A new sportif for me (Sunderland Big Bike Ride)

After having competed in the Cyclone every year and taken part in the Great North Bike Ride I wasn’t intending n entering any sportives this year.

Until a Facebook group I’m in called ‘Cycling Around the North East (UK)’ started talking about a ride leaving from Sunderland on 11 June.

It’s organised by Active Sunderland and comprises of 20 or 35 miles (which is way shorter than I’m used to) but I thought if I cycle there and back from my home in Gateshead it would be nearer 70 and it only costs a tenner!!.

And of course it wouldn’t be a challenge unless I was doing it on the Chopper.

Anyway, I entered but foolishly left it until the day before to do some much needed maintenance on the bike. this comes with its own issues as , if anything goes wrong I can’t just go and buy parts off the shelf. Thankfully it all went well and the bike was ready to go.

I decided that as registration was from 8am I’d get dropped off at the start which is what I did and soon had quite a few people coming to talk about the bike and seemed really surprised I’d take on the ride on a heavyweight 43yr old kids bike.

Registration complete I hung around talking to many riders before the off. There were only 450 riders taking part and 90% must have been on MTBs. I didn’t know the route so wasn’t too sure what to expect.

I was asked by Peter Noone (I think) the organiser if Doris (lord Mayor) could have a photo so got them taken and rejoined the back of the group.

Dated: 11/06/17 Saddle Up… The Big Bike Ride takes place today (Sun) in Sunderland. The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Doris MacKnight, started the 300 cyclists from the Sir Tom Cowie campus on St Peter’s Riverside. The Mayor is pictured trying out an old Raleigh Chopper bike belonging to Nigel Bradley (also pictured) #NorthNewsAndPictures/2daymedia

Dated: 11/06/17 Saddle Up… The Big Bike Ride takes place today (Sun) in Sunderland. The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Doris MacKnight, started the 300 cyclists from the Sir Tom Cowie campus on St Peter’s Riverside. The Mayor is pictured trying out an old Raleigh Chopper bike belonging to Nigel Bradley (also pictured) #NorthNewsAndPictures/2daymedia

Off we set along the C2C route on what was probably a little too rough conditions for my bike but hey ho it’s a bike ride. I’ll have to include my strava link as I’m not au fait with the area so couldn’t tell you where I was for most of the time. Riders were talking of a couple of hills Moorsley and the quarry climb at Hetton lake.

conditions luckily stayed dry all day despite massive black clouds but I must say the SW wind was testing and seemed to be in our face most of the way out and fairly strong. Soon I came to the Moorsley Climb and as I don’t have gears like modern bikes I just grit my teeth and power up, passing quite a few riders in the process. At the top I stopped for a snack and to chat to other riders who had made it or pushed up. Dropping down from Moorsley I soon skirted the lake and started on the quarry climb which seemed steeper to me with even more pushers but thankfully I made it.

From there we seemed to head down towards the coast with at least a couple of miles of freewheeling before picking up Sustrans route 1 heading back towards Sunderland. When we approached Sunderland we passed a Metro station with a marshal on but after that the signs seemed to disappear (and others commented later on it) so I headed through the town centre over the bridge and dropped through the car park and through the finish line to pick up my medal, rucksack, waterbottle, bottle of water and most importantly chunky kit kat 🙂

I sat around chatting to a few riders for quite  while before heading down to Faustos cycle cafe on the seafront for a coffee . Finishing off my ride I cycled up to south shields, ferry across to North shields and followed the C2C route on north side of the tyne on my detour back to Gateshead.

 

Thanks to the organisers and the participants I had a nice ride out.

I was contacted by a couple of riders following the ride who asked if I’d beaten them on the climbs so I sent them my strava link and yes I had. but it wasn’t a race.

 

And here is the link to my strava :

https://www.strava.com/activities/1032076948/embed/32db62e68af76f90c94fa773e2fa6050fd2f199a

2016 Adventure

In 2016 instead of a UK based challenge I decided to organise a trip abroad.

The plan was to tour the mountain range of Mallorca whilst lugging our panniers with us, staying in a different location each night and still take on all the massive climbs in the process – on a budget

To find out how we got on checkout www.mallorcacycletouring.co.uk

It’s all about the Cafe, Coffee and Cakes and the bike is just an excuse

I post many photos when I’m out cycling around the North East region, many of them are cake related and I often get asked, where is that cafe?

So I thought I’d drop in a post just about the cafes I frequent on the bike (normal people are also welcome)

Pedalling Squares, Swalwell, opened 2014, going great guns, riding high on Trip Advisor. Great ambiance. Store your bike securely inside, outside eating area with pizza oven, great local produce sweet and savoury, often cycle related media on the big screen, various music nights and welcoming staff and their own Barista, Bike shop attached – free wifi http://www.pedallingsquarescafe.com/home.html

Fausto Cafe, Sunderland –  the new kid on the block (opened this year), just off the seafront. Small but perfectly formed. all home baked goods, friendly and chatty owner. Welcoming cyclists and non-cyclists alike. If finishing C2C you get free cake with the purchase of a cuppa – free wifi http://fausto.coffee/

Capheaton Tearooms – Green tin hut with open fire. Run by an elderly lady and be on your guard if you haven’t pre-warned her you are attending with more than 6 riders (it’s a rush). home made cakes. Very limited outdoor seating and cakes can run out by 2pm. lucky if you get a phone signal. Open Sat/Sun

Blacksmiths Cafe, Belsay – Nice cafe with indoor and outdoor seating with views overlooking the rolling fields. A large selection of cakes and other savouries. Can get very busy especially around lunch time. Popular with the purple rinse brigade. http://www.blacksmithscoffeeshop.co.uk/

Impromptu Cafe, Elsdon, Northumberland. The old schoolhouse – it’s the owners front room. It’s like stepping back in time with vinyl table cloths and cycling related memorabilia adorning the walls and ceiling. Great owners offering an honest service and will never turn a cyclist away whatever time they arrive. Home made grub and baking including Gibbet Cake. I think they are closed on Thursdays http://www.cyclistswelcome.co.uk/establishment/impromptu-cyclist-cafe

Parkhead Station, top of Crawleyside Bank. A favourite stop off of the C2C’ers having just climbed Crawleyside or come across the rough track on the moor top. Can get busy. http://www.parkheadstation.co.uk/

Hownsgill Tea Rooms, Castleside, Consett – Set on a working farm with great views of the rolling countryside. Inside and outside seating areas and very reasonably priced http://c2cstopoff.co.uk/tea-rooms/

And yes there are more I’ve visited which I haven’t listed – but this should be your starter (pun intended)

I DON’T GET IN THIS SHAPE BY AVOIDING CAFE AND CAKES

With huge thanks to Cycle Centre, Byker, the Chopper is back in action

In late December 2014 I thought I’d treat the chopper to a replacement chain, which I ordered and fitted .

Unfortunately I didn’t get chance to test it right away and ditched the old chain. When I did get around to testing it I found it jumping horrendously making it unrideable 😦

To cut a long story short, I tried different new chains, different cassettes, jockey wheels as well as many other tweaks until I finally had to admit defeat, something I’ve NEVER had to do with any bike mechanical issue.

Then one wet Sunday afternoon I was representing Sky Riders (British Cycling) and I bumped into Rob from the Cycle Centre in Byker who, when I explained the predicament stated “I love a challenge” and I love a mechanic who loves a challenge 🙂

So, I dropped the bike off, explained all the permutations I’d tried and left it with him.

He set to work trying some things I’d already tried along with some others I hadn’t considered.

The culmunation of his various tweaks means the Chopper is finally back on the road after 6 months and I can’t thank them enough.

Checkout their shop http://www.cyclecentreuk.co.uk/

Last post I was considering wrapping the Chopper up for winter (2013)

A year crammed into one blog post

Just over a year ago I last made my blog post and in it I was considering wrapping up the Chopper for the winter months. Well, that never happened due mainly to an ultra mild winter meaning I could continue riding he bike at weekends throughout the year.

2013 had brought about a few changes for me namely leaving Northumbria University and the starting at LSL (Your Move/Reeds Rains), still based in Newcastle. At the end of the year I also qualified as a Sky Ride Leader which meant I would be responsible for taking
groups of people on organised shortish (up to 30 mile) bike rides from June – November. It’s free for any member of the public to sign up for one, just checkout http://www.goskyride.com. This has changed my outlook on cycling where I receive a lot of positive feedback about our sport and it’s certainly widened up my circle of friends.

