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“Ho
What A Circus, Ho What A Show!”
Detailed below is a chronicle of events, including useful travel tips, covering
the Shelton Bikers Annual Bank Holiday Quest including their good, very good,
and excellent adventures with fellow travellers, making new friends and sharing
an experience of a lifetime for many of them.
The Shelton Bikers annual tour of duty began at 4.00am on Saturday 28th August
leaving Derby and hitting Whitehaven just after 8.00am.
This year's trip once again began at Parton (just down the coast from Whitehaven)
where we took advantage of secure parking offered by Jim Hewitson (a C2C Ranger)
for a competitive 2-night fee, including a complimentary cup of coffee to see
you on your way.
(NB. Jim has recently increased his parking area to facilitate more of us,
peace of mind and financial support for the local area – not a bad start to
the ride before a pedal is turned!)
Cycling the short distance
on a coastal path from Parton down to the Quayside our fellow
Bikers have already arrived
for a 9.00am start (hundreds of us this year!) the usual variety
of shapes and sizes, and that was just their riding machines! Customary
Photo calls where order of the day with groups swapping and changing
to ensure we all got on the photographs, and in my case I did a ‘Michael
Winner’ on someone’s video – “Hello Mum its me” or something like
that!
The first hiccup of the day
was a puncture for one of the “Likely Lads” from the North East
who having negotiated the Slipway without injury to do the customary
wheel dip found
himself with a puncture before he had turned a serious wheel. Something
told me the Shelton Bikers had not seen the last of these boys!
(Read on the Circus is about to begin!).
Bikers ready, pedals ready
and all that the SB’s
detour to the Whitehaven Street Market to change the course of
the local economy by buying four bananas! Back on route and a gentle
meander around Whitehaven and the local Estate roads, past the
pigeon lofts and along the Railway Path. Last year we where avoiding
Dogs, Owners and their mess, but this time round the path was strewn
with glass so ‘lift and walk’ was order of the day to avoid what
would have been a ‘punctured’ stop start to this years trip. Travel
Tip : For those less prepared ‘lift & walk’ over glass and/or
hawthorn hedge cuttings is 1st prize puncture repairing within
the first few miles will give your ego and street cred an early
knock, spare inner tubes are mandatory!
Off to Cleator Moor and the first disappointment of the trip someone has eaten
all the pies! Billy Wilson's Butchers in the high street at Cleator Moor have
the best VFM pies in the area, but on this trip they had all gone at 10.00am,
perhaps I had better stop writing about them and keep the secret safe?
Back on route and a trouble free journey to Rowrah, although I
did notice the North East ‘Likely Lads’ miss the route right turn
and follow the line of the Railway track bed. They DID eventually
emerge on route having to negotiate
a locked five bar gate, which is not too difficult unless you pack your bike
panniers with more kit than a Yukon gold prospector! (more of that later).
First climb of the day past the school at Kirkland and the SB’s are called
into action, one of the ‘Likely Lads’ is gear crashing and needs assistance
(the one who had the puncture on the quayside at Whitehaven, not his day or
what). A quick assessment soon diagnosed that a frame bag, in addition to the
panniers, was fouling the front derailleur (that took some spelling!). A quick
fix readjustment and the North East crew where on their way never to be seen
again – Did you finish or where you avoiding the G&T for Ang and the pint
I negotiated for the repair?
Travel Tip: Take care with panniers and bag accessories over filling and poor
fitting kit is a recipe for disaster, trial in the weeks before you ride the
C2C and check them regularly when on route.
Lamplugh and the spectacular Loweswater came and went and with Scales ahead
of us presenting the first real hill challenge of the day we had some sustenance
(grub to the less educated) at Lorton. Nobody was on the climb so Ang and myself
moseyed up to find a London Trio Boys Club at the top taking on fluids, little
where we to realise at this point that we had found our excellent riding companions
for the remainder of the journey.
