Day One
Whitehaven to Penrith - 56 Miles - Our 2005 epic adventure begins
The Shelton Bikers Epic
Journey Whitehaven
to Sunderland with the return By Hadrian’s
Wall Cycling the short distance on a coastal path from Parton down to the Quayside our arrival for a 9.30am start was later than previous years but the usual variety of shapes and sizes where on display, and that was just their bikes! Customary Photo shoots where taken with groups swapping and changing to ensure we all got on the photographs and this year no one went “A over T” on the slippery slipway doing the customary wheel dip in the Irish Sea – how disappointing for all of us! Meandering through Whitehavens streets and cycle paths hordes of fellow cyclists like a plague of locusts charged to the front as we passed the pigeon lofts along the Railway Path, did they know something we didn’t like last years Pie shortage at Billy Wilson’s at Cleator Moor! The track was glass free this year and the “Locals” must have invested in “Poop Scoopers” as the dog crap was also far and few between – What a relief! 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! Passing by Cleator Moor our annual visit to Billy Wilson's Butchers in the high street for pies was ignored, well he sold out before we got there last year – hope he’s got plenty of stock left! A trouble free journey to Rowrah where we noticed the wooden fence arch at the end of the off road section had been moved and resited, well access to the road is now much better, but how long will the Arch stand before the vandals attack it? First climb of the day past the school at Kirkland and the SB’s are having a quiet day having not been called into action – What’s that all about! Lamplugh and the spectacular Loweswater came and went, although we did meet Tricia & Brian who later became our first associate members of the trip (read on for the exciting details), 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 with a couple from Manchester; who by coincidence where bunking at the Rookhope Inn on Sunday night our preferred choice for this trip as nobody else would have us! Scales was rider free on the climb so Ang and myself moseyed up, passed the Billy Minkin tribute, paid our respects and journeyed on. At the top of Whinlatter Pass we took the easy option road route to Keswick as opposed to the more technical forest route, or so I thought, gearing myself for the first real decent of the day I hit 30mph and to my horror realised I had no front brake! Tacking left to right across the road to reduce speed praying (surprising what a crisis does for you!) no vehicles where in pursuit I manoeuvred into a forest track and leapt from the beast into bracken and bushes reappearing to be greeted by Ang with a classic line “Your alright then”. Putting myself back together I checked the bike over to find the friction material on the front pads had disintegrated and I was braking on bonding resin and metal, or has the case was I wasn’t! I walked down the pass (Ang made me put this in, she rode), yes a Shelton Biker walking, and I rode with caution on the cycle path to Keswick where just over the bridge adjacent to the Pencil Museum I called into the bike shop for replacement pads, the guy on duty although helpful could do with a smile transplant, yes we are ALL backsides at times (there was more than me in trouble), but if you are open your business is to supply a service so take the money and smile doing it! Back in action we paid our annual visit and had a delightful 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 – Once again my credit card was itching with the selection of quality Specialized bikes on offer, one day I will buy one – promise! Onwards to Threlkeld on the Keswick Railway Path starting behind the Swimming Pool, plenty of people on route this year, but failed to spot a single Red Squirrel on this occasion (no, not on a bike!) Once again the choice is now yours venture off road (for the more experienced with ATB machines with brakes that work!) 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 with the Blackberries once again cropping well (providing they are in season) the size of golf balls and yours for the taking from the roadside! Only downside on this part of the route was the local farmer, or whoever, having trimmed the roadside hawthorn bushes, no doubt on purpose, to inconvenience fellow trippers and us. None the less we took to foot, played a tune of “we shall overcome” on our bells as we marched through his property, mounted up and sallied forth puncture free – So there if you are reading this! On a serious note this was out of order and may have caused unnecessary delays and hardship to the less observant and in my opinion he needs a letter from Sustrans / Local Highways Department reminding him of his responsibilities to road users during peak riding season. Travel Tip: Always self prepare or seek professional bike maintenance services before hitting the off road route – Its no fun on the ‘Coach Road’ with knackered gears or ill trimmed brakes! Onwards and upwards to Greystoke and this year we took a shortcut up via the Sportsman’s Arms Pub (Penrith Direct Route) taking the left turn some 400 metres or so after the pub and sailed into Greystoke Village – an ideal alternative if you are behind schedule or the weather is crap! Easy riding to Penrith through the Campus and down the Bridleway to the outskirts of the town – Who’s eaten the horses? Day one now draws to a close and our arrival at the Blue Swallow Guest House on Victoria Road is a pleasure, our hosts this year where Peter & Cynthia, clean, tidy and well appointed and that’s just the owners! - Seriously quality hospitality, accommodation, food and real value for money with secure parking for the bike. No Vampires here tonight though with enough garlic in the atmosphere to make sure Dracula stays in his cot! 