At the end of 2013 our local newspaper, The Evening Chronicle wanted to do an article about the Raleigh Chopper and asked for an interview which I duly gave:

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/raleigh-chopper-boyhood-biking-dream-6123657

At the end of it I said I was looking for a Tomahawk for my 7-year-old daughter and a  Budgie for my 4-year-old boy. I was fortunate to be contacted by a friend who offered me a Silver Jubilee Edition (1977). but that only started Jude asking when he would get a Budgie, it’s not as simple as that son. Eventually, I managed to locate a suitable purchase in Hartlepool.

So now we are a stable of 3 retro iconic bikes 🙂

3 Retro, Iconic Raleighs – Cycle Hub Cafe, Newcastle Upon Tyne

As I said earlier I’ve been leading organised Sky Rides in Newcastle area since June but during the year each of the Sky sponsored cities have their own BIG ride which is a day of cycling events in and around the city. 8000 riders signed up for the Newcastle event. Unfortunately, the day before the ride the Met office forecast torrential rain in Newcastle and it turned out ‘only’ 3000 riders turned out. As it happened it stayed dry all day until the event finished… then the rain really came down.

Bradley Wiggins bike Vs Iconic bike

I spoke to a few of the other ride leaders and some of us (Bronwen,  Max and myself) decided to take the train down to York for their big city ride a month later to meet and support the York ride leaders.  York was still buzzing from their success hosting the start of TDF so not surprising 10,000 riders had signed up and the weather was glorious all day. As we arrived at the start line I was asked for a few photos which I’m always happy to oblige. Then we tootled down to the assembled start line where the press asked for a photo of ‘the chopper man’ and the Lord Mayor which I duly obliged. Then they asked for one with the pro rider (who I didn’t know at the time). Turned out to be none other than Russ Downing who rode for Sky last year and NFTO this year. He asked if I was happy to lead out the ride with him only then to be told he was only doing the first 500metres before looping back. So it left me leading 10k cyclists on a route I’d never ridden – what could possibly go wrong. Actually nothing went wrong, had a fantastic day out.

From L-R Lord Mayor, Me, Russ Downing (Team NTFO), 10,000 other cyclists

Russ Downing – Team NFTO

Big rides 2014

Ride for Red June

I was contacted by someone who was aware I’d completed the Great North Bike Ride on the bike in 2013 and asked if I would do the Ride for Red, a 60 mile ride from Seahouses to Newcastle Quayside which followed and inland route unlike the coast hugging of the GNBR. It was a select field and instead of making up the numbers I thought I’d have a go to see how fast I could cover the ride up against some of the proper roadies. Turned out I was in the first 30 finishers – I can live with that.

If you get chance to do the ride, don’t hesitate, the organisation is great, the riders friendly, the route doable and scenic and the hospitality at the end is by far the best I’ve seen on any ride I’ve ever done , top marks to Claire Blake and the rest of the organisers.

http://www.strava.com/activities/148205879

Cyclone 6/14

My first attempt at the Cyclone (the biggest cycling event in the North East) in 2013 had been a cautious one as I had just built up the bike and I was having a few teething issues with the gears so only entered the 35 mile ride which I managed with ease. This year would be different, My daughter Hannah 8 wanted to do the short ride with me but after careful consideration I thought it too far for her on a single speed bike with 20″ wheels. So I couldn’t ‘just’ do the 35 again I would have to up the anti and go for the 67 miles middle route which takes in the infamous Ryals climb, a climb feared by many cyclists.

I arrived in plenty of time at the start and was soaking up the atmosphere when one of the Shimano team mechanics asked if I’d done it the year before which I nodded and he told me they still had the photo from the start. I explained I would be tackling the Ryals at which he shook his head and wished me good luck.  Then a guy and a videographer asked to do an interview as they were looking for different types of cyclists (read: eccentric) where I explained 67 miles wouldn’t be a challenge ona normal bike (of course it is) .   I knew the Ryals were near the end of the ride so I deliberately didn’t go out all guns blazing leaving myself nothing left at ‘the hill’. There was still one major hill before we got there which caught out many of the riders and they pushed it. one big effort from me saw me crest it to a well-needed feed station at the top. Then it was onwards until I eventually reached the bottom of the biggy along with loads of other cyclists on their ‘normal’ bikes ranging from  MTB thru hybrids to full on carbon road bikes., but not one other chopper. Off I set away gritted my teeth and went for it.  I must say it gives me inner strength when I saw other cyclists pushing up the hill on all sorts of bikes. Eventually I made it (and there are photos to prove it), fisting in the air in delight. I must  admit if it had been a couple of degrees steeper I may not have made it. Off I tootled to the food station at Cambo where I met up with the Shimano mechanics again who would eventually tail me all the way to the finish.

One weekend in October I suddenly started getting tagged on Facebook in a video which turns out to be the promotional video for the 2015 event and it has me as the cover and contains some of my interview within it.

The Ryals – Grimace or Smile?

The Ryals – Conquered

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top of the Ryals

http://www.strava.com/activities/156387985

 

Great North Bike Ride(GNBR) 30/8

3013 I had been really quick (for aChopper) covering the 60 mile route at an average 14.9mph. This year I was aiming for a faster time. Alas it wasn’t to be, as the headwind gods were against us which slowed progress significantly. So yes, a slower ride but enjoyable all the same. Same again next year

The start at Seahouses

http://www.strava.com/activities/184633807

Rob’s race for the disabled

I often get invited to join in big bike rides mainly due to the publicity the bike will draw. There was one ride I was asked to join in for the week prior to Children in Need when a disabled cyclist, Rob Groves was hand-cranking his trike from Edinburgh to London calling at the BBC studios on the way. He was after 50 able-bodied cyclists to join him for the last 3 miles into the studio which would be with a police escort. This meant meeting at Gosforth Asda and riding in. As I don’t do things by half I decided to head up towards Kirkharle where I would meet him and his 2 friends followed by his crew in a camper van. Sio I turned around and joined in, using my local knowledge along the way. As we came in to Ponteland we met up with Max Hall with quite a few other riders who were pitched at the cafe so they joined us and we were soon heading down into Gosforth and into Asda where we were met by the Police cars. Off we all set along Gosforth high street, bells ringing and the Police stopping all other traffic at junctions and road lights – fancy being encouraged to run red lights? Great fun and we were soon down to the BBC Studios where Rob had arranged to collect a Pudsey Bear. All the other riders retraced their tracks and headed home but I navigated us through and across the Tyne, through Gateshead and stopped near the Angel of the North where I wished them well and bid them farewell.

A few days later and Rob arrived at the London Studios in time for the live screening – huge congratulations to him and his team.

Chopper and trike

If you want to read more: http://raceforthedisabled.com/

 

A non-chopper ride – Border Reivers

I also organised for a group of friends to do a long ride this year on ‘normal’ bikes. This was the Border Reivers, Tynemouth through Kielder before eventually finishing in  Whitehaven. It poured down for 3 days but we still had a great ride . Thanks to John, Ian, Jed, Carl, Tony for a great weekend of wet cycling.

Strava

Although I signed up with Strava a few years ago, I never really used it in earnest. so for 2014 I decided to try and log all of my rides just to see how many miles I clock up in a year. At the time of publishing,  I’ve completed 1,729 miles which are not bad for a bike taken out normally only taken out one day most weekends. Add to that 4,000 on my touring bike for the year.

Website stats

Despite the fact I haven’t updated the site in a year it still gets regular visitors who search for the most iconic bike you could find resulting in 22.5k views to date. And my http://www.nigelend2end.co.uk has passed through 65k views.

What’s the plan for 2015?

Well, as if a 40 year old bike isn’t enough I’ve recently bought a 50yr old (1964), 3-speed, Moulton F-frame bike which is yet another British built marque. I’m sure I’ll be taking out for spins in the coming year.

If you fancy joining me for a ride you will often find me @Pedalling Squares Cycle Cafe in Swalwell enjoying their hospitality or feel free to drop me a note on the contacts page.