Up and over when one of the ‘Cockneys’ decided the SB’s where easy
meat (Sorry Elliot I know you are a vegetarian) choosing to attempt
to scale the rise to
the Whinlatter Pass Road in too higher gear. Crunch, grind, crack and wallop
with both bike and rider on the tarmac and the chain split.
Do you have a chain splitter I asked? One look said it all and 10 minutes later
courtesy of the SB’s bike and rider where mobile and the three London Amigos
where on the road again. (More G&T’s for Ang and pints galore for me for
this one – Hic, Hic!) –
Travel Tip: Never leave home
without one – Yes, you’ve got it a ‘Chain
Splitter’
Once again, we took the easy option road route to Keswick as opposed to the
more technical forest route, which on the wrong sort of day can signal the
end of the trip for the less capable rider! Nonetheless we enjoyed a trouble
free and exhilarating descent on road and short-circuited to Keswick by the
designated cycle path by the side of the A66.
We paid our annual visit and had lunch at The Lakeland Pedlar within
the Bell Close car park and the opportunity to buy some quality
kit or components for
yourself or bike from the showroom above the café presents itself – If
nothing else buy a ‘Chain Splitter’ if you are not carrying one.
Onwards to Threlkeld on the Keswick Railway Path starting behind
the Swimming Pool, or so I thought! The three London Amigos descended
on us whilst I was
adjusting Angs rucksack and with Elliot (The Chain Man) and Martin engaging
us in conversation David was behind me with upturned bike discussing the engineering
principles of the rear derailleur, you guessed it he needed ‘Phone a Friend’.
Another 10 minutes of repairs and further promises of booze filled reunion
on Sunday night in Rookhope saw them on their way.
The choice is now yours venture off road (for the more experienced
with ATB machines) along the Old Coach Road bringing with it challenges,
exhilarating
views and adventure, or take the less strenuous route, like ourselves once
again on this occasion, along the A66 via Mungrisdale picking Blackberries
(providing they are in season) the size of pickled onions from the roadside!
(Good job we did – Ask David!).
Travel Tip: Always self prepare or seek professional bike maintenance
services before hitting the route – Its no fun on the ‘Coach Road’ with
knackered gears or ill trimmed brakes!
Onwards and upwards to Greystoke or so I thought again, but rounding
a corner on the Mungrisdale road a heap of metal and bones lay
before me! David, one
of the three London Amigos found out the hard way that London Traffic skills
and the demand for compensation have no meaning in those there hills when faced
with a ‘Local’ on the way to market!
The Angel of the Midlands (Yes we do have one – That’s Ang) dressed his wounds
from her comprehensive medical kit and I rebuilt his bike, front wheel bearings,
front & rear brakes etc – the only serviceable part was the rear derailleur
I had repaired earlier!
Easy riding to Penrith, with David looking like an extra from Casualty
in tow, to meet Elliot & Martin in the Market Square and we
then sent the three of them packing to Eden Hall for the night.
Day one now draws to a close and our arrival at the Albany Guest
House on Portland Place in Penrith is a pleasure, new hosts this
year (Sue & Archie), clean,
tidy and well appointed and that’s just the Land Lord! - Seriously quality
hospitality, accommodation, food and real value for money with secure parking
for the bike.
Travel Tip: Pre book your accommodation in Penrith, particularly during the
high season and Bank Holiday Weekends, the town becomes oversubscribed by overnighters
on the route and a night sitting in McDonalds with teenagers is not recommended!
We then took to the streets around Penrith trying to avoid anyone
seeking help from the Samaritans (we had done our bit for the day),
but we got our just
rewards from the Little Chippy in the Market Square – Best Chip Butty in the
North, if you don’t believe me try one!
With Day Two beckoning and hidden adventure awaiting we hit the sack!
An early start to avoid an incoming weather front (Ang reckons it was to avoid
getting my hands greased up with the early morning bike repairs on fellow
guests machines – As if!) and with an excellent breakfast in our bunkers
The Shelton Bikers hit the road to Langwathby.
