Saturday, 24 September 2011
Wednesday, 21 September 2011
C2C - Day 4 Parkfield Station to Tynemouth by flighty17 at Garmin Connect - Details
C2C - Day 4 Parkfield Station to Tynemouth by flighty17 at Garmin Connect - Details
Day 4 - The last day and all downhill (apparently).
40 miles and 2200 cals
We set off from Parkfield Station after I'd decided to have cooked breakfast. There was no weetabix this time.
It was a track rather than road and there were a few sudden up bits but I managed to get in the right gear and get up them OK. We managed to keep together for the most part. It was mostly downhill. 17 miles to the first snack stop. We went over a viaduct and a few bridges to get there. Iona and I got separated from the group after the viaduct and it was the first time I'd got to a snack stop before more people than just John. Iona and I did turn back at one point as we'd gone past a carpark that was empty and then thought we'd gone too far.
The snack stop was in Rowlands Gill. A few of the group had taken a wrong turning but they weren't far behind us.
A quick few miles through the town and onto Gateshead. We all stuck together for this section.
We pootled through the town to the yacht club for our last lunch.
Just a few more miles and there we were - right at the end. It was a bit of a climb and a managed it. I was disappointed with the signpost. I was hoping for something bigger and more impressive.
A bit further to dip the wheels in the sea - down slippy beach, for the final photo.
Shattered, legs burning but had great time despite the weather. Great group of people, great company, great food (mostly) and would recommend it to everyone.
Day 4 - The last day and all downhill (apparently).
40 miles and 2200 cals
We set off from Parkfield Station after I'd decided to have cooked breakfast. There was no weetabix this time.
It was a track rather than road and there were a few sudden up bits but I managed to get in the right gear and get up them OK. We managed to keep together for the most part. It was mostly downhill. 17 miles to the first snack stop. We went over a viaduct and a few bridges to get there. Iona and I got separated from the group after the viaduct and it was the first time I'd got to a snack stop before more people than just John. Iona and I did turn back at one point as we'd gone past a carpark that was empty and then thought we'd gone too far.
The snack stop was in Rowlands Gill. A few of the group had taken a wrong turning but they weren't far behind us.
A quick few miles through the town and onto Gateshead. We all stuck together for this section.
We pootled through the town to the yacht club for our last lunch.
Just a few more miles and there we were - right at the end. It was a bit of a climb and a managed it. I was disappointed with the signpost. I was hoping for something bigger and more impressive.
A bit further to dip the wheels in the sea - down slippy beach, for the final photo.
Shattered, legs burning but had great time despite the weather. Great group of people, great company, great food (mostly) and would recommend it to everyone.
C2C - Day 3 Alston To Parkfield Station by flighty17 at Garmin Connect - Details
C2C - Day 3 Alston To Parkfield Station by flighty17 at Garmin Connect - Details
The Steepest Climbs
This was my toughest day. 2800 calories and 24 miles, but the hills were short and steep.
Iona offered to stick with me again and I was extremely grateful.
We set off from Alston and straight away on a steep cobbled road. My legs were not ready for that assault. I managed half of the cobbled section before losing my nerve as well as energy. My back wheel kept slipping on the cobbles. I did get off and walk to the end of the cobbles where Colette told me to get back on my bike so I did.
Iona was waiting for me at the top and we set off to Allenheads for our morning stop. The cafe was shut - they lost a lot of business that morning.
We then set off again and hit another really steep section. I managed that bit but then soon came a hill that I was really struggling with. Iona was making me count to get me to the junction. I could hardly breathe, but she got me there.
I did manage to cycle all the way to lunch despite stopping to catch breath.
Lunch was taken by the village hall in Rookhope. Again another great spread. Quick loo stop in the public toilets and we set off up yet another steep hill. There were 2 options from Rookhope. On road or Off road. I had no idea which would be the best for me but the off road section was shut for shooting (we'd seen the 50 billion landys over take us earlier) so the decision was made. On road it was. This was a lovely section with a great downhill bit, then we got to Stanhope.
Left turn was made onto a 17% hill. I got half way up the houses, a bloke walked past me and I gave in. I walked to the end of the houses, threw up then got back on bike. A jet flew past and I started cycling to the end. Everyone had gone on ahead due to the hills.