Or of course you are always assured of a warm welcome on any of the Sky Rides http://www.goskyride.com

Some random photos from 2014

Millennium Bridge

 

 

Tyne Bridge – Sage

Raleigh Chopper – British Cycling

Chopper socks

Tynemouth Priory

Inside of my Sturmey Archer

Putting the F’s back in Fun Factor (and a long overdue update)

As the (Chopper) season draws to a close I realise that following the C2C there are many adventures I haven’t documented and details I haven’t previously explained.

One thing I didn’t explain was that I added ANOTHER external gear, giving 3 in total x 3 internals so I fess up I now have 9 gears. I also changed the original 145cm cranks to 170cm adult cranks which gives more leverage but results in having minimal ground clearance resulting on having to be careful on fast sweeping bends for fear of ‘catching a pedal’.

So that’s the update about the additions to the bike and now to the 3 (major) rides I’ve completed since the C2C:

1 VIRGIN MONEY TYNE CYCLONE (32 miles)

This ride and the GNBR are the two biggest mass participation events in the North East. It comes in 3 flavours: 33, 63 and 104 miles starting from Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club  – I completed the 107 in 2011 on my carbon road bike.

I erred on the side of caution this time so entered the 32 on the Chopper.

Mrs B dropped me off at the start after the 107’s had left but there was still lots of activity at the start with loads of riders and all the support teams etc. I met a few friends including Neil and Joanne Southern who were both going for the 67 on their ‘proper’ bikes. It wasn’t long before the bike had drawn a crowd and requests for photos of the bike. the funniest of which was from the official Shimano mechanics who were really pleased when I let them take the bike and get photos of them all with the bike in the Shimano tent.

Falcons chopper

Best of British cycling

Soon it would be start time and I headed off and soon was feeling good and from the start I was reeling riders in (I know it’s not a race). Heading out through Ponteland before the first charity/unofficial stop in Walton – cake and drink – oh go on then, in fact make that 2 cakes!! Again plenty of questions re the bike (which I’m always more than happy to answer/expand upon). Soon I was off  heading around Belsay, crossing the A68 towards Stamfordham this is where I ended up cycling (and having a great chat) with @sportbetty and her friend who were looking forward to the refreshment stop in Stamfordham. I stocked up on refreshments but also went inside to purchase coffee. From there it was only the return to the rugby ground and the finish to collect medal and T shirt etc and yet more photos. a few roadies came to speak to me and said they couldn’t drop me ha ha. Once I’d talked for long enough I cycled the 14 miles home via the Cycle Hub cafe

A very enjoyable ride I had!!

Stats for the ride: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/335887597

2 BIKE FOR BOBBY (40 miles)

A couple of my friends Richard Manley-Reeve and Anji Rippon (both new to cycling) entered this charity event which is aimed at raising money for the Sir Bobby Robson’s (legend)  charity.

I fancied a ride out so thought I’d tag along and provide company /be a gooseberry.

Start was anywhere between 8 and 10 so Rich suggested a meeting at 9 so off I set to cycle over to the start at the hallowed St James’ Park where I met Anji and Rich, both wearing their Newcastle tops.

Bike for Bobby

Bike for Bobby

Bike for Bobby

Bike for Bobby

I was surprised at the lack of participants but apparently lots of riders had left at 8. At the start line one of the organisers read out the safety info to us but became more interested in chatting about the chopper. Off we set at a rather leisurely pace but Anji seemed pleasantly surprised at the nice quiet country lanes we were using. First refreshment stop I stopped with the pair but didn’t dive in (as I wasn’t officially entered) but it wasn’t long before the helpers started asking questions about the bike (and being amazed I’d done the C2C on it) . Anji, being competitive was riding ‘at pace’ whilst I tootled along with Rich but I did chat for a while whilst riding with a roadie who had come down from Edinburgh to do the event – he also commented how fast I propelled the chop.

Towards the end of the loop we passed back through the refreshments again and had  a short stop and then headed off to the finish where there was a bit more activity. No sooner had we passed thru when 2 girls asked if they could get a photo of me with the chopper – as if that would be a problem 🙂

Bike for Bobby

Bike for Bobby

Bike for Bobby

Details of the ride: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/362941683

From there we headed (again) to the Cycle Hub Cafe for a bacon sarnie and coffee to finish of a very pleasant ride.

3 GREAT NORTH BIKE RIDE (60 miles)

1950 riders, riding 60 miles from Seahouses to Tynemouth down the North East coastline.

Mrs B again agreed to drop  off and to pick my friend John Bell (MTB) up enroute from the holiday accommodation he was staying at (around half way mark). The plan was for him to ride the first 30 miles with me.

The rendezvous worked well and soon we were heading to a very foggy Seahouses (but at least it wasn’t raining. We got there before the start and I must say I was surprised how many full on ‘roadies’ were there who were obviously ‘looking for a time’ even though the instructions clearly state ‘it’s a ride, not a race‘ and that’s what I was intending to do. John  wasn’t pleased with all the environmentally unfriendly buses, lorries and cars were used to get the riders to the start.

We let a few of the batches of 25 riders head off before we joined in on the back of one of the batches. Off we set along the road towards Beadnell and I was going at my normal pace (which turned out to be 20mph) as I chatted to some of the roadies on the way. When I looked back I couldn’t see John so decided to stop and wait for him which would happen a few times on the way down to his departure at Hadston. We came to the feed station at the picturesque village of Warkworth (with its castle) and it was bustling and thankfully the weather had improved significantly. A few refreshments and I headed off to the loo where I found @sportbetty (from Virgin Cyclone ride above) who was riding this route with her sister so we had a quick catchup. Then it was the only ‘hillock’ on the ride up towards the castle. Soon I was gunning along again until I reached John’s departure point at Hadston where we said our farewells and I headed off down the busy A1068 road to the roundabout and feed station at Widdrington Roundabout where I took on supplies but was going to the Barn Cafe 200 metres up the rise, determined to sit down and enjoy my food and drink. I purchased some hot savoury and a latte and went to sit on a seat (for ages) at the top of the rise so I could watch all the cyclists coming up – some seemed to be really struggling and many took the opportunity to stop and ask about the bike which as normal I was more than happy to comply with. From there it was a drop down to the sea front and along through Cresswell but no time to stop for ice cream unfortunately. From here I was determined to pick off as many as I could and I was flying. Down through Blyth (which must be the most unattractive part of the route) and again down to the sea front. Some riders were now walkers and pushing their bikes – 10 miles to push – ouch!!

I was reeling people in and overtaking them all the way to the finish at Tynemouth where I was disappointed to find only XL tops left (maybe all the lycra clad roadies had grabbed the ‘normal’ sizes) – next year I’ll not be hanging around and I’ll be finishing with them 🙂

Details of the ride can be found here: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/365031588

60 miles averaging 14.4mph then I cycled the 14 miles home – I’d had a great day.

These obviously aren’t the only rides I’ve been doing both on the chopper and on the tourer mostly long but also often – happy days.

The Chopper will soon be serviced and mothballed until next year – bit of a shame really 😦

The charity totals are in

Just to let all you kind people know I managed to raise £620 in total for motor neurones research which will hopefully help in the battle against this truly appalling condition.

I met up with Mark Taylor, my cousin who is the inspiration for my efforts. It was a family day to celebrate his 30th birthday – great day but I don’t want to see others suffer like he has.

On behalf of the charity,  Mark  and myself I’d like to thank you for your generosity.

Www.justgiving.com/c2conachopper

Day 3 – Rookhope to Tynemouth (finish) then cycle 14 miles home

After a good night’s rest (thanks to Valerie) this would be our final day, a day which I would be VERY familiar with as it’s one of my regular return training rides.

Unfortunately as Ian Poppleton and Richard Nutt were booked on a train from Sunderland that evening they would be on a time schedule which they couldn’t miss and they chose to finish in Sunderland rather than Tynemouth (which we would). Great breakfast, again including Valerie’s home made bread rolls – filled the spot. We bid farewell to Ian and Richard as they headed off on their way – it was a great pleasure to ride day 2 with you both – maybe another ride in the future beckons???

The rest of us mulled around getting attacked by midgies!! The choice today was steep technical (but shorter) climb off-road out of Rookhope or the longer road climb of Crawleyside bank. I’ve done both before and I think th Crawleyside climb is easier. Anyway we chose the off-road route which would soon be over with and that would be our final climb of the 3 days.

