It
was worth doing to support the cause and be part of the event but
the scenary does not live up to expectations and there
are transport problems caused by the linear route.
Link to The Chris Lucas
Trust and details of the Great North Bike Ride
Link to 2007 GNBR report
The
real thing
Coast
to
Coast
September 2006
133
miles from Workington to Tynemouth ridden over 4 days by 8 Velos with
support from Logistics and Kit Coordination departments.
Workington
was chosen as the start point as some riders had already done the
Whitehaven leg and 4 days allowed time to take in the sights and sample
local hospitality.
Day
1.
Bike
taxi transfer from Velo HQ to the start point. After unloading at
Workington there was just time to inspect damage to the bikes caused by
the use of a totally unsuitable trailer, before an early afternoon
departure. In keeping with Workington's maritime tradition one rider,
(who, to save his blushes, will be known only as Bob X), capsized while
crossing the River Derwent. Otherwise a relatively trouble free ride
with late lunch in the village of Great Broughton and late afternoon
sports drinks at the Swinside Arms. The party split between 2
B&B's in Keswick, evening meal (custard covered desserts
available) taken at the Thwaites serving Keswick Lodge Hotel followed
by Jennings at the Oddfellows where we provided some impromptu backing
vocals for the turn.
Stamfordham
Velo research specialists at the start of the Coast to Coast
field trip in September 2006
Day 2The
party decided to split at Threlkeld, half staying on the low level
route, the rest riding the high and rough surface of The Old Coach
Road. Providing you have plenty of time and the weather is clear enough
to allow you to appreciate the views then the Old Coach Road
is worth doing. It's a challenge in places but rewarding when
completed and provides a sports drink opportunity at
the Dockray Hotel. Lunch in Greystoke, a very wet afternoon
riding through Penrith and on to that nights stop at the Edenhall
Hotel. The hotel had only recently started stocking a sports drink
primarily designed for fell walkers intending to tackle Helvellyn.
Marketed as Gives Old Legs Drive simply ask for Helvellyn Gold from the
Hesket Newmarket brewery. By closing time the hotel was no longer able
to sell this product (until the next delivery).The good cheer
engendered by the availability of Gold only partly made up for the lack
of custard in the dining room, hotels have lost stars for less.
Day
3
The
number of riders reduced to 7 today after our fitness advisor advised
himself that to continue riding was damaging his fitness. The hilly
day. Hartside 580m, Flinty Fell 520m, Black Hill 609m. Lunch at the
George and Dragon, Garrigill, afternoon refrshments at the Miners Arms,
Nenthead, Evening meal (custard available) at the Allenheads Hotel.
Early finish, whacked.
Day 4
Climbs
out of Allenheads and Rookhope, a late breakfast/early lunch
at Parkside Station and then the long, gradual downhill to Tynemouth.
Newcastle greeted us with a torrential downpour. there was just time
for a puncture in the back streets of Wallsend before arrival at the
finish only 14 minutes late.
Coast to Coast Route Map
C2C guide - the
definitive resource
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