I cycled the rest of the way and on the last section Linda and Iona came back to get me. Good job too as I was wondering if I'd missed the turning for the B&B. The small railway carriage was there on the right and we turned in to Parkfield Station.
Bikes left for storage and into the cafe we went. We hadn't got a bath yet again, but Iona & Linda offered to swap for Colette. Bath later and down for tea. I'd booked sausage and mash and was really looking forward to it. I don't think the sausages had ever seen meat. The veg meatballs apparently were good - for future reference.
I didn't take to the owner - can't put my finger on it, but something odd about her.
The room was double + bunk beds. Colette had the double this time. It was the smallest room in the world and the views looked so bleak. Again it had been a very quiet day traffic wise. We had only seen 2 groups of cyclists today. The first day there were loads.
The Steepest Climbs
This was my toughest day. 2800 calories and 24 miles, but the hills were short and steep.
Iona offered to stick with me again and I was extremely grateful.
We set off from Alston and straight away on a steep cobbled road. My legs were not ready for that assault. I managed half of the cobbled section before losing my nerve as well as energy. My back wheel kept slipping on the cobbles. I did get off and walk to the end of the cobbles where Colette told me to get back on my bike so I did.
Iona was waiting for me at the top and we set off to Allenheads for our morning stop. The cafe was shut - they lost a lot of business that morning.
We then set off again and hit another really steep section. I managed that bit but then soon came a hill that I was really struggling with. Iona was making me count to get me to the junction. I could hardly breathe, but she got me there.
I did manage to cycle all the way to lunch despite stopping to catch breath.
Left turn was made onto a 17% hill. I got half way up the houses, a bloke walked past me and I gave in. I walked to the end of the houses, threw up then got back on bike. A jet flew past and I started cycling to the end. Everyone had gone on ahead due to the hills.
Bikes left for storage and into the cafe we went. We hadn't got a bath yet again, but Iona & Linda offered to swap for Colette. Bath later and down for tea. I'd booked sausage and mash and was really looking forward to it. I don't think the sausages had ever seen meat. The veg meatballs apparently were good - for future reference.
I didn't take to the owner - can't put my finger on it, but something odd about her.
The room was double + bunk beds. Colette had the double this time. It was the smallest room in the world and the views looked so bleak. Again it had been a very quiet day traffic wise. We had only seen 2 groups of cyclists today. The first day there were loads.
C2C - Day 2 Threkfeld to Alston by flighty17 at Garmin Connect - Details
C2C - Day 2 Threkfeld to Alston by flighty17 at Garmin Connect - Details
Threkfeld to Alston
4302 calories & 43 miles
The toughest day according to the notes.
We packed up the van from the B&B and set off in the drizzle.
I had to get off and walk up the first hill as it was a bit of a shock straight after breakfast. Iona was waiting for me at the top and offered to ride with me. I took a few photos caught my breath and we set off. Iona guided me towards which gears I should be using and I basically copied what ever she did including trying to remember to sit up when going up a long hill.
This worked a treat as for the rest of the day I didn't get off once to walk.
The first snack stop was at Greystoke. This was just after some great downhill sections. The roads were so quiet that I was glad for Iona's company. The reassurance that I'm on the right road and motivation to move at a reasonable pace meant I made the snack stops not too far behind the rest of the group. John was the only person to remain behind me.
I was getting cold so we moved on as soon as possible. The next stop was lunch.
We met on the village green after a few steep climbs that I did struggle with but achieved.
Peter had also joined us on this section and we'd done a bit of weaving up the hills.
I was getting cold at lunch, so was eager to get on. I used the cafe toilets (the toilet was not stable so I had a minor panic when it wobbled) and returned to bike. The owner of the cafe came over to the group to tell us off for using his toilets. Apparently Skedaddle had been using them all summer. Maybe he should have mentioned it earlier in the season then.
After lunch was the start of the big climb. It was 7 miles to Renwick and then it was 4 miles up to Hartside Cafe - the highest cafe in England.
I was rather apprehensive about the work ahead of me. My knees were aching and I felt like I'd used up everything I had. There were a few steep bits on the way to Renwick including one really tough one out of Penrith. Peter was still with us and on the one climb he was walking faster than I was cycling, but I didn't give in and cycled all the way up.