Barrington Bunkhouse, Rookhope

Barrington Bunkhouse, Rookhope

Barrington Bunkhouse, Rookhope

Rookhope Inn, Rookhope

Off we set and it soon became apparent that Choppers don’t make ideal MTB’s so I’d be taking up the rear and pushing some of this. Jed was off in the distance followed by John then Carl, Ian and then me. I could see Ian was struggling with the technical nature and having to stop for breathers/gather his thoughts. About half way up Carl fell off (still clipped in) which gave me a chance to pass them, take a photo and hurl some abuse then ask if he was OK. They both ended up pushing the remainder of the climb (behind me).

Rookhope Incline onto Rookhope Moor

Rookhope Incline onto Rookhope Moor

Rookhope Incline onto Rookhope Moor

Rookhope Incline onto Rookhope Moor

Rookhope Incline onto Rookhope Moor

Carl’s a casualty on Rookhope Incline onto Rookhope Moor

Carl’s a casualty on Rookhope Incline onto Rookhope Moor

Carl’s a casualty on Rookhope Incline onto Rookhope Moor

Once on the top there’s a track which has been dangerously rutted for years where your bike would disappear into water filled bomb holes and the track is so rutted you can’t get both pedals horizontal to clear the sides.

Anyway, on we went with the first planned stop being at the Parkhead Station cafe which is where we bumped into lots of the girls again – they’d chosen the drag of climb that is Crawleyside.

Cyclists at Parkhead Cafe

Heidi at Parkhead Cafe

Chopper Man getting a backy

Chopper Tales to tell

Lots of photos, tea, cake banter. Then we were off down the Waskerly Way – I was determined to be flat out as I raced down from the cafe, twice the bike became totally broadside whilst Ian was following me but I didn’t let that deter me and kept on it, overtaking loads of cyclists on the way. I was meeting Richard Manley-Reeve, one of my close colleagues who is new into biking and very keen to be out on it. We met up then off we shot – he later said he couldn’t believe the speed I was getting out the bike 🙂

Terris Novalis by Tony Cragg

Waskerly Way

Waskerly Way

Waskerly Way

Waskerly Way

Terris Novalis by Tony Cragg

Over the Hownsgill Viaduct and popped out into Consett which passes through the park (worth a visit) and before then  joining the Derwent Walk which would take us down to the river Tyne. The girls stop was planned for Ebchester then they would go down to the Quayside Bar (Newcastle Quayside) for champers etc. We passed through Derwenthaugh Park with its lake then across the Scotswood Bridge to end up on the north of the river and along the Keelman’s Way before we dropped onto the welcome site of Newcastle Quayside where we would be stopping for lunch at http://www.thecyclehub.org/ Bacon butty and coffee – £3-75 – bargain 🙂

The Cycle Hub Cafe

John at the Millennium Bridge

A group of male cyclists who had seen us day 2 were also there and asked if they could finish with us which wasn’t a problem at all (except they must’ve set off after us). We made our way down to eventually come out at Tynemouth and down onto Little Haven Beach where we were met by Simon. Jed’s wife, Carl’s dad/daughter etc

Jed Woodhouse, Finisher, Tynemouth

Carl Rutter, Finisher, Tynemouth

Ian Hall, Finisher, Tynemouth

John Bell, Finisher, Tynemouth

Nigel ‘Chopper Man’ Bradley, Finisher, Tynemouth

We ‘dipped’ as is tradition and also had our obligatory photos taken (I’m not shy about getting mine taken)

Tynemouth finish

Tynemouth finish

Tynemouth finish

Tynemouth finish

Team Finish at Tynemouth

 

Tynemouth finish

Tynemouth finish

Tynemouth finish

Well done to our squad and also to Ian Poppleton and Richard Nutt who had made it to Sunderland before they took the train home. It was a great feeling to finish but also a little sad that this particular adventure was over.

I said this was my 2nd best cycling trip ever, only beaten by my Lands End to John O’Groats of 2011.

I hung around to witness all the girls finishing together – they should be very proud of themselves and deserve to raise loads of money for the Hospice.

The route and stats for the day http://connect.garmin.com/activity/333103384

I then had 14 miles to cycle which I found tough’ish as I’d past the finish line and also knowing our excellent adventure was over.

Well done daddy

Well done daddy

I’d like to thank the drivers who got us to the start and picked some of us from the finish, The hostels we stayed in, The Hospice girls and other groups along the way with their encouragement and all the sponsorship I’ve received – it’s still not too late http://www.justgiving.com/c2conachopper – DONE!!

SO WHAT WILL BE NEXT YEARS ADVENTURE??

Day 2 – Penrith to Rookhope – very hilly, torrential rain, wind, thunder, lightening and hailstones lying

Day 2 the forecast wasn’t good (heavy rain).

I apologise in advance for not writing about all our cyclists – most of them were always away up the road from me so could type ‘could see on horizon’.

Today we would be joined by Ian Poppleton and his prodige Richard Nutt, who would be the first to tell you on day one he had struggled and had serious concerns he wouldn’t be able to complete the very hilly and daunting day two.

Up for an 8am hearty continental breakfast (everything was 5 stars about this hostel). and by 9 we would be hitting the road and it was dry 🙂

It was straight into the first of many climbs this day which basically climbed out of Penrith and again along country lanes before descending fast (apologies to the chicken Carl mowed down, but didn’t kill) down towards Langwathby. As a veteran of many C2C’s I knew from there it was a 10 mile climb up Hartside (via Little Salkeld and Renwick) to the cafe at the summit which unfortunately was covered in thick fog. I started having technical issues half way up the climb, the cotter pin holding the left crank on had started to come loose (I’d had some issues on day 1 but thought tightening it at the hostel would resolve it). Turns out it was stripped 😦 the good news was I had a couple of spare, the bad news, I didn’t have a hammer and anything to drift it out – call in the cavalry. I phoned my father in law, Alan who agreed to rendezvous at the Hartside cafe with his toolbox which he duly did. The cafe was packed with hundreds of very wet and steaming cyclists (not pleasant but buzzing) – it was now coming down in buckets. The rest of my squad sat in the warmth and enjoyed their coffee and cake whilst I managed to replace the dodgy cotter pin and was able to set Alan on his way home – thanks.

Hartside – nice weather

Hartside – nice weather

Easy for some

Looking bleak

Hartside cafe

Hartside cafe

I was now very concerned as I knew we had a steep drop-off off of Hartside towards Garrigill and at the bottom was a T junction. My brakes are rubbish in the dry but even worse when the roads resemble rivers (which they did) and the rims get wet. This was going to be a bottle test. I had the brakes pulled full on and …. the Chopper was still accelerating. Drastic action was called for – I cocked one leg over the cross bar and headed towards the grass verge hoping it wasn’t a hidden ditch. Thankfully it wasn’t and it slowed me enough to leap off the bike, but hold it and continue to walk down the rest of the hill – how disheartening??

I tell everyone that the hardest climb of the whole route is the climb out or Garrigill (and I’ve yet to be proved wrong) All my party and many other cyclists were sheltering under the large trees in the village square. I’d now reached the stage where I’d get  a very large cheer when I’d arrive and the girls from the Hospice would should “Chopper Man” – great encouragement- thanks. I didn’t hang around and soon found myself on the dreaded climb. This is where I was wishing I was on a nimble bike with 27 gears instead of a heavyweight relic with 6. Fair to say, I pushed up quite a bit of that hill  but I was joined by others like Ian Hall from our group (I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt that he was keeping me company)!! The girls were again doing marvelously and I got plenty of encouragement from them and their support vehicles and the support vehicles from other riders – thanks again.

The drop into Nenthead is terrifying when you have brakes on a dry road. You may have guessed already but it was like a river and  effectively I had no brakes so it was back to the track of the previous descent bail then hold the bike as I plodge down the hill. I swear I was getting trench foot – wish I’d worn my wellies 😦 John reliably informs me he hit 40mph on his descent!!

Nenthead is ‘unusual’ being an ex lead mining village which is now the home to dropouts and hippies. I know because John Bell and I once played football a mile underground here where the hippies had left a football and a Christmas tree down the mine (it’s technically trespass) – that story s for another day.