Easy riding to Hartside through Renwick and with the weather front hitting
the late risers (told you) we took the tarmac all the way to the summit in
the sunshine.
Travel Tip: Do not attempt the final ‘Off Road’ bit on a Road Bike or an ATB
with slicks, semis, or 50 plus PSI in the tyres the loose surface caused by
rain drainage is a ‘Trip Stopper’ if you come off!
The Shelton Bikers took a break at the Café and enjoyed
the warmth of the building with fellow cyclists and plagues of
Motor Bikers, sunny it may
have been but far to chilly to sit outside. Familiar faces appeared in the
form of the three London Amigos and we shared the moment recounting the thrills
and spills of the journey so far over tea and buns.
David (the Casualty extra) had regained his riding confidence,
but to avoid the stress of the Garrigill climb I suggested he joined
the SB’s as an honorary
member taking the scenic detour through Alston, he readily agreed without argument!
Back on our machines, we despatched Elliot and Martin down to Garrigill
with an arrangement to meet in Nenthead at the ‘Miners Arms’, whilst
we coasted downhill to Alston and over to Nenthead.
Travel Tip: Whilst the Crusaders amongst us would never consider the alternative
to Garrigill to those of less capability the route through Alston to Nenthead
is not only easier on the limbs but offers an attractive scenic alternative
to the cut and thrust, blood and guts climb from Garrigill to Nenthead (On
or Off Road!)
The local pub (with bunk house attached – must be worth an overnight sometime
for the experience!) acts like a magnet with new friends made as they arrive
via Garrigill or Alston. With the group re-united the ‘Landaners’ became welcome
members of The Shelton Bikers for the rest of the trip.
Blackhill is challenging for anyone, but geared right with a strong
will everyone is capable taking the summit. Snaked out today’s procession took the hill old & young,
small & large – Road Bikes or ATB’s and with panniers & rucksacks creaking
no doubt Everest looks the same, but not on a bike!
More climbing but well within our capabilities we arrived at Allenheads
to find the Hemmel Café had re opened so without a second thought we patronised
the establishment. Whilst the pub offers good grub and beer we should spare
a thought for the Café proprietors en route whose sole purpose is to
provide a service to visitors (us), walkers or bikers – They have to live in
winter as well so spend some money with them!
Last challenge for the day with an up and over to Rookhope with
a cracking descent to the Village centre. The ‘Londoners’ where taking refuge at the Pub
for the night whilst Ang & myself became religious and bunked at the Vicarage
with hosts Pauline & Colin plus seven other cyclists and a field full of
campers, but not in the same bed!
Cracking night at the Rookhope Inn with good food & beer courtesy of the ‘Cockneys’ (sincere
thanks guys) and with a chance to meet fellow travellers who surf Dik's site
the night was complete, or was it? No repairs to do, but the Band struck up
just as we where off to bed! Who wants a barbers shop quartet and a bouncy
castle when your bums been in the seat for two days and 100 miles, well may
be we do!
On the way home to the Vicarage (on foot) I thought the free beer
had worked miracles with my eye sight over the wall in a ‘locals’ garden
I saw cabbages as big as beach balls, onions the size of footballs
and leeks like baseball
bats!
At
breakfast, I recounted my amazing vegetable story to Pauline who
explained that the ‘local’ was
a prize vegetable grower; I should have listened to Ang the night
before when she
said half a pint and a sniff of the bar maids apron and you are
out of it!
Breakfast round the table was quiet until one of the group left
the table suddenly, obviously he had had my share of the ale the
previous night, but before I could
comment his so called mates ravaged his breakfast plate – some mates you are!
(Only Joking).
Good food and hospitality at the right price is what you are looking for and
you will not be disappointed with Pauline and Colin at the Vicarage.
Breakfast over we paid up and sallied forth to the Inn hoping the ‘Cockneys’ where
aware that there are two nine thirties in the day and one of them is before
12 noon, you guessed it right!
