and had YAVOYCC planned for Dec 1 but had to can it. Last time I was on my bike was when i went to Mountain a few weeks ago.
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YAVOYCC?
I get more grumpy every day. My beautiful new bike is parked in the living room so I can at least gaze at it, even though I can't ride it.
More of that white stuff forecast next week. Gah.
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YAVOYCC?
I get more grumpy every day. My beautiful new bike is parked in the living room so I can at least gaze at it, even though I can't ride it.
More of that white stuff forecast next week. Gah.
Yet Another Vale Of York 200 (Goes through a few former Roman towns)
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YAVOYCC?
I get more grumpy every day. My beautiful new bike is parked in the living room so I can at least gaze at it, even though I can't ride it.
More of that white stuff forecast next week. Gah.
I had that last year, when Valencia and the C2W voucher arrived on the 18th December. She got her first scratch before I'd even ridden her, and sat in the front room for ages. I only manage 3 miles in 3 weeks - and that was twice round the block on the gritted main road at 10pm one night, just so I'd tried her out!
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If Crusty does that hacking cough one more time I shall kill him and eat him.
Yep. Cabin fever.
Need a bike ride.
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I'm still up for the 2nd. I'm at work on the 4th. The route may need a rethink if all this white stuff has returned, mind. Santa is bringing me a GPS so I'll need somewhere to go and play with it (I'm pretty certain about this - I was despatched to the shop to go and buy...)
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I can't do the second, I've got the kids then (yey!) which means I can't come (boo!).
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YAVOYCC?
I get more grumpy every day. My beautiful new bike is parked in the living room so I can at least gaze at it, even though I can't ride it.
More of that white stuff forecast next week. Gah.
Yet Another Vale Of York 200 (Goes through a few former Roman towns)
Whats the route? Sounds of interest :thumbsup:
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YAVOYCC?
I get more grumpy every day. My beautiful new bike is parked in the living room so I can at least gaze at it, even though I can't ride it.
More of that white stuff forecast next week. Gah.
Yet Another Vale Of York 200 (Goes through a few former Roman towns)
Whats the route? Sounds of interest :thumbsup:
YAVOYCC by MSeries (http://www.mseries.plus.com/masham200-081110.gpxv3.html)
note the bit of bridleway near Pilmoor
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You were right Aidan, it is of interest.
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Not sure about the bit through Leeds , but the rest looks like a nice route, certainly one to have a look at.
Where are the controls Martin?
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I have several of these in my arsenal.
by MSeries (http://www.mseries.plus.com/ValeOfYork200-151010v3.html)
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Not sure about the bit through Leeds , but the rest looks like a nice route, certainly one to have a look at.
Where are the controls Martin?
The bit through Leeds is necessary from where I live. COntrols for that one were
Home
Boroughbridge
Masham
Northallerton
Dalton
Easingwold
Little Ousburn
Tadcaster
Swillington
Home
do you have Mapsource ? I can send you the GDB if you send me an email address. I should have a GPX containing the track that I followed and waypoints for the controls too.
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I have sent a PM :thumbsup:
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I should still be on for the second. There is a small possibility I may have a Better Offer.
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:o
But how is that even possible!!!
;)
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Okay, a quick recap.
A ride from Newcastle, beginning sometime after 10.06 on January 2nd.
To take in the Tyne Tunnel. (But everything is negotiable.)
Provisional attenders.
Lindag
Crusty
boab, but she may have a better offer.
'Slow'coach
Crinklylion
Aidan
(Steve and Mrs GT?)
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Bump
Shall we just reschedule for another time?
Opinions please, from those who expressed an interest?
Bearing in mind the severe weather warning for tomorrow.
Or we could wait and see?
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I'm currently in The South and delaying a decision on Northward travel until Wednesday.
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I'm currently in the west, and hopefully travelling south tomorrow then north on NYD in order to be back in time for this. But since we didn't travel today because of illness who knows what will be happening by next weekend.
(one very grumpy lion)
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I'm currently wondering if I could attach my skis to each side of the bike - as a sort of snowy equivalent to kiddy trainer wheels...
Seriously - parts of the route are definitely no-go at the moment (the section on "The Celestial Railroad" from Pelton to the Wear, for example). I think the chances of this bit being ride-able by Sunday are slim indeed. Also - Durham County Council announced just before Christmas that they are running out of grit and will be drastically reducing the amount of gritting they are doing. It could be fun getting from Team Valley to Pelton even along ungritted back roads.
We would have to rethink the route and it may end up as a straight out alongside the Tyne and then follow the coast South as far as Whitburn and return via the same route. It's going to reduce it from being an interesting ride to a pretty grotty one.
Personally, I am doubtful for Sunday, I'm afraid. My mother is not in a good way at the moment (she is 93 and going down hill fairly quickly - I've spent large chunks of time since Christmas Day just sitting with her) and it's quite possible I'll be organising funerals by then. However, if she picks up (which she has done in the past), I could well be in need of a trip out. That shouldn't stop the rest of you going, though.