Luckily (for me) Ian Hall picked up a rear puncture (our only such occurrence on the whole ride) which gave me time to pop into the Miners Arms for coffee to takeaway (don’t bother asking for a latte in these parts). This was an organised stop for the girls who were all sitting in the conservatory having their refreshments. It finally stopped raining yippeee 🙂

Ian Hall puncture – Nenthead

I set away first (giving me a chance) because I knew it was a(nother) climb out of the village and up to the highest point on the whole route where we stopped for more photo opportunities. it was then downhill for about a mile accompanied by many of the girls before we came to the right hander which started another hill (the last of the day for the girls as they were all staying in Allenheads) and our 2nd last as we were going another 7 miles to Rookhope.

C2C Highest point above Nenthead

C2C Highest point above Nenthead

C2C Highest point above Nenthead

C2C Highest point above Nenthead

By the time we reached Allenheads it was raining heavy (again) so we took shelter where John and myself knew there was a steep climb (Valley of the East Allen) out to the top of the Rookhope Burn.

Chase those fast ladies

Nearly there

Gin Hill Mine Shaft Allenheads

Gin Hill Mine Shaft Allenheads

Sheltering at Allenhaeds

In a break from the weather we set off. Then it REALLY rained, torrential/deluge – it hurt your head penetrating the air vents in your helmet, this wasn’t pleasant. John Bell kept me company going up (feeding me Haribos) we both agreed it was ‘character building’ and ‘out of our comfort zone’. Soon we were at the Cairn at the top of the hill and we both knew it was downhill all the way to Rookhope from here and it had eventually stopped raining. Further down the valley. Rookhope Burn flows into the River Wear.

Once at Rookhope we located http://barrington-bunkhouse-rookhope.com/main/ which isn’t difficult as it’s attached to the Rookhope Inn, the only pub in the village and we were met by our (very friendly) host Valerie Livingstone who was to become one of us over next few hours. We locked the bikes securely in the bike shelter and headed inside. The bunkhouse itself reminded me of a church without the altar and we were saying our prayers that our clothes would dry as we put them on all the available radiators. as well as in the tumble drier and spin drier. Then we jumped in the shower a very pleasant relief from what we had endured during the day 🙂

ALTHOUGH I CYCLE THOUSANDS OF MILES EVERY YEAR, I CAN’T REMEMBER CYCLING IN WEATHER AS BAD AS WE HAD TODAY – except for one day of my LeJog attempt in 2011  😦

Looking trim

Carl and Ian H. were away to the pub whilst the rest of us chilled a bit more before getting ready and going next door for food and drink (I wasn’t on a limit this night as I knew we only had one hill to climb the following day). The pub was quiet (well it was Sunday night) apart from a few other cyclists who surprisingly didn’t even speak. We ordered our wholesome meal and were soon tucking in then washing it down with various alcoholic beverages – happy days.

Valerie had said her daughter Sinead was back from University and would bring her guitar into the pub to play and sing. And true to her word  she did and what a great talent she is.

Sinead plays guitar

Sinead plays guitar

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=768333294528&set=vb.276700688&type=2&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=768338948198&set=vb.276700688&type=2&theater

Jed also took his turn playing the guitar whilst Sinead searched lyrics.com for the words to singalong – what a great evening we all enjoyed. Eventually it was back to bed to turn in for the night.

Richard Nutt who had struggled on day one absolutely loved day two despite the weather and the hills and knew he was going to finish the trip – well done Richard.

Route and stats for the day http://connect.garmin.com/activity/333103477

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO CONTRIBUTE: http://www.justgiving.com/c2conachopper

Day 1 – Whitehaven – Penrith

The weekend had finally arrived.

The final riders (for all 3 days) would be John Bell, Jed Woodhouse, Carl Rutter, Ian Hall and myself and we will be joined for all of day 2 by Ian Poppleton and Richard Nutt – the last 2 would be arriving by train and leaving after our departure and therefore finishing after we finished day 1.

I’d arranged an 8 o’clock rendezvous in Tescos car park in Whitehaven (which hadn’t gone down well with Mr Bell). I got dropped off by Mrs B where we met up with Simon who had been a late withdrawal to our trip but wanted to come and see us off and snigger at the pending weather forecast. It was the day of the Whitehaven festival so things were busy as we arrived and there seemed to be loads of cyclists, in amongst them turned out to be 50 ladies from the Penrith/Carlisle area who were doing the ride for  https://www.facebook.com/HospiceatHomeCarlisleandNorthLakeland – please like their page on Facebook.

One of the guys who was also doing the ride asked if he could have a go on the Chopper which I said was OK. He cycled 10 metres in the car park and shouted back “it’s got no brakes”, my reply was “it has 1974 brakes mate” 🙂 I must say the (lack of efficient) brakes and the descents were something which were causing me some concern which did come to the fore on day 2 😦

By 8-30 the rest of our squad had joined us and soon we were heading for the obligatory photos as we ‘dipped our wheels’.

Dipping &setting off from Whitehaven

Dipping &setting off from Whitehaven

Dipping &setting off from Whitehaven

Dipping &setting off from Whitehaven

Dipping &setting off from Whitehaven

And off we set (8-50) through some of the backstreets of Whitehaven and we were soon on the steady climb up toward Cleator Moor on the old railway track. At the end we popped out onto one of the very quiet (except for cyclists) country roads and headed along towards   Lamplugh, before skirting Loweswater. All the time passing or being passed by the hospice girls and other groups of C2C’ers. The forecast had been for heavy rain showers but by the end of today we would count ourselves lucky.

Our next landmark would be Lorton which is the start of Whinlatter Pass – the main climb on day one. I started off well climbing in my lowest possible gear (which isn’t low enough). The first part of the climb is the worst and I’d managed most of it until disaster struck 😦 I suddenly lost all drive and on further inspection the weld of the lowest gear had given way so I was suddenly down to 6 harder gears. But I wasn’t going to let it stop me and it soon became known as the wind chime as it pinged off the spokes on every rotation.

Top of Whinlatter

Cresting Whinlatter it was then down a very fast road descent down into Braithwaite

Bassenthwaite Lake

then Portinscale until we stopped for lunch at the Lakeland Peddlar in Keswick.

Lakeland Pedlar, Keswick

Lakeland Pedlar, Keswick

Then the rain really started but at least we were warm and dry inside. Lunch consumed we were soon on our way up the track towards  Threlkeld which was in a right state muddy but with large exposed stone, not ideal for a Chopper. Thru Threlkeld and Jed and I didn’t do the detour to Mungrisdale but he boys did. We headed on to arrive in Greystoke which is a quaint little village with an unusual cafe: http://www.greystokecyclecafe.co.uk/workshops.htm so in we popped for ‘Aga latte’ – very nice.

Greystoke

Quirky Cyclists Cafe, Greystoke

Quirky Cyclists Cafe, Greystoke

Quirky Cyclists Cafe, Greystoke

Another group of cyclists came in and they were looking for shortcuts !!! Then it was the final push to Penrith where we came to our stay for the night and what a very pleasant surprise http://wayfarershostel.com/ – it’s only been open for 4 months and everything is right 🙂 Met by Simon who let is hose our bikes down (which was needed) then showed us to the basement which was the bike store and drying room with fully fitted bike workshops – great!!!

Wayfarers Hostel, Penrith

Wayfarers Hostel, Penrith

Upstairs I agreed to share a room with with the 2 late starters who wouldn’t arrive until we’d gone out for food at the recommended Agricultural Hotel – very good food and a few alcoholic beverages before we then went off to a couple of more watering holes and then retiring for the night.

Agricultural Hotel, Penrith

Rehydrating

Rehydrating

Rehydrating

Rehydrating

Rehydrating

Penrith bar crawl

Penrith Castle

A successful / pleasant day all round 🙂

The route/stats for day 1 http://connect.garmin.com/activity/333103527

Bikes and riders dropping like flies (and some training in between)

Since my last entry, “photoshoot” there’s been lots happening although I don’t seem to have had time to type it up.