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. We did our usual tour of the streets around Penrith dining at the Little Chippy in the Market Square once again, this time sharing the town shelter with a Religious Group preaching the word, interesting but I converted instead to the Best Chip Butty in the North accompanied by a Mushy Pea fritter - If you don’t believe me try one! With Day Two beckoning and hidden adventure waiting we hit the sack ......... Day Two
Penrith to Rookhope - 46 Miles - Climbing Day! Weather was excellent on Saturday and day two promised much of the same. Up early to avoid the breakfast rush Peter (our host) had a bag on, I checked my neck for puncture wounds and found none, I must have been saved by his late night garlic supper; has is often the case you meet up with fellow riders who’s path you crossed the day before - Brian, Tricia and their back up crew Suzanne and Andy shared an excellent breakfast with us – Thanks Peter & Cynthia. With fuel onboard The Shelton Bikers hit the road to Langwathby and we paid our annual visit to the shop just of the green whilst awaiting the early morning rush of fellow riders keen to hit Hartside! Easy riding to Hartside through Renwick with fellow riders hurtling their way past us to the big climb. Having had a quiet first day, other than my own brake repair, I spied a couple in distress so off I went only to find Brian & Tricia with a mechanical failure which appeared to be gears, which I trimmed, but it turned out to be a broken rear spindle – How often do you get that! Well even Batman & Superman coming up the road behind us failed to spot it so I did not feel to bad. Assuming I had cured Brian’s gear problem I set off for my annual Hartside challenge and if I do say so myself got up in double quick time (eat your heart out Lance Armstrong) only to find that Brian’s back up crew had rescued him and his trip appeared over. None the less Ang took ownership of Tricia and guided her to the summit for tea, cake and sympathy. Travel Tip: Please yourself but I recommended you 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 weather was changing so The Shelton Bikers took a break in the Café and enjoyed the warmth of the building with fellow cyclists and plagues of Motor Bikers. Familiar faces appeared and nods of acknowledgement over tea and buns was order of the day Decision time for Brian (he was gutted) so back to Penrith he went, with his back up crew, for a Spindle or ‘New’ Bike. Meanwhile the SB’s took ownership of Tricia and to avoid the stress of the Garrigill climb I suggested she joined the SB’s as an honorary member taking the scenic detour through Alston. Back on our machines all three of us zoomed down to Alston with an arrangement to meet Brian and the back up crew in Nenthead at the ‘Miners Arms’ come what may following their return to Penrith. In the Pub the Vikings had arrived (Ian & David from York) who we spent a night with at Rookhope last year, this was their 4th consecutive trip, six to go to catch us! (more of those boys later). The Pub is a Mecca of amusing people with stories to tell all gathering for food, drink and a laugh before the climb up Black Hill. We had an extended wait at the Pub waiting for Brian during which we arbitrated another Groups kitty dilemma which resulted in a Black Hill challenge for a bottle of wine – Who won it boys? Brian returned with a new bike bought from Halfords so Tricia was signed back over and the SB’s hit Black Hill. Travel Trip: Whilst the Crusaders amongst us would never consider the alternative to Garrigill to those of less capability, particularly if the weathers bad, 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!) Passing Batman & Superman on the way up Black Hill I asked them to keep an eye on Ang, but saving the world must come first because Ang with a smile as broad as the Tyne came over the hill boasting she had a worlds first by beating both superheroes in one go to the top! With a cloud settling on top of the hill, and being first up (no modesty again), I took refuge behind a wall and with other riders arriving and taking shelter I was soon evicted – So much for King of the Mountains! More climbing but well within our capabilities we arrived at Allenheads and took refreshments at the Hemmel Café. 