Today’s option: ‘Incline’ or ‘Road’ our preference is ‘Off Road’ so the ‘Londoners’ had
no option ! Although the incline is closed during the Grouse Shooting Season
it is worth noting this is only on Shooting Days; therefore check before you
arrive there.
Up we went, not without difficulty in some areas due to water erosion
(ask Elliot), but we made it to the summit with Ang up without
a dab (so there boys!) – what
a view and what superb scenery with heather clad moor land and quiet desolation
all around you – a must do section! Must mention Martin here who was consistency
itself throughout the ride, never a hero on the Incline due to his bike type
and tyre profiles but Michael Schumacher eat your heart out – Off the grid
and over the moor to Parkhead in record time, Or could it have been the curry
he had the night before?
Arriving at Parkhead we took timeout with Lorraine & Terry
at their new house and cafe a real treat and that was just Pauline
in her mini skirt! Only
joking guys credit to you both for restoring and building what is a beautiful
place and haven for the C2Cers. We look forward to staying with you next year
(if we can get in) and I can convince Ang what we will be missing by giving
it a miss.
Fluids on board we hit Waskerley Way with Martin still in flying
mode and Elliot in his wake we agreed to meet at Lydgetts Junction.
Fast track riding took
us through to Lydgett and on to Consett in double quick time, with both speed
and lack of scenery being something of an anticlimax on this part of the route.
None the less, the signage through Consett is much improved and we nailed Anfield
Plain in double quick time, stopping at the newly built Co-oP (adjacent to
the track) to grab a sarnie & fluids and have a decent comfort break.
Travel Tip: Worth noting this refuge on the Sunderland route, particularly
if the weather is bad or your supplies of anything are low – major national,
open daily, one stop shop.
Onwards and onwards (no hills on this bit) Martin & Elliot blazed the trail
with the old timers close on their heels with an agreed meet at the Stadium
of Light (Are Bank Holidays the only time Sunderland get a full house these
days, and that’s well before kick off – Only joking lads!)
Stanley & Signs for the Beamish Museum came and went, travellers
where acknowledge coming in the opposite direction, but the speed
we all travel at
and the concentration needed only allows for a nod, smile and a wheel wobble
to avoid going arse over tit into the brambles! (Nutters the lot of us)
The track is long and quick with Motorway A Roads under passed, the Angel of
North to the left (the Angel of the Midlands in front of me) a huge monument
on the hill to the right and before long the suburbs of Sunderland are reached.
The anti climax sets in meandering around the River Wear banks
to arrive at the home of the ‘Black Cats’. The end is nigh, on
the Quay front at the far end of the promenade, with the Group
assembled, the final photograph is taken,
and the ride is done.
But what a surprise last years honorary member Vic, with his wife
Ann, are waiting for us with Champagne – Thanks for the thought
and hoping we can ride it together next year.
Just when I thought I could put my tool kit away Vic’s young Grandson looked
at me with forlorn eyes, Grandad says you are an ace mechanic and duly thrust
his mini ATB at me for a rear derailleur repair! (How I hate that word, not
only can I not spell it I hate repairing them!) – Job done and a future C2Cer
on the road again courtesy of The Shelton Bikers.
Time for this years group to break up and the jersey awards are as follows:
Elliot
takes the King of the Contours
Martin
takes the King of Consistency
David
takes King of Casualty
On a serious note guys it
was a pleasure riding with you, Ang and myself do the trip not
only to conquer the route year
in and year out, but to enjoy the experience and share our skills
and knowledge with people like yourselves – We had to adopt someone,
this year it was you – thanks for being there.
Our transport back to Whitehaven was on time and
Tyne Valley Holidays (David this year) quickly stowed our bikes
and kit away on his chariot and whipped us back in double quick
time.
Another trip completed and the hunger to return next
year is still there, but credit to all the riders for having a
go. Thanks for the company of so many of you who not only made
the trip enjoyable but contributed to the compiling of this journal
by being there, but that is what makes the C2C the best trip across
England you can take!
Mike & Ang Walker – The Shelton Bikers : All
Two Of Us Again – Of Course
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