I can sort out a couple of alternative routes if you want and either download them onto GPX files or send you route sheets. Just let me know.
If you decide to postpone it - I was thinking of extending the route slightly to make it into a tour of the highlights of the North East. By adding about 15 miles on I think we could include such delights as: The Angel of the North, Quaking Houses, No Place, The Riverside (Cricket Ground), Tynemouth Priory, and the Central Hotel (otherwise known as The Coffin). This would be on top of the Tunnel, most of the Tyne Bridges, Souter Lighthouse, Marsden Rock, the National Glass Centre, the Sage (the silver caterpillar), the Baltic Flour Mill (now an art gallery), both of the Bede monasteries and of course both the Stadium of Light and St James Park. It could be an interesting route, but it's too long to do in bad weather with short days.
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I think considering The Weather and Stuff we are probably better to postpone.
Shame.
But sensible.
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Yep.
Ride postponed until a more opportune time.
Sorry.
But when we've done this ride, when the weather is better, and we've had a good day out, we won't be sorry at all.
So hold that thought people. :)
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I had a couple of hours out on my bike today and rode up to take a look at the part of the route that was worrying me about being icebound (the bit of the C2C from Birtley to Sunderland). It was passable - I had to get off and walk for about 400 yards where the ice covered the track totally from one side to the other. In a lot of places the centre was still covered but there was a rut down each side (i.e. blacktop was showing) which was rideable.
However I did discover a tip for next time - lets choose a date when Sunderland are not playing at home... The route goes right past the stadium and it was a little slow going today negotiating all the burger vans, parked cars, police command post - and that's saying nothing about the continuous streams of fans.
In retrospect, I'm sure the decision to postpone was the correct one. Whilst the proposed route may have been passable, it was only just and the weather has been much better recently than forecast. Another section of my ride today was marginally worse - I ended up pushing the bike for about 2 miles in the snow. It was totally unrideable (wet slide ice stretching the full width of the route) and I slipped and fell twice whilst pushing.
Would anyone like to suggest a rerun date?
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I don't have a date in mind yet, but have not forgotten about this.
Anyone got this book (http://www.bike99.com/41.html)?
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Anyone got this book (http://www.bike99.com/41.html)?
Not yet... but my finger keeps straying to the "buy now" button
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I found this route (http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Byker_River_Tyne_Loop_Ride-Cycle-Route-1796.html). Too short for our purposes, but still of interest, I think, for a day out. The Edinburgh bike co-op is in Byker, isn't it?
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Also, aptstarfish of this parish has designed a 200km route out of Newcastle, starting at Walbottle. I could join it with one of the routes in the city, and do it as a tour over a couple of days. That's at least three trips out of Newcastle, potentially taking in the cyclists' tunnel.
It looks great (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Border-Ride469486). Too long for a forum ride.
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Also, aptstarfish of this parish has designed a 200km route out of Newcastle, starting at Walbottle. I could join it with one of the routes in the city, and do it as a tour over a couple of days. That's at least three trips out of Newcastle, potentially taking in the cyclists' tunnel.
It looks great (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Border-Ride469486). Too long for a forum ride.
O I'd be up for that one. I think though it's the end of March before I can get North.
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I found this route (http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Byker_River_Tyne_Loop_Ride-Cycle-Route-1796.html). Too short for our purposes, but still of interest, I think, for a day out. The Edinburgh bike co-op is in Byker, isn't it?
Edinburgh Bicycle is in Byker, but it's neither of the cycle places marked on the map - it's further East at the end of Byker Bridge (i.e. the East end of the main street)
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I found this route (http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Byker_River_Tyne_Loop_Ride-Cycle-Route-1796.html). Too short for our purposes, but still of interest, I think, for a day out.
If you want a slightly longer route - http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Durham-Tyne-Tunnel-Loop (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Durham-Tyne-Tunnel-Loop). It's one of my routes amended slightly. About 100km. There are lots of variants on this we could do - shortening/lengthening/adding or subtracting hills as necessary. It runs from Durham as stands, but could just as easily start in Newcastle.
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Bump: If anyone is interested in doing a Tyne Tunnel Ride we really ought to think of doing this in 2011 (and probably before September. The pedestrian tunnel was closed today for 3 days (which means that the cycle tunnel becomes pedestrianised for the duration i.e. you push your bikes) to allow survey work to be carried out for a refurbishment of both tunnels. They are planning to spend some £6 million refurbishing both the pedestrian and cycle tunnel in 2011 or 2012. If we are going to do this ride we should do it before the work starts.
It seems that, despite the cuts, this work is still going ahead because the council have found a sneaky way of paying for it (the work is going to be funded by a cut from the tolls paid by users of an adjacent tunnel (I'll leave you to work out who that might be - someone may be upset if they find out).