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 please spend some money with them! On leaving the Café a couple we had not met previously enroute, a young Australian Shelia and England’s answer to Mick Dundee (Sheep but no Crocs here mate) shared a minute with us only to motivate me to get to Rookhope first has they had taken OUR room at the Vicarage and OUR grub at the Pedlar’s - No way was I giving up my Steak & Kangaroo Pie at Rookhope! Last challenge for the day, or so I thought, with an up and over to Rookhope with a cracking decent to the Village centre. The Inn was lively on our arrival and the toughest climb of the day was up the stairs to our bedroom! Cracking night at the Rookhope Inn with good food, beer and company- Brian, Tricia and their “Roadies” where also staying the night (can’t get rid of some people – Only joking!). The Aussies surfaced from the Vicarage and yes they did have our evening meal (Not joking!). The evening was spent with the Vikings (Ian & David from York), we woz robbed in the Pub Quiz by the Southerners who also won the raffle! (Well they did give us the orange & strawberry crèmes from the Roses – some consolation!) Back to the Vikings who must have hollow legs, particularly David who threatened legal action if I went to print – so sue then! This year’s entertainment was Jim Fallon who donates his fees to charity so whilst not a cyclist he deserves a mention and he can sing a bit too. Day Three Hearty breakfast courtesy of Tina with a double helping of Black Pudding for me, nobody else wanted it! We arranged to ride the incline with the Vikings, so we said our goodbyes to Brian, Tricia and their Crew and the Manchester couple we met at Lorton who surfaced for breakfast a little fragile! Up the Incline with Ian in tow, panniers and all, with Ang and David bringing up the rear, from “Pub door to Top” was our objective and it was a pleasure to share King of the Mountains with Ian on this occasion. Ang and David followed with a few dabs a piece at the top in the gully where loose shale due to water erosion prevents good traction, but they rode it whilst others pushed and groaned their way up. Note: 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. From the Incline top we rode across the Moors and without doubt on an August day with the heather in purple bloom and the sun striding across the valley (like today) there is no better view in the country, and we have ridden a few breathtaking routes in our time. The Vikings plumbed for the road route to Parkhead at the end of the defined track which we had not taken before, choosing previously to stick to the rail track bed across the moor to Parkhead, so I enjoyed further views I had not experienced before from a higher vantage point – thanks boys. Arriving at Parkhead we took timeout at the café - a real haven for the C2Cers. We look forward to staying at the B & B with Terry and Lorraine sometime (if we can get in) and I can convince Ang what she will be missing by retiring from C2C epics. Fluids on board we hit Waskerley Way with the Vikings in flying mode, there must have been a rape & pillage boot sale at Lydgate Junction! Fast track riding took us through to Lydgate where the Vikings awaited our arrival; we talked of next year, said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. Consett was our destination which was reached in double quick time, a comfort break was taken at McDonalds (best toilets on route). The signage through Consett continues to improve and we nailed Anfield Plain in double quick time, stopping at the newly built Co-oP (adjacent to the track) to grab some fluids and have another 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) - 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 on this section 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, that’s Ang) a huge monument on the hill to the right and before long the suburbs of Sunderland are reached on newly resurfaced tracks which make the journey even quicker than usual. The anti climax sets in meandering around the banks of the River Wear, which Ang detests, so I decided to reroute this year to arrive at the road beneath the home of the ‘Black Cats’, or so I thought, needless to say we ended up on the banks of the Wear on the Board Walk ankle deep in water! The end is neigh, certainly for me for the failed shortcut, because we ended up at the Stadium of Light on the top road as usual! Meandering to the finish we where met by our good friend Vic Cohen at Roker Pier (a honorary member we befriended on a previous trip) who was putting us up for the night at South Shields before our return leg by the “Wall”. We took the coast route to Shields and the area impressed me, clean, tidy and lively with the Bank Holiday spirit and seaside smells! With part one of our 10th anniversary trip finished and without doubt the excellent weather this time round and the company of the Vikings added to the memorable experience and to all the people we met thanks for being there and we hope to see you again next year or the year after etc., etc. Mike & Ang – The Shelton Bikers (All Two Of Us Again – Of Course) Details of our return journey
from South Shields to Whitehaven can be found on the
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