I’ll be brief about the training:

Carl and Ian have been getting plenty of 25-30 milers in which will stand them in good stead for the ride. Jed I assume he’s been getting some rides in especially testing his old MTB (more on that later). John hasn’t done a training ride in the last 4 weeks and has spent the past 2 weeks in Florida bulking up on alll that American goodness. To be fair, before that I don’t think I’ve known him to train as much for any other ride. I have done a 53 miler (Hexham) with Ian on the chopper last weekend where I was on fire and grabbing the tails of the packs of carbon roadies as they went past and their look of amazement as they couldn’t drop me off the back – I averaged 12mph which is very good going for a 40yr old kids bike, hardly designed for distances further than your mate’s house in the next street. 2 weekends ago I took the train down to Hull and cycled Hull-Whitby, Whitby-home over 2 days on the tourer so that was a good 153 mile test albeit not on the Chopper.

The bikes:

John has chosen reliability over comfort by using his Specialised MTB rather than his retro GT. I assume Carl and Ian’s bikes being newish should be problem free. Jed pulled out his old MTB (to give us a chance) and has noticed the chain slipping (classic signs of chain stretch) resulting in him replacing the chain and rear cassette. Unfortunately it still slipped therefore it was down to the cranks which he has now replaced – he could’ve bought a new bike!! My chopper: I’ve got the 9 speeds working sweetly. I borrowed a friends chopper front wheel as I knew it had been replaced and would give a better stopping surface (I’ll need all the help I can get dropping off of Hartside at up to 40mph). I pumped the rear tyre up only to notice and egg shaped lump on the tread. I nearly bluffed it out but after fessing to John decided I really should change it. Today’s mission is hopefully to get a replacement tyre. Other choices are the original Chopper tyre or a 20″ BMX tyre I’ve borrowed.

The riders:

Carl’s fit, although I suspect he will be hungover for day one as he’s out Friday night. Jed should be fit and John will be (as) fit (as he ever is). Ian recently came a cropper due to his SPD’s and I believe he’s sporting a nice gravel rash.

Now for the serious ones – Michael is diabetic and his doctor has just changed his treatment  and suggested he shouldn’t ride. Simon, for a few weeks has casually been dropping into conversation about a possible heart ‘issue’, turns out this is more serious than originally thought and he’s being fitted with a heart monitor to check it out. so he’s also out. Pity as it would’ve made a great blog entry “rider carries defribulator” or ” progress delayed whilst we wait for the paramedics” – anyway he’s still coming to see us off at the start line.

The forecast:

Mixture of light rain, rain, heavy rain all weekend – there’s a theme there 😦 on the plus side the winds could also be strong and they are coming from SW so should aid our progress.

A new section of the blog (above) “Follow our progress” will show you within 10 minutes of actually where we are.

Also don’t forget it’s not too lateto sponsor our ride (it’s not going to be easy) http://www.justgiving.com/c2conachopper

Hopefully I’ll try and update along the way but it may be brief.

Thanks for all the well wishes and don’t forget if you have a bike feel free to come and join us at any point – you’ll know where we are 🙂

 

Pair of MKII’s

Egg on tyre tread

Chopper and Pashley Photoshoot – Newcastle Quayside

Here are some of the photos taken during a recent photoshoot of 2 of the participants.

Simon Veit-Wilson aboard his 1950’s Pashley Delivery bike and me on the chopper – top marks to Simon for his attire.

Don’t forget the ride is less than 2 weeks away and you still have the opportunity to sponsor me at http://www.justgiving.com/c2conachopper – thank you 🙂

62 miles on a 9 speed Raleigh Chopper

This week I had the new 25 tooth rear sprocket welded on so now I have 9 speeds but unfortunately no time for a shakedown ride.
Forecast was great for Saturday and Sunday but taking a dip on the Monday. Guess which day was the only one I could get out 😦 but ride, I did!!! And was accompanied by Tony Stephenson.
Early start and off we set, headed for Parkhead Cafe at top of Waskerly Way on C2C route. Up through Dunston and heading towards Swalwell when, guess what? ANOTHER puncture. Tony persuaded me to repair it as I had considered going back for my tourer.

Chopper puncture

Fix it I did and we were in our way, dropping down to start of derwent walk at Blaydon rugby club. Soon we were passing loads of cyclists coming towards us on their final day of their C2C’s full of vigour as they knew it would be the last day for them and it’s all downhill which meant it was all uphill for us. Soon we were passing the9 arch bridge and popped out in the village of Rowlands Gill where the track starts to get more rural (with fewer dog walkers – yaaay) .
Not far up the track a deer emerged onto the track, looked at us and turned to run up the track away from us, not panicking – it was god to see. I said to tony, pity we didn’t have a camera and as he went for his phone it darted off to the right, never to be sen again.
What happened shortly afterwards was a whole lot more serious. We were making our way up the track, Tony following behind and 2 cyclists, 2 abreast were cycling towards us, talking as they did. I had an uneasy feeling they weren’t watching where they were going so I edged closer and closer to the left of the track until I had nowhere left to go. The cyclist on my side, saw me at the last minute, panicked, steered left, locked the brakes and came off leaving me no option but to cycle straight over their back wheel. We stopped to assess the damage saying to one of them, I thought HE was going to look forward and see me only to realise mid sentence they were both girls. They were doing the C2C, SHE apologised saying it was all her fault (which it was) but as tony checked her bike, her friend gave her water to clean up the gravel rash she had sustained on her hand (and she wasn’t wearing gloves) I quickly checked my bike and luckily it was unscathed. I hope she finished her ride and also learned a lesson that you should look where you are cycling.
Off we went again and just before we go on the Waskerly way a group of riders doing their c2c stopped me to ask about the bike, so I chatted a while….

Cyclists admiring my Chopper

I kept telling Tony that we would be exposed to the winds once on the moors and sure enough we were, it was at least double what we’d encountered so far with a strong cross/headwind making progress slow. Eventually we made it to the cafe but conditions were such that we ended up inside as it was too cold to sit out. Everyone else had the same idea and seats were at a premium.
2 coffees and a pot of tea was the fuel I needed for the return journey which was going to be much easier. We did have quite a few cyclists coming inside commenting on the chopper parked outside. I think they question my sanity but they can’t deny my training determination!
Off we went, it was drizzling and with a tailwind this was going to be a case of holding on while the small front wheel jumped all over the loose gravel as we hurtled down. Down and down we went until we came back down to Blaydon where I suggested to Tony we head up the Tyne to Newburn just to add extra mileage, as per normal Tony was game.

Derwenthaugh Lake

Raligh Chopper and Tyne Bridges

Up to Newburn, cross the river then back down on north side to loop back over the Millennium bridge and home.

I won’t pretend my legs weren’t tired – my left knee in particular gave me gip for dys

The 9 speed worked a treat.
Total mileage 61.87 miles – you’ll have to take my word for it as the gps battery ran out !

I have now setup my sponsorship page at http://www.justgiving.com/c2conachopper – please spare some change – thank you

Any charitable donations welcome

Hi,

A number of people have been asking if I’m doing this attempt for charity (or just for a laugh)?

Well the answer is a charity to help support people like my cousin Mark Taylor who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone’s disease 3 years ago.

 

Please dig deep and donate away to a very worthwhile cause https://www.justgiving.com/c2conachopper

 

Thank you all.

53 miles and free wedding party CAKE

C2C is drawing closer so training is a must – we have 135 miles to cover and some big hills on the way.
This week’s ride would be up the Tyne Valley to the historic market town of Hexham passing through Corbridge on the way. A ride of >50 miles with one hill in it.
John Bell and Tony Stephenson were up for the trip and I persuaded Michael Charlton (MTB) to join us for his first ride out this year. He would join us at Newburn. I met John and Tony at the Hub cafe -where else?? And I also bumped into one of our other friends Geoff Clay who had been out for a quick ride with his mate and was tucking into a bacon sarnie in the cafe. He wasn’t tempted to join us. So off we set along the quayside where I was tooted at by a bus driver – I think it was my brother as he waved at me – I hope it was! We were soon passing the stalls along the quayside but not before a bloke shouted “I bet you are Nigel” – should I be worried?