When would be a good time? How long a route do people want? Do you want to include other Tyne Crossings (Tyne Bridge, Millenium Bridge, High Level Bridge, Swing Bridge...)? Do you want to stick close to the Tyne (messy - route wise), or would you be happy to take a swing down to the Wear too?
Further details about the tunnel closures at http://tynepedestrianandcyclisttunnels.co.uk/news/ (http://tynepedestrianandcyclisttunnels.co.uk/news/)
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I'd still be up for this, subject to dates. It'd be nice if LG and BOAB were around too, since it was them that started the idea off! I also really fancy riding to Blyth one day, for fish and chips on the beach.
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I was thinking about this earlier today and how about the first May bank holiday weekend? I'm doing the Mosstrooper on Saturday and a pootle around The Tyne would finish off my weekend splendid.
I may/ will have a stack of boablets with me...
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I was thinking about this earlier today and how about the first May bank holiday weekend? I'm doing the Mosstrooper on Saturday and a pootle around The Tyne would finish off my weekend splendid.
I may/ will have a stack of boablets with me...
I am thinking about riding from here to my ancestral homelands to the Mosstroopers and/or Chevrolet Chasing and back at least part of the way so perhaps something can be worked in. The Tyne Tunnel or the Sheilds Ferry will be on my route
EDIT, surely it would be nicer to use the refurbed tunnel
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I was thinking about this earlier today and how about the first May bank holiday weekend? I'm doing the Mosstrooper on Saturday and a pootle around The Tyne would finish off my weekend splendid.
That's the weekend when there's something funny happening in London on the Friday before isn't it? Sunday (or even Monday) sounds fine by me.
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EDIT, surely it would be nicer to use the refurbed tunnel
But how many years will the refurb take? I don't know exactly what they are planning, but I suspect the tunnels will be pedestrian only for quite some time. I presume that they'll start on one tunnel - using the other to take both foot traffic and cycles and then swop over when that's complete. I wouldn't be surprised if I'm drawing my pension before both tunnels reopen. :-\
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I might be able to do that Monday - bearing in mind I'll be riding the Mosstrooper on the Sat and the Chevy on the Sun.
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*BUMP*
In my reverie at Wow's summer camping trip, I was reminded I'm going to be oop north for the Mosstrooper shortly.
Anyone for Monday 2nd May?
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Hmm. Friday, ride south with crusty. Saturday, tamworth audax with cub. Sunday, ride north with crusty. Monday, tunnel ride. What are my chances, do we reckon?
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Weeeellll....
I will have a several of offspring with me. It's a family thing, innit. Therefore is OK.
(No?)
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boab - any further thoughts? I have sort of outline agreement to go play on bikes, and need to work out where I'm going to do so!
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I'm definitely up for it, and will have probably a (not very aged) parent and an offspring with me to ride.
I'm hoping there'll be other people who want to come or I'll have to spend all day with my dad and we argue. Quite a lot.
Paging 'Slow'coach and his local knowledge...
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Hmmm.... how speedy are the aged parent and the offspring? Would they be able to tolerate an EldestCub? Then it would more or less count as doing childcare for the day, and I wouldn't expend so many brownie points. Although I reckon I still have a good couple of year's worth in the bank, in light of the number of occasions that Dearly_Beloved has, a few years back, buggered off round the country to photograph nekkid or nearly nekkid ladies. I so win at tolerant spouse trumps.
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Hey, this is a forum ride. We go at a pace everyone is comfortable with.
(Unlike my club run:"As fast as the slowest rider. As long as they can keep up")
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Sorry - I've been fast asleep and missed this. How far do you want to go. Where do you want to meet and is it a circular route you want? I'm sure I can come up with something. I'm supposed to be refitting kitchen units in the Utility room this weekend - but I'm certain I'll have to ride up to the Tyne Tunnel to get essential bits ::-)
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...I'm certain I'll have to ride up to the Tyne Tunnel to get essential bits ::-)
Sounds completely reasonable and logical to me :)
I can come out out to play, subject to train timetables. Don't know if the boy wants to come along (and might decide depending on how he fares on Saturday). Very important questions: Where do I need to get myself to, for what time, and with what cake?
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I can't make a decision until after I've Mosstroop-ed.
(and earned some Grandparental brownie points)
I'll be on the way south so will need to be back on the road by 4.
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I have to work on Monday.
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So I'm off for a few days next week, and it seems my planned route starts near the Tyne Tunnel cycle bit. It'd be really strange if I ended up riding it alone, after all the effort spent route-planning in this thread!
Ah, well.
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Hmmmm..... what's your planned route for Tuesday?
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Find my way up Newcastle-ish by as yet undetermined means.
Follow Hadrian's cycleway till I get tired.
Camp.
Repeat till Friday afternoon.
Demand a lift home from Crusty.
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Just that my youngest is having his first 'full-time' day at school that day. A sort of taster, ready for when he goes into reception full-time in September (where did the last 3 1/2 years go, by the way?). Which means that I have about 6 hours with no work or chiddlers AT ALL. And am wondering if I could maybe prevail upon a CrinklyAuntie to collect him from his first ever full-time day at school and then babysit or something.....