We kept stopping for photos and the plan was to stop in Renwick and get the clothing right for the climb. I soon realised that we hadn't stopped at Renwick (I clearly missed it) and that we'd started the climb. I only stopped to take a breather and take photos. I did cycle all the way to the top.
The team were there to cheer me on when I cycled into the car park. 1 piece of cake and a coke later and we were ready for the downhill ride to our next B&B.
I nearly went back down the hill that I'd cycled up. I got a bit confused - the blood was all in my legs...
The downhill section was great though despite pedalling I couldn't get over 22 mph. There was a nasty accident (I didn't look in case I saw something gory) involving a motorbike part of the way down with police cars on both sides of the road which did slow my descent. The air ambulance flew past and was in the valley below - I did feel really high up.
We arrived at Alston House together, loaded our bikes in and made our way to our rooms.
Our room had wobbly floor. The wardrobe looked like it was about to fall over and Colette had moments where she thought she was losing the plot as everything she put on the table slid straight onto the floor.
The bathroom was very roomy, I had the double bed and was so looking forward to it.
Dinner was roast beef (Sunday roast) followed by profiteroles. Spot on. I slept like a log. The best nights sleep so far.
Threkfeld to Alston
4302 calories & 43 miles
The toughest day according to the notes.
We packed up the van from the B&B and set off in the drizzle.
I had to get off and walk up the first hill as it was a bit of a shock straight after breakfast. Iona was waiting for me at the top and offered to ride with me. I took a few photos caught my breath and we set off. Iona guided me towards which gears I should be using and I basically copied what ever she did including trying to remember to sit up when going up a long hill.
This worked a treat as for the rest of the day I didn't get off once to walk.
The first snack stop was at Greystoke. This was just after some great downhill sections. The roads were so quiet that I was glad for Iona's company. The reassurance that I'm on the right road and motivation to move at a reasonable pace meant I made the snack stops not too far behind the rest of the group. John was the only person to remain behind me.
I was getting cold so we moved on as soon as possible. The next stop was lunch.
We met on the village green after a few steep climbs that I did struggle with but achieved.
Peter had also joined us on this section and we'd done a bit of weaving up the hills.
I was getting cold at lunch, so was eager to get on. I used the cafe toilets (the toilet was not stable so I had a minor panic when it wobbled) and returned to bike. The owner of the cafe came over to the group to tell us off for using his toilets. Apparently Skedaddle had been using them all summer. Maybe he should have mentioned it earlier in the season then.
After lunch was the start of the big climb. It was 7 miles to Renwick and then it was 4 miles up to Hartside Cafe - the highest cafe in England.
I was rather apprehensive about the work ahead of me. My knees were aching and I felt like I'd used up everything I had. There were a few steep bits on the way to Renwick including one really tough one out of Penrith. Peter was still with us and on the one climb he was walking faster than I was cycling, but I didn't give in and cycled all the way up.
We kept stopping for photos and the plan was to stop in Renwick and get the clothing right for the climb. I soon realised that we hadn't stopped at Renwick (I clearly missed it) and that we'd started the climb. I only stopped to take a breather and take photos. I did cycle all the way to the top.
The team were there to cheer me on when I cycled into the car park. 1 piece of cake and a coke later and we were ready for the downhill ride to our next B&B.
I nearly went back down the hill that I'd cycled up. I got a bit confused - the blood was all in my legs...
The downhill section was great though despite pedalling I couldn't get over 22 mph. There was a nasty accident (I didn't look in case I saw something gory) involving a motorbike part of the way down with police cars on both sides of the road which did slow my descent. The air ambulance flew past and was in the valley below - I did feel really high up.
We arrived at Alston House together, loaded our bikes in and made our way to our rooms.
Our room had wobbly floor. The wardrobe looked like it was about to fall over and Colette had moments where she thought she was losing the plot as everything she put on the table slid straight onto the floor.
The bathroom was very roomy, I had the double bed and was so looking forward to it.
Dinner was roast beef (Sunday roast) followed by profiteroles. Spot on. I slept like a log. The best nights sleep so far.
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