We met Michael as planned at Newburn after he’d done a couple of warm up laps. Then we were off. After 200 hundred metres John stopped saying something was wrong with his rear wheel. He investigated and thought it at be the hub until I noticed the swinging arm was loose. Turns out he lost a bolt holding his rear swinging arm allowing the frame to twist. 3 of us re-walked our steps looking for said bolt to no avail. It could’ve been game over except for in true Bear Grylis style john took his multi tool to pieces and used the nut and bolt from it as a temporary fix. Game on 🙂

0ff we set along the Wylam Waggonway, unfortunately it also started to rain and it started coming down some 😦
Michael started to struggle on the hills (but it was his first ride) and by the time we reached Ovingham he decided to head back which was fine by me as I didn’t want him to sicken and I wasn’t expecting him to do 50 miles. He ended up doing 20 miles, well done and DO IT AGAIN!

The roads we used are very quiet and single track in places and really rather pleasant especially as it had stopped raining,  hooray. We climbed the drag up to just before the A69 then turned left and downhill towards Corbridge. I wasn’t freewheeling as fast as I thought then discovered I had a rear flat tyre. but headed into the the square in Corbridge which I’d never spent any time in but it is well recommended with an abundance of cafes and Grants Artisan Bakery which we made use of whilst I repaired the puncture.

Puncture repair in Corbrdge – PaperArtist

There was an unusual number of tasty looking cars driving through the village Then it was along the back roads to Hexham over the river and into the riverside park towards Enna cafe which is in the golf clubhouse with a conservatory. Just as well we were intending sitting outside as the conservatory was closed due to a wedding party. I got the coffees in and then a guy came out asking if we still had coffee, which we did and be offered us a selection of cake and banofee pie … FREE. Absolute result 🙂

FREE Wedding party cake MMMM

We nipped up into the town purely so I could take photos of Hexham Abbey.

Hexham Abbey

The return journey was almost tracing our steps apart from a variation at Newburn so Tony could see the newly installed Blaydon Race statues and then on-wards home.

Blaydon Race Horse

Blaydon Race Horse

I clocked 53 miles averaging just under 11mph – the route and data can be found here: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/312552178

56.15 miles. Mostly off-road and hilly. Dramatic rear wheel blowout and a Red Kite soaring

I’m out for breaking my own records these days for mileage!!

After last Sunday’s 48 miles on the flat but with short cranks I was pleased to take delivery of my new front chainring and cranks so instead of 145mm (kids) these are 170mm (adults) so hopefully I’ll be able to ride more efficiently and not suffer with sore knees. I changed them midweek so was itching to get out to try them. I did have the dilemma of SPD’s or flats with bear traps – the SPD’s just looked wrong so flats it is – but much reduced ground clearance. As I had family commitments I thought my only chance was going to be the Bank Holiday Monday.

Mrs B was running the Race For Life on Sunday morning which we attended as a family and I must say I was really impressed she came in the first 20 runners – go girl!!!

As we weren’t doing anything on the Sunday afternoon and the children just wanted to play in the garden I took the opportunity of a quick shakedown ride to the cafe except it turned into a 19 mile ride – the bike was riding really well 🙂

I put the word out amongst the boys to see who was up for a ride on the Monday when the forecasted weather looked perfect. Only John Bell could make it for one reason or another.

This time we were not only going to ride further, but it was going to be mainly off-road (tougher) and was basically a 25+ miles climb to the Parkhead Station cafe (there’s no surprise), over the moors to top of Crawleyside Bank followed by a faster 25+ miles return trip. All part of the C2C route but we were doing it in reverse.

I collected John from his estate not long after 8am and we setoff heading on the road towards Swalwell where we would join the Derwent Walk. From there it’s ash/chippings all the way for 25 miles and it’s also a gradual climb to 1450ft so this was going to test me and the bike and John!!

The sun was out, and it was windless, perfect 🙂 we carried on up through Rowlands Gill before eventually reaching Consett. This is where it starts to get exposed over the moors. Just out of Consett there’s a bridge called Hownsgill Viaduct – which, when we were young and daft John and I ‘bridge jumped’ off – what a buzz!! The bridge which stands 175ft above a valley floor with no river has unfortunately become a ‘suicide hotspot’ with 1 death every 2 weeks. The council have therefore installed anti-suicide fences which look awful but unfortunately needed.

Hownsgill Viaduct, Castleside -Ex suicide hotspot

Then we pushed on to our halfway point which is Parkhead station cafe passing Smiddy Shaw Resevoir to the right on our way. Those last few miles became tougher once we were exposed the headwind and the temperature dropped dramatically.

Smiddy Shaw Resevoir

Then we could see the cafe 2.95 miles further on so we pushed on with me in the lead until suddenly I heard two ear piercing screeches and I thought it was fighter jets going overhead and looked down to see flat back tyre. John had been following thought I had locked up the back wheel as there was a huge cloud of dust thrown up which was probably caused by the 100lbs of pressure I had in them. I got my tools out and turned the bike upside down old school stylee much to the amusement of John who thought it was a great excuse to rest, eat and take photos of me struggling with the non quick release aprts and complex gear setup on the rear. We both donned our jackets just to keep warm. It was soon obvious to see that the tyre had a split across the tread where something (probably sharp stone splinter) had gone in and caused the damage. I patched it up, rebuilt the back end and we were soon on our way to the cafe .

Fixing the puncture

Fixing the puncture

Fixing the puncture

It was then a case of the final mile to the cafe which was absolutely overrun with cyclists completing their C2C adventure and soon people came to ask questions about the bike and couldn’t believe I’d be attempting what they were on a 40 year old kids bike ha ha. We sat outside in the sun having our drinks and we were in the shelter of the cafe – very pleasant 🙂

Chopper with horse sculpture Parkhead Station cafe

Parkhead Station cafe

A gaggle of C2C’ers Parkhead Station cafe

We drank for a while and chatted to many of the cyclists who probably thought I was nuts to even contemplating attempting the hills they’d conquered until we donned our helmets and off we set. Downhill with a tailwind , this was going to be fast and very testing having a 16″ front wheel on top of loose surface – I was going for it.

We absolutely bombed down the Waskerly Way back to Consett (one of the miles I averaged 19.6mph) where we stopped for more photos… I was overtaking everyone in sight from MTB’s to tourers – I had them all  🙂

The Turner Prize winning “Terris Novalis” sculptures by Tony Cragg

The Turner Prize winning “Terris Novalis” sculptures by Tony Cragg

The Turner Prize winning “Terris Novalis” sculptures by Tony Cragg

Then we pottered down through the park in Consett  and down to stop on the 9 arches bridge at Derwent and were lucky enough to see one of the red kites soaring on the thermals – magnificent.

From there it was down to the River Tyne, across the Scotswood Bridge and follow the north side of the river east to … THE CYCLE HUB CAFE – ha ha

Bumped into a couple of friends down there, Rich and Anji. Anji wanted a go on my chopper  but looked shaken when she came back with the realisation of how inefficient brakes used to be.

Then it was back home for a bike clean down (to get rid of all the dust) and replace the back tyre – ready for next time

For details of the route: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/308970390

Thanks for the company John, you’ll be thanking me when we do the C2C !!!

The test ride following the gear strip down – and crash into a drunk :-(

Well this is the time to see if the strip down of the rear hub was worth it or whether I’d still have issues. Saturday was a fantastic day, sunny, warm and windless, alas I couldn’t ride until the Sunday which wasn’t going to be as promising.
I contacted a couple of friends Carl and Tony to see if they were up for a ride and yes they were. So I arranged to meet at the hub (where else??) at 10. So off I set and immediately it was apparent I wasn’t going to be besieged by the issues of late. I was heading down the cycling and pedestrian path running parallel to the Tyne when I started approaching a pedestrian who was travelling in the same direction. I sounded my bell, lots, he stepped to the right so l went left between him and the fence which protects you falling in the river. Just as I got to him he staggered left, I shoulder charged him and then bounced off the fence. He was oldish and stinking of drink!!! But he said he was ok but blamed me. Anyway I set off down to the cafe realising my arm was sore. Meeting up with Tony on his cross bike and Carl in his MTB running semi slicks I started telling then the tale over tea then showed them my arm.