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Well I'd be delighted to have your company m'dear, absolutely delighted, if you can wangle it. It might end up being somewhat convoluted train-wise though.
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Bump.
SlowCoach and I should be doing a version of this ride, weekend of 15th/16th of October, hopefully at the end of a week's touring for me. He is, I believe, tweaking the route a smidge to account for short daylight hours. Anyone interested?
boab? Paging boab ...
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Bump.
. Anyone interested?
Yes, mebbees, depends on what date you actually choose. Ipresume you ain't planning on taking two days for a 100km ish route
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Ooooooo
Well.
By a happy coincidence, the 16th of October is me mam's birthday, and a visit to the ancestral homelands could be on the cards.
However, looking at the diary I see we are 'a bit busy' already in October, away for 3 of the 5 weekends already.
Hmmm.
I will consult with Mr Smith. He's never seen the Tyne up close.
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Bump.
. Anyone interested?
Yes, mebbees, depends on what date you actually choose. Ipresume you ain't planning on taking two days for a 100km ish route
I'm leaving the final decision to 'Slow'coach, as both days are good for me, and he has more family commitments. Also he did have a 100 mile route he'd devised, which would be a lot for me, when fully laden (which I might be).
You could still come for one of the days, couldn't you?
Oh, gowan. :)
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Bump.
. Anyone interested?
Yes, mebbees, depends on what date you actually choose. Ipresume you ain't planning on taking two days for a 100km ish route
I'm leaving the final decision to 'Slow'coach, as both days are good for me, and he has more family commitments. Also he did have a 100 mile route he'd devised, which would be a lot for me, when fully laden (which I might be).
You could still come for one of the days, couldn't you?
Oh, gowan. :)
depends which one, no promises though
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With deep regret I am going to have to withdraw my interest in this, I just can't make that weekend after all.
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Umm - looks like I'm kind of committed to this now. I have a few alternatives - how about a ride of about 50/55 mile starting from Newcastle on the Saturday? Does that sound feasible.? We should be able to get in all the bridges and tunnel between the railway station and the coast - plus one or two delightful extras such as the Stadium of Light, Souter Lighthouse and maybe the Angel of the North. It will be a mix of road types to do that - including some grot bits though.
If so - I'll try and put something down on a map and post it here.
I can make either day (or both) and fit in with whatever suits. The idea of the two day ride was that LG would probably be in touring mode.
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Sounds good to me. Happy to fit in with others' commitments when choosing a day.
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Bump.
Any further thoughts people? Are we still on for this "Slow"coach?
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Hi, I would like to do this if possible :thumbsup:
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Me and tiptop are doing a version of the Tyne Tunnel ride on Saturday. We're meeting up in Newcastle on Friday night, doing Chips and Beer, staying at the youth hostel, and riding on Saturday. Crinklylion is joining us for Chips, Beer and Youth Hostel.
If you're around, say hello.
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it was indeed a grand evening - i'm just a bit :'( that i had to wave you all off then go jump on the metro and the train home rather than coming out for a ride. ah well, just have to do it again another time :)
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Well that was absolutely bloody lovely. As a neat bit of preamble to this ride, I spent Wednesday and Thursday night, respectively, camping beside the North and South Tyne (see elsewhere), followed by Friday night at the Youth Hostel in Jesmond. Saturday we did the Tyne Proper. Crinklylion, tiptop, "Slow"Coach and myself went to The Carriage (http://www.qype.co.uk/place/262230-The-Carriage-Newcastle-upon-tyne) in Jesmond on Friday night. "Slow"Coach was the hero of this adventure, since, in spite of carrying out many heroics at work all week, he still managed to make the pub, and to provide insider knowledge of the area when navigating. Not to mention being marvellous company, all the time. :-*
The Carriage sells proper BEER but had run out of toasties, so we got a takeaway from the excellent Indian restaurant next door and ate it in the pub. At the barman's suggestion, mark.
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/lindagordinho/Routes%2068%20and%2072%20October%202011/IMGP10157.jpg)
Thou shalt photograph the food.
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/lindagordinho/Routes%2068%20and%2072%20October%202011/IMGP10160.jpg)
Much silly banter later, followed by a night in the youth hostel (where we met a dishy paediatrician and an Australian traveller-girl), we said goodbye to Crinklylion
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/lindagordinho/Routes%2068%20and%2072%20October%202011/IMGP0164.jpg)
then set off in sunshine and blue skies to cross the Mighty Tyne by as many different means as we could fit in, whilst pausing to admire stuff and be silly. There were many, many bridges, in addition to the famous ones, but someone has made a handy list of the most iconic crossings.
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/lindagordinho/Routes%2068%20and%2072%20October%202011/IMGP0196.jpg)
Yes, that is Crusty sneaking into our ride. Apparently there was an important Game With Balls happening, but having watched it, Crusty joined us, which was fantastic as I hadn't seen him for five days and was having withdrawal symptoms. No-one does crusty like Crusty.
Tragically, I had filled up the memory card on my phone with photos of Northumberland, so "Slow"Coach may well have the best ones of this ride :-[ But I got a few, and here they are in roughly chronological order.
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/lindagordinho/Routes%2068%20and%2072%20October%202011/IMGP0175.jpg)
We couldn't believe our luck with the weather - one of those sunny October days with golden light and a light breeze, from start to finish. It showed the route at its very, very best. Newcastle is one hell of a city, with enough to do for a week's holiday. We talked about coming back and making a proper weekend of it.
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/lindagordinho/Routes%2068%20and%2072%20October%202011/IMGP0178.jpg)
We followed the River downstream through Walker, where it passes the very end of the Roman Wall. Here is YACF conquering the North Kingdom. Yes, they really are standing on Hadrian's Wall. Helmets donned just in case.
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/lindagordinho/Routes%2068%20and%2072%20October%202011/IMGP0184.jpg)
In the history of our great nation, this was a big river. But that was long ago. Remnants of a mighty industrial heritage are everywhere, not least the Swan Hunter shipyard where my Grandfather and Uncle worked, now a shadow of its former self. But you can still see the huge slipways, dry docks and boat sheds from the cycle path.
Random bridgery.
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/lindagordinho/Routes%2068%20and%2072%20October%202011/IMGP0186.jpg)
Up to Tynemouth, tiptop chatting to the fishermen catching crabs, pottering about on the beach, and eating ice cream, past the Priory, and a stroll to the lighthouse. Such a clear day you could see as far as Lynemouth to the North. Then back past the fish quay where the smell of fish and chips had me drooling, and on to the Shields Ferry for our first crossing of the Tyne.
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/lindagordinho/Routes%2068%20and%2072%20October%202011/IMGP0187.jpg)
To Jarrow, to meet Crusty. We had hoped to make it to Souter Lighthouse for a National Trust lunch, but time was getting on. Which means we'll have to come back another time, doesn't it. Instead we had a quick Morrisons lunch. More proud history. It was 75 years since this
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/lindagordinho/Routes%2068%20and%2072%20October%202011/IMGP0191.jpg)
Plus ca change ...
And, at last, the Tyne Cyclists Tunnel, which is as much fun as I had hoped with much echo-ey goodness, wooden escalators, and nice fonts:
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/lindagordinho/Routes%2068%20and%2072%20October%202011/IMGP0192.jpg)
And that's the end of my photos.
The next crossing was the Millennium Bridge, a very Good Bridge, much used by pedestrians and cyclists. Then over the Swing Bridge, which gave some really beautiful views down (and up) the river; then some traffic jiggery-pokery to get us over the Robert Stevenson High Level Bridge. I took my time crossing this one, it was absolutely gorgeous. And, finally, with a bit of very swish lane-negotiation by "Slow"Coach, the Tyne Bridge. A Good Bridge to finish on. Had we had more time, we'd have fitted in a trip to The Angel. Again, a ride for another day, I think. We made our way, gently, to the Youth Hostel, where tiptop and I collected our bags, then we split up as tiptop had a train to catch, "Slow"Coach was collecting his car, and Crusty and I retraced our pedal-strokes to Jarrow and a final traverse of the Tunnel to collect our car. It was nearly dark by then, and the views of the City, street-lit to the horizon, under a pink sky and a true Harvest Moon, a fitting end to a perfect day.
Thanks to "Slow"Coach, tiptop, and Crinklylion for their most excellent company, and also to Crusty for turning up ;)
Well worth the wait this one.
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/dies with jealousy.
Where to start?
As a lass, I used to drink in The Carriage of a Friday Night. They (way back when, obv) had a very lax attitude to under 18s.
All that Quayside stuff has had quite some regeneration since I last pedalled a falcon along it. I would probably have bored you all senseless with 'when I was last here's.
It looks brilliant.
Sob!
Keep me informed for the re-run...
(Incidentally, CL's orange hair looks brill :))
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Keep me informed for the re-run...
& me please.
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Keep me informed for the re-run...
& me please.
and me
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Yes, I was there too, although I didn't get there till around 1 pm. I spent the morning sharing the collective trauma of the Welsh nation in seeing Wales unjustly knocked out of the Rugby World Cup. I am not Welsh but I can't imagine being more upset if I was.
I decided to park up at Morrisons in Jarrow, near the southside tunnel entrance and try to hook up with the others. They were in Tynemouth and about to cross on the Shields ferry so it was decided I would follow Route 14 along the south bank of the Tyne and meet them.
I met Slowcoach, Tiptop and LG at Asda in South Shields. After 5 days apart I got a very nice welcoming hug from LG. Pretty much as soon as the hug was complete, we started arguing. Some of this was due to my being annoyed with myself for not being able to find my way back out of South Shields the way I had just come in.
Bloody Asda! It was like the Death Star, tractor beaming us back into itself. Whichever direction we tried to leave South Shields in, we ended up back in front of the bloody green Asda logo. All the roads looked the same. It was like being in a maze.
Eventually after going down loads of streets I had no recollection of, we got out of the town and after a brief spat with LG, I realised it wasn't my fault that we had been going round in circles.
We made our way back to Morrison's in Jarrow, had a spot of lunch and then down into the tunnel we went. It was pretty short, but very echoey and we all got pretty giddy taking photos and messing about like small children, laughing at stuff for no reason, like drunk people do, but we were just drunk on fun.
Out the other side, we made our way along the north bank and came into the centre of Newcastle in the middle of a beautiful sunny Autumn day. The quayside was full of excited chatter and there were so many cool things to see. Sadly LG's camera had run out of charge, so we couldn't take pictures, but hopefully Slowcoach will have some.
We rode over the Millenium Bridge, the Swing Bridge, the High Level Bridge and the Tyne Bridge, expertly guided through the traffic by Slowcoach. And the views were amazing. And it was coming around to evening, and the people leaving work were crossing over with the people arriving for a night out, and the whole city was buzzing with excitement and gratitude at having this lovely Saturday, after so much crap weather.
We said our farewells at the Youth Hostel to Tiptop and Slowcoach and as the sun went down we put our lights on and rode back along the north bank to the tunnel and back through it to Jarrow, and home via the chip shop.
All day LG was like an excitable child full of wonder and having the time of her life, and she never stopped saying how brilliant the day had been. And she said that even some of the bits after I got there were brilliant too, even though I was a bit grumpy at times.
I was just glad that there was a beautiful sunny day out there, and a Tyne Tunnel ride to go on, and some brilliant people to go on it with, because it stopped me moping after the rugby had finished. Being able to get changed immediately after it to go on a cool bike ride gave me a sense of purpose, and perspective, even though I'm still very upset for the Welsh.
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(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/lindagordinho/Routes%2068%20and%2072%20October%202011/IMGP0164.jpg)
we need an emoticon for a wolf-whistle
;)
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OK - two weeks too late - I've finally got around to getting my Tyne Tunnel pics up...
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pb4RhGTIvaI/TpyRfbA1eHI/AAAAAAAABIo/-WOID0LTL5g/s912/P1050961.JPG)
The Bridges of the Tyne
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8tDk7SAXcsU/TpyRZq7AaWI/AAAAAAAABIc/S02QWNMStHw/s912/P1050974.JPG)
Cranes
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ix131V6pGMw/TpyRXWs-VEI/AAAAAAAABIY/vozYV1gDTeE/s912/P1050975.JPG)
The Tyne Downstream
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IQ0thxT53WE/TpyRUkeAoYI/AAAAAAAABIU/_DxjkUfUst0/s912/P1050985.JPG)
Mouth of the Tyne
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LXPFaYqgwTU/TpyRRw1x0tI/AAAAAAAABIQ/rXPgoNmIjpQ/s912/P1050990.JPG)
Icecreams on the Beach
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NBWoQlgYwrQ/TpyRNuzH44I/AAAAAAAABIM/hGm_ArZJdbg/s912/P1050993.JPG)
Tynemouth Priory
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-avY1b0e0pJA/TpyRK4JanWI/AAAAAAAABII/qDelJJhm7dA/s912/P1050995.JPG)
Aboard the Shields Ferry
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dhv-PENDFF8/TpyRBVE8wMI/AAAAAAAABH4/2NfonwDS43A/s912/P1060002.JPG)
This Way to the Tunnel
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Re-WmALStNw/TpyREIaOwpI/AAAAAAAABH8/WlRd2NSjN30/s912/P1050998.JPG)
Explorers at the Mouth of the Tunnel
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1q5iUNDrj6c/TpyRH9zX6PI/AAAAAAAABIE/QR7XVQCHjeE/s912/P1060003.JPG)
The Tunnel
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9iJE1E52uOg/TpyRGcwkZFI/AAAAAAAABIA/62xnsvn0KaU/s720/P1060004.JPG)
Entering the Tunnel
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3x6QcU8YfuE/TpyQ_3UW6mI/AAAAAAAABH0/1G5FnErdwOY/s576/P1060010.JPG)
Crusty and LG
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bBzsRhwlY4I/TpyQ9sZvfcI/AAAAAAAABHw/QsUOV4j5Ogg/s912/P1060027.JPG)
The Industrial Tyne
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KyK5nzgx7B0/TpyQ3h1-KNI/AAAAAAAABHo/6DwLvFsFaeU/s720/P1060033.JPG)
Millennium Bridge
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DxqqulHtSzA/TpyQ7I1FTnI/AAAAAAAABHs/tKCTAWceiLA/s912/P1060032.JPG)
Crossing the Millennium Bridge
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yjjRZLFUtjI/TpyQ1UetmeI/AAAAAAAABHk/1j5T27iEP5U/s720/P1060034.JPG)
Baltic Square
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IkrFGHfEqVo/TpyQxkM0pVI/AAAAAAAABHg/V0PjFD3AnaM/s720/P1060038.JPG)
Revellers Leaving the Hilton Hotel
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_gsRaVv_AwM/TpyQu39F0-I/AAAAAAAABHc/dvD8Qsqga_k/s720/P1060039.JPG)
The Swing Bridge
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0nJeYRlZ3ZU/TpyQsnIUuXI/AAAAAAAABHY/DRr1Az5LWJA/s720/P1060041.JPG)
The Swing Bridge Again
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AppfQ4j5MLA/TpyQqYbBJ3I/AAAAAAAABHU/6StzVb9egbI/s912/P1060042.JPG)
Tyne Bridge
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-puUyfQExPHg/TpyQnYIiVyI/AAAAAAAABHQ/F8ru5pCrWpE/s720/P1060044.JPG)
The New Castle and the High Level Bridge Entrance
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iZOUU3qbAMM/TpyQkgDVJDI/AAAAAAAABHM/aRcT1nOd_Yg/s912/P1060046.JPG)
The High Level Bridge
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CxHgb_pKSI4/TpyQiCuuu7I/AAAAAAAABHI/Y2IE5RZTSTo/s912/P1060048.JPG)
Tyne and Swing Bridges with the Sage Behind ("The Silver Slug")
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-96drJrQ14n4/TpyQfiaOhzI/AAAAAAAABHE/hVO9ijOvL4I/s720/P1060050.JPG)
Young Lovers by the Tyne
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WIqgeKSHiFs/TpyQcFDDjqI/AAAAAAAABHA/eTmKKBDNF_w/s720/P1060052.JPG)
Tyne Bridge
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xECLjrklggc/TpyRboiLPyI/AAAAAAAABIg/MAbE4OeNbxI/s912/P1050960.JPG)
And finally, my relief at not getting too lost
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*swoon*
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absolutley fantastic pics SC :thumbsup: some of which bring back happy memories of the early & mid '70's.
A terrific city 8)
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*swoon*
[slightly mournful and wistful tone]
Ww will do it again.... won't we? When me and fboab can come too?
[/slightly mournful and wistful tone]
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*swoon*
[slightly mournful and wistful tone]
Ww will do it again.... won't we? When me and fboab can come too?
[/slightly mournful and wistful tone]
+2 (me and CrinklyUncle)
Fabulous pics :)
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Are n00b tricyclists allowed? :)
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I would make an effort to attend the next one
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Are n00b tricyclists allowed? :)
The possibility of n00b tricyclists would be a great incentive to do this again.
I would make an effort to attend the next one
And so would this.
*swoon*
[slightly mournful and wistful tone]
Ww will do it again.... won't we? When me and fboab can come too?
[/slightly mournful and wistful tone]
+2 (me and CrinklyUncle)
Fabulous pics :)
And, most definitely, all this.
So.
When? This Christmas? Next summer? Same time next year? Who fancies the youth hostel?
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In the spring. Easter, after the arrow.
No hostel for me.
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How about doing Tyne Tunnels & Bridges over a weekend if necessary time-wise?
Two birds,one stone and all that.
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How about doing Tyne Tunnels & Bridges over a weekend if necessary time-wise?
Two birds,one stone and all that.
There's only one tunnel, and we did the bridges and the tunnel in one day the other week. Why would it take a weekend? Or am I being dim?
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How about doing Tyne Tunnels & Bridges over a weekend if necessary time-wise?
Two birds,one stone and all that.
There's only one tunnel, and we did the bridges and the tunnel in one day the other week. Why would it take a weekend? Or am I being dim?
I expect not.
My perceptions have become distorted since I last spent any amount of time there.Obviously been away too long.
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Tyne Tunnel and Tees Bridges would make a cracking weekend.
*has a charlotte-esque little moment at the very thought of it*
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Oooooh ...
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Like Jogler, I was also under the impression that the Tyne Bridges and Tyne tunnel were 2 rides - mainly due to the 2 seperate topics - Doh! :-[
Lovely photos, and we will join you for the next one.
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Oooooh ...
Aaaaaah
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Just putting this out there again. Reminiscing about a lovely, lovely day. Bump. Or whatever.
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Just putting this out there again. Reminiscing about a lovely, lovely day. Bump. Or whatever.
I quite like lovely days. And tunnels. Especially ones that aren't encapsulated by a COR mudbath. Just sayin'...
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Yeah me too Kim. Just sayin'.
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Thread-watching with interest...
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Not been riding in that part of the world since I did the C2C/Reivers Route trip years ago, when I was a neophyte cycle tourer. Had to spend an extra day in Tynemouth while waiting for an LBS to replace some spokes in my rear wheel.
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Thread-watching with interest...
Actually, scratch that, start a new thread with the year in the title an' evrythin' and then it's got to happen! New beginnings and all that :) :thumbsup:
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Are the tunnels back open again then? I thought they were shut for roadworks.
[eta] BN: They're still shut
GN: They re-open in August :D
http://www.tynepedestrianandcyclisttunnels.co.uk/
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Are the tunnels back open again then? I thought they were shut for roadworks.
[eta] BN: They're still shut
GN: They re-open in August :D
http://www.tynepedestrianandcyclisttunnels.co.uk/
Still shut. I've used the bus a couple of times and it's been fine mind, but obviously misses the point.
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Still shut. I've used the bus a couple of times and it's been fine mind, but obviously misses the point.
How full does the bus get? I know they say they have capacity for 16 bikes. I was just wondering what the chances might be of all getting on the same bus if say 12 of us all roll up together?
If that would be an issue we could:
a) wait until the tunnel opens again in August
b) do a variation of the route possibly abandoning the ferry/tunnel part but starting at say the blinking eye bridge and then working upstream covering every bridge we can to see how far we can get (anyone any ideas how to do cycle the rail only bridges?)
c) go for a combined cycle and kayak trip - making a symbolic water crossing somewhere above the pedestrian tunnel route (I've done this on the Wear as part of a "most convoluted commute" competition but the Tyne is a rather wider river with a lot more traffic on it and I'm not sure if my paddling skills are up to it these days to kayak across with a bike balanced on the spraydeck ...)
d) go for a ride somewhere else now and come back to this in August
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Our club run sometimes takes the bus - usually 6/10 people and not yet had a problem. Doesn't seem to be that busy outside of rush hour (I'm not sure how busy it gets rush hour tbh, I've never used it then)
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The bus runs every half hour, it wouldn't be so bad if a few had to wait for the next one.
As has been said sometime in the last three years, a good option would be to trundle up the Tyne Valley a little bit, maybe crossing at Bywell, and/or Wylam and/or Ovingham, another crossing option at Newburn.
I think Crinkly should be prevailed upon to do it on the new tandem.
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Someone else needs to wear the Sorting Hat for this one as I probably won't be coming.
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Are the tunnels back open again then? I thought they were shut for roadworks.
[eta] BN: They're still shut
GN: They re-open in August :D
http://www.tynepedestrianandcyclisttunnels.co.uk/
Used the bus this morning; driver has had his contract extended into the new year, so he reckons the pedestrian tunnel will be closed until then at the earliest.
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..Feburary 2014? That has slipped a bit from july this year.
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It slipped from July to August 2014 initially. Now it's February 2015. The time to get worried is when the website starts just publishing the month of completion but ignoring the year. I was hoping for a repeat of the tunnels ride we did a couple of years ago sometime around September/October this year. That's obviously gone for a burton now (unless anyone fancies a night run through one of the road tunnels - somehow I think the chances of getting away with it are rather less than doing a night run through Newcastle down the central motorway because there's only one exit)
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Apparently it's due to finding Asbestos they didn't know was there - http://www.tynepedestrianandcyclisttunnels.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/TT-programme_extension_final-PDF.pdf (http://www.tynepedestrianandcyclisttunnels.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/TT-programme_extension_final-PDF.pdf)
They reckon they can fit 16 bikes on the shuttle buses, so we could do this ride and get shuttled if we want to do it this year. Sort of setting the baseline for cycling through next year :)
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Shall we start the process of setting the date then?
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How about early/mid September - 6/7th, 13/14th, or 20/21st (said without looking at a calendar to see what other events are on around then). Alternatively we could look at something in July. I thin August is probably out for a few of the likely contenders because of holidays, birthday rides etc. I think it's going to take me until then to remember what order we did all the bridges in to end up crossing each one in the right direction.
I assume that we are aiming for the following crossings again:
Tyne Tunnel, Shields Ferry, Millennium (Blinking Eye) Bridge, Tyne Bridge, Swing Bridge and the High Level. Redheugh Bridge is a bit pants and I don't think people would be happy if we went for the rail only bridges. If we did Redheugh we would then need to get down to Blaydon Bridge (need an even number of crossings to end up on the same side of the river you started from...). We should also aim to actually get as far as the lighthouse this time and not be diverted by the ice cream van...
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Early-mid September sounds good to me. I'd prefer the 12th myself as I'm hoping be touring for a couple starting August Bank Holiday, but any of those three would be fine. :)
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I've booked some time off work in September. My original plans have fallen through, so I could do the same as last time and incorporate the ride into a cycle camping trip. :D
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Right, I have made a decision. Weekend of 6/7 September.
Roll call, please?
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In fact, scratch that.
New thread.
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I see that the tunnels are scheduled to open in the Spring.
If they do would anyone be interested in doing this ride? :)
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I'd be in, I'm looking forward to the tunnel opening.
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I'm interested if theres a date that works for me :thumbsup:
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No opening date published yet but looking forward to using the tunnel again
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That’d be cool!
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I'll believe it when I see it :(
There's a new crossing of the Wear at Sun'lun, though - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/new-wear-crossing-qa-everything-12650875