The damaged arm before the bruising and swelling

Off we set towards the coast and I kept apologising that it wasn’t going to be quick but they were impressed how well I was going. Down to tynemouth then headed up the coast to st Mary’s island then push on to Blyth where the weather turned really foul, windy, wet and cold. So we nipped into the cafe which was packed – we were stunned by all the punters. By the time we’d had our refreshments the rain had stopped (thankfully). I stopped to take a couple of photos

Blyth Beach Huts

Deserted beach Blyth

Then it was a case of retracing our steps back to the cycle hub cafe. I’m glad to hear Carl was suffering with bum trouble 🙂 and I was suffering with a sore knee – I couldn’t decide if it was down to the short cranks or possible impact damage – ibuleve gel had it sorted within 48 hours yaay

Another record set by completing 47.5 miles and the bike didn’t have one issue thankfully.

This week I’m expecting delivery of my full length cranks to replace the kiddie cranks – ride like the wind 🙂 🙂 🙂

All the gear trouble calls for desperate measures – strip down Sturmey Archer AW hub

After last week’s ride and all the troubles I’d suffered of the chain being thrown every time I freewheeled I was determined to try and isolate/eradicate  the issue!!

The Chopper has never freewheeled very well (lucky if it turned one full revolution) so that made for hard work when pedaling. The problem is these are internal gears of the Sturmey Archer Aw hub and after watching and re-watching videos like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea6krXSs-lc I must say I was bottling even attempting it. But if I didn’t do it nobody else would (as it’s such specialist job) and I would still have the none freewheeling chucking the chain off machine which had been ‘so grueling to ride’ bike of last week 😦

So I watched the video  a few times more, I printed off in paper format as much linked instructions as I could and I decided to go for it once the children had gone to bed (as they’d want to ‘help’) I also had a bonus of my father in law Alan staying and as an ex mechanic and logical thinker I thought, 2 heads are better than 1 (which proved to be the case at one point). Anyway we setup the Workmate in the kitchen so if anything did fall off it should be easy to spot etc. and off we went.

Sturmey Archer AW Hub

This wasn’t going to be rushed as  just needed it to be right and sure where everything went back. We stripped it down very carefully laying everything out depending on left/right side of hub and from out to in so we could reverse the procure for the rebuild.  All the reviews say these are fairly bullet proof needing no maintenance- unfortunately they don’t factor in that grease breaks down over 40 years and needs cleaning and re-greasing which is exactly what we did. We only had one real concern where one of the tiny pawl springs (not much thicker than a human hair) became dislodged and it took quite a bit working out where it went back. We did get it back together and I can say proudly it now freewheels with the best of them so it was a job well done  – thanks Alan 🙂

Next post will be about the test ride….

42miles and a boat load of technical issues :-(

For Sunday 21/4/13 I was determined to beat my 38.5 miles barrier by basically doing the same route and extending it.

During the week I’d fitted a new plastic spoke protector and felt quite confident I wasn’t going to suffer any issues which had also been the case in my previous 2 long rides.

I arranged to meet Carl (one of the participants in our C2C adventure) at the Cycle Hub to ride with me at 10. I was going to get there (4 miles) with my next door neighbour (Dawn) on her bike as she wanted to know the route(she would then return home retracing her steps).

We set off at 9-45 and by the time I arrived in the next street the chain came off but I couldn’t fathom why. This was going to become a familiar pattern until I  pinpointed what was causing the issue. By the time I reached the hub the chain had come off 7 times and some of the times it was getting jammed, either under the back mudgard or between the sidestand/crank and sometimes I couldn’t get at the split link as it was behind the chain guard – it was turning into a nightmare 😦

By the time I reached the cafe it was 11pm so it had taken 1hr 15mins to cover 4 miles – not good!! And Carl then told me he had to be back for lunch by 1 so we had a quick pot of tea and we were on our way. Sure enough the chain came off a couple more times and I asked Carl to lift the rear of the bike whilst I spun the wheel. It then became obvious. The freewheel on the bike has always been rubbish and wouldn’t do one revolution and it looked like it was pulling the derailleur forward and throwing the chain. Only one thing for it – no freewheeling at all – this was going to be hard – it was like riding a very heavy fixie 😦

Carl probably did 7 miles with me before having to turn around to head home for his lunch – I’ll make you ride harder next time!!

A video as proof of me riding the bike can be found here – thanks Carl for the footage

So I was on my own heading down towards Tynemouth and then along to the lighthouse. It was very odd having to brake downhills and having to still pedal – where’s the fun in that?

Once I reached the promenade at Whitley I could see the tide was in then the rain came so instead of doing the last mile to the lighthouse where there would be no shelter I opted to dive into the Rendezvous cafe on the front which I used to frequent as child with my parents . I remember them selling knickerbocker glorys (which I was never allowed) and there would be condensation streaming down the inside of the single glazed windows – NOTHING HAS CHANGED!!! I also got talking to some mods who were there on their restored Vespas. They seemed more interested in asking about the chopper and were stunned when I told them were I’d ridden from – not bad for an old bloke riding a kids bike made of scaffold tubes 🙂

Once the rain eased off I headed back without further incident and eventually back to the cycle hub  – there weren’t many cyclists out – I guess it was due t the inclement weather.

To add the little extra few miles I’d threatened I headed up to the Angel of the North because I had an idea of a photo (see below) I wanted to take.

Details of my journey can be found here

42 miles done!!!!!

 

Two Design Icons

On the positive side it forced me to make the following tweaks

• I trimmed the sidestand retainer
• I trimmed the very bottom of the rear guard
• I added another split link which is now opposite the other  which means I will always be able to see one or the other
• I have also taken the plunge and completely stripped the Sturmey Archer AW hub and cleaned/re-greased it improving the freeweeling dramatically. If you thought that would be easy, checkout http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea6krXSs-lc

 

Huge winds and an accompanied long ride

The weather for Sunday 14/4 looked like: warm (19 degrees), windy (18mph gusting 42mph) – It still HAD to be done!!

I text John Bell, one of my friends who is also doing C2C with me and, surprisingly he agreed to ride.

I must say I had a chain throw before getting off our estate which I soon sorted (must be all the practice). Then off around to rendezvous with John (on his MTB) in Dunston.

Off we headed down to the Cycle Hub where we stopped (as is tradition) for pots  (sorry John) of tea. but sitting outside in the warmth for a change. Trying to determine the direction of the wind (it would definitely turn full on westerly later). Eventually we tore ourselves away and headed down the C2C track towards Tynemouth where I’d complained to the council of the broken glass and to my surprise the council had actually been out to clear it (thanks Newcastle council). One of John’s ex colleagues John Loknes lives in North shields and John had arranged a rendezvous. Eventually we would meet at the Lighthouse.

On our way along the seafront the wind (offshore) was BIG and there seemed lots of RAF helicopter action. When we passed through Cullercoats there were ambulances and police cars etc and lots of spectators looking down at an ‘incident’ on the rocks where it transpired somebody was lying on a stretcher. The helicopter was having difficulty picking up the casualty due to the very difficult wind conditions. The pilot came in for another attempt and this time winched the injured person whilst trying their best to keep the (yellow) chopper steady – well flown that pilot!!!

“Humber Coastguard paged the Brigade after receiving a report from the North East Ambulance Service that a man had fallen on rocks at the south end of Whitley Bay Beach sustaining injuries. Brigade members arrived on scene and assisted paramedics from the Ambulance Service’s Hazardous Area Response Team with caring for the 22 year-old male who had sustained hip and leg injuries. The man was placed on a stretcher and evacuated by RAF Rescue Helicopter 131 from RAF Bolumer to the RVI Hospital for further assessment and treatment.
Members of Newbiggin Coastguard Rescue Team and officers from Northumbria Police were also in attendance at this incident”

Once that action was over we headed along to the lighthouse via the promenade at Whitley Bay (and stunned to hear John had never, ever been on it) where we met up with John and had (MORE) tea 🙂 This time the tide was out so we had a cycle across the causeway and took the obligatory lighthouse photo 🙂

John (Loknes) joined us for the return ride along to Tynemouth, which was testing to say the least given the wind before peeling off and heading home – thanks John for the company.

The ride back up the riverside track had some interesting bits where we’d be hit by the (head)wind but all in not as bad as I feared. Returning to the Cycle Hub cafe again for YET MORE TEA – there’s a theme to my rides 😉

Time was up and off we headed home to complete another 38.5miles ride -DONE

Stats for our route: http://www.endomondo.com/workouts/176518264/1493652

Thanks John Bell for the company and for the photos: