“P Off Early Tomorrow’s Saturday” though I don’t think it has the same significance for most of our “Friday Riders”. Early warning notice came from regular Friday route master Raymond “Sorry can’t make it this week, so someone else will have to lead”.
Iain was first to respond somewhat unsurely,
only to say he had to be home prematurely.
Karl was next "in to bat",
with an eighty mile ride if you fancy that.
Matty and Jon said that would be a treat,
but where and when shall we meet.
Then up spoke Neil with an alternative route,
with start time and meeting place to boot.
Etton was the place where our story unfolds,
starting with a climb up to Holme-on-the-Wolds.
Turning into the wind was quite the slog,
with everyone trying to stay tucked in behind Seadog.
Middleton to North Dalton was a bit up and down,
As we pedalled through from town to town.
Continuing up to Huggate with the wind in our face,
We still managed to maintain a decent pace.
With the wind behind and mostly downhill to Tibthorpe,
We went up another gear making a bid for "Warp".
Kirkburn and Southburn went by in a flash,
With personal bests we tried to smash.
With minutes to spare we reached our chosen venue,
And were still able to choose from the breakfast menu.
After lunch there was a split in the "peloton",
While some returned by Bracken the others went by Watton.
Rolling through Kilnwick then onwards to Lockington,
The "breakaway" returned to route on reaching South Dalton.
For the final leg home we reflected on a day without rain,
Vowing soon to do it all over again.
Today was a “Best dressed non club kit” day, unfortunately we forgot to ask our photographer to make the selection. Secretly though I think we all agreed it should go to Heather although Mark made a good impression of “Stylo Italiano”. Despite the copious amounts of wine followed by Disaronno in the “snug” by reception, there were no signs of any after effects. The profile for today’s section looked a little daunting with the first 25 miles uphill but then it was “all downhill from there”. 🤔
Our first objective was to get to Innerleithen where we planned to have our lunch stop. Although it came early in the ride, there was no alternative until reaching Dalkeith towards the end of the ride. Setting off from Melrose we picked up the “Black Path” cycleway (which was an old railway line running from Tweedbank to Galashiels), before heading along Boleside road, a virtually traffic free road following the River Tweed. On meeting the main A7 road we continued on the cycle path by the road before it deviated onto one of the best cycle paths we’ve seen.
On returning to the road, our route continued to follow the River Tweed before crossing to the south side over the Ashiestiel bridge near Caddonlee. Our route then carried on along the south side of the Tweed before recrossing to the north side again at Walkerburn.
When we arrived at Innerleithen the town was festooned with garlands. Turns out we arrived during the UCI World mountain bike championships.
It was only around 18 miles from Melrose to Innerleithen so not too long since our cooked breakfast so coffee and cake was the popular choice especially the Anzak biscuits which we managed to consume the complete supply.
After returning to our route, we headed north following the Leithen Water on a gentle upward incline. The terrain became somewhat steeper when we reached the confluence with the Glentress Water. We were a little dismayed to see another cyclist heading downhill with a rain jacket on and a misty looking cloud in the valley ahead. There was no need to worry though, by the time we reached the top the sun had returned.
The first “peak” came after about 6 miles climbing with a gradient of around 2-3% then followed a lovely downhill run for the next 3 miles. The second “peak” came after a further 3 miles of climbing and another 3 miles descent. I don’t think we saw a single car along the whole road and the stunning scenery made it one of the most enjoyable segments.
After regrouping, we resumed our epic journey towards Middleton. The road surface deteriorated and at one point Iain unfortunately hit a pothole causing a puncture and almost throwing him out of the saddle. We only found out when he didn’t appear at the next junction. Matt valiantly decided to head back up the hill to check he was OK. When they eventually returned we set off towards Cockpen and Bonnyrigg.
The final leg of the journey consisted mostly of varying types of cyclepath as we wended our way through the housing estates of the outskirt towns of the city. By this time many of us were running out of water and feeling a little hungry. “Let’s stop at the first shop we come to” we suggested. Eventually we spotted a Sainsbury store in Dalkeith and a chance for a refreshment stop.
Suitably refreshed we carried onto various cycleways which skirted the river Esk from Whitecraig into Musselburgh before picking up the “Innocent Cycle Path” which ran through numerous parks and woodland areas before becoming the “Innocent Railway” running past Arthur’s Seat. Along the way, we encountered a long tunnel which as we approached provided a welcome cooling blast of air. Leaving the warmth of the afternoon heat, it felt like we’d gone into a large fridge. Of course “boys will be boys” and couldn’t resist a holler (WOO HOO!) to check the “acoustics” in the tunnel.
Eventually we emerged onto the busy Edinburgh City streets made even busier due to the ongoing Festival. It was an amazing feat to find ourselves so close to the city centre using mainly off road tracks and trails. Coming off the Mound onto Princes Street we had to dodge taxis, buses and trams to reach our pick up point and the end of an absolutely fabulous three days of cycling.
Another sunny start to leg two of our Coast & Castles ride. Initially heading inland from Seahouses with a light westerly wind, taking the quieter back road to Bamburgh. Leaving Bamburgh Castle behind, we continued inland to Belford where we were faced by our first real challenge with a steep ramp averaging 6.5% but hitting 14% about a third of the way up. “Well that was one way to get the blood pumping” lamented someone.
As we made our way north following the NCR Route 1 we passed through Detchant and East Kyloe before stopping at Fenwick. “Oh look, there’s a cafe there” said one voice. Unfortunately it was still too early into the ride to justify stopping so we continued onwards to Lowickmill and Ancroft before dropping into Berwick-upon-Tweed, the original home town of Pugwash.
“Well Pugwash, lead the way” was the general consensus. First item on the agenda was a brief stop as we passed one of Pugwash’s ex-houses. After crossing the main east coast rail line we headed down into Spittal where we passed Puggy’s Primary school. From there, we continued along Dock Road adjacent to the River Tweed before crossing the Royal Border Bridge. At this point we were beginning to feel a little hungry so decided to stop in town for a lovely lunch at Lowry’s cafe on the Quayside.
When we were ready to resume the ride, questions were asked. “We’re not going back up that hill are we?”, “Is there easy way out of town?”. Unfortunately 🎵The Only Way is Up🎵. The “easiest” option was to head up Ravensdowne passing the Barracks then through the Cow Port to the “Stanks” taking the beach road, which borders Puggy’s ex-golf course, to re-emerge at the top of Castlegate.
Leaving Berwick we headed along the “Canty’s” road (as kids we called it “the seven hills to Canty’ s”) crossing the England/Scotland border shortly after passing Canty’s Brig then recrossing back into England over the Union Bridge (known locally as the Chain Bridge). Immediately over the bridge we were faced with a short sharp climb up to the Honey Farm and our second refreshment stop at the quirky “cafe bus”.
“Ding Ding! Time to move along”. As we gathered at the exit someone asked “Are we all here?”. “No we’re still waiting for Seadog, he’s faffing with his garmin” came the reply. When he rejoined us he advised that he couldn’t get his navigation to work. The next leg took us to Horncliffe then past Norham Castle and back into Scotland over Norham Bridge.
Welcome to Scotland the sign said as we were immediately faced with the 3rd of four “categorised” climbs this time ranging between 5-10%. Continuing to follow NCR1 along the Tweed valley passing North of Coldstream. On reaching the turn to Eccles we stopped at the junction to regroup however Iain kept his head down and failed to see us all waiting. “Where’s he going?” we thought “Iain! IAIN!! IAIN!!!” we yelled. Unfortunately “that boy was not for turning” at least until Seadog caught up with him to advise the “error of his way”.
On passing through Eccles, Mark enquired hopefully “Ooh is this where they make the cakes?”. A little later after reaching Ednam, Heather suffered a puncture. Assisted by Neil, Seadog and Iain repairs were effected quickly.
The next leg continued to Makerstoun passing North of Kelso and Floors Castle. By now the “gentle” climbing was turning a bit more “lumpy” as we approached Dryburgh.
Then as the Tweed turned North we came to the “bumpy” bridge, officially called the Dryburgh Suspension Bridge. Someone in their wisdom thought it would be ‘wheeze’ to fit rumble strips along the length of it making it a very uncomfortable crossing on a road bike. “Think I lost my dentures there” ventured Matt waggishly. “That’s loosened all my fillings” added Mark.
Back on the road again we came to Newton St Boswells and the 4th climb of the day around the Eildon hills. Much like the previous climbs the average gradient was around 5% occasionally hitting 10%. After relishing the traffic free downhill section we stopped to regroup. “Well where’s Seadog?” we asked. After waiting a while we decided something must have happened, so Neil started to head back up the hill to see if he could find him. Turned out that he’d had his head down and hadn’t seen us all make the left turn to Eildon, only realising his mistake on reaching the main A68 with no sign of anybody.
Eventually we all made it to Burt’s hotel in the centre of Melrose where Mark and Pugwash headed straight to the bar to quench their “drouth”. The Ship Inn across the road was our choice for dinner establishment where the wine flowed as “free” as the river Tweed.
Our meeting place for the start of the Coast & Castles ride was at the Hilton Gateshead. Iain & Mark set the tone for evening by heading straight to the bar like a pair of homing pigeons descending on a rattling corn tin. Viewing their freshly poured pints, lips salivating in anticipation until it came time to pay. “How much!?” they wailed. Well it is a posh city centre hotel but obviously didn’t hurt too much as they called “Seconds out Round 2”.
A little later we all met to head out in search of a pre-dinner drinking establishment. Without looking too far, we spotted a pub called the Dubliner. “On draught you can have Guinness or Moretti” we were gruffily informed. Shortly after with “whistles suitably wetted” we went in search of our choice of restaurant, which was handily close by, called Uno’s Trattoria. As the wine flowed, the volume increased in what turned out to be a very popular place with all tables occupied. Following a very pleasant meal we all returned to the hotel for a nightcap with one voice crying out “Wish I hadn’t had that second pint earlier” before rushing off to an early bed.
Day 1 Newcastle to Seahouses
The day dawned with the sun shining as bright as the smiles on our faces although it was still a cool 13°c. The first leg of the journey from Gateshead followed the cycle path over the Millennium Bridge then along the “Quayside” towards Tynemouth.
The route consisted of a mixture of cycle paths and quiet roads generally following the course of the River Tyne through Walker and Wallsend where we picked up the Hadrian cycleway to North Shields. As we reached the North Shields Fish Quay, Mark suffered a puncture. While he set about the repair muttering “But that’s a brand new tyre”, the rest of us “entertained” ourselves watching a departing ferry with tug and pilot boat in tow. It was not long before we were on our way once more and our first view of the coast and Tynemouth Priory and Castle.
From Tynemouth we turned North to follow the coast to Cullercoats and Whitley Bay. After passing Spanish City there was some confusion about which cycle path to follow through Whitley Links. Mark kept to the correct path while the rest followed Neil who led us right up the garden path and onto the busy Links Road before rejoining Mark near St Mary’s lighthouse.
On reaching Seaton Sluice the cycle path turned onto the beach. The surface of the “Eve Blackway” was a mixture of loose and solid gravel undulating over the dunes like a errant rollercoaster. It would have been quite an enjoyable section if wasn’t a “shared path” having to constantly avoid people and dogs. A varying type of cycleways led us eventually through to Blyth and along both sides of the River Blyth.
Our first refreshment stop came when we spotted a Starbucks at the Ashington services where we relished sitting in the warm sunshine. Continuing northwards along quiet rural roads to Druridge Bay hugging the coastline leading into the beautiful village of Amble. Shortly after we stopped at the Sun Hotel for lunch in the shadow of Warkworth castle.
Suitably fortified with our lunch, we departed from Warkworth to pick up the cyclepath running alongside the busy A1068 before turning into Alnmouth. Our route then continued on road along the coast to Boulmer then slightly inland to Longhouton eventually finishing in Seahouses having covered a total distance of 76 miles.
🎵Fallin’ on my head like…… 🎵 An unwanted guest at a dinner party. The forecast for the day was a bit mixed but that didn’t stop nine Knights from taking their chances to meet up at Etton for the proposed ride to Millington. While waiting for the “appointed hour”, route master Raymond suggested a change of destination due to the possible rain at Millington around midday, opting instead to stay more local with a ride to Hutton Cranswick.
While discussing the route we received a message from Michael advising he’d had a puncture at Cherry Burton and would catch up as soon as he can, “Oh and by the way where is Granny’s Attic?” he asked. “Well…” sighed Raymond exasperatedly “How many times have we passed that way before” he asked the assembled group. “I’ll send him a message giving the new route and cafe” chipped in Matthew. By the time “lastminute.com” arrived the ‘new’ route had been formulated. “So where are we going?” he asked innocently. “Sorry, but you weren’t here” cried someone mockingly. “But I’m here with time to spare. I demand to know!” he wailed getting his toys ready to throw. Just at that point “Army Dave” turned up to join us.
After waiting “beyond the start time” and no sign of Michael, “I’ll head back to meet him and see if he needs any help” offered Dave as the rest of us set off towards South Dalton. A little later as we were heading along Bracken lane we spotted a lone cyclist up ahead. By the time we reached the Lockington junction we realised it was Michael. “Where have you been?” we cried “Where have you been?” he retorted. “Oh and where’s Army Dave? He went to look for you”.
The ride then continued through Lockington towards Wilfholme. While traversing this narrow lane, we had to pull over to allow for passing traffic in both directions. As the car passed from behind there was a “whooping” and a “hollering” from the open window “Allez Allez” they cried “Anybody want bananas?”. Turned out they’d recognised us and were reprising a supporting role they’d played many moons ago.
After looping back towards Kilnwick we had to pull over once more as we were faced by an oncoming tractor filling the whole of the road. “Who suggested this road?” asked our route master rhetorically “It’s rubbish”. Eventually we returned to Bracken lane and the final leg to Cranswick Farm Shop.
Well so far so good, the roads had stayed dry as we arrived at the cafe where “Army Dave” eventually joined us after a lonely ride. While enjoying our refreshments, the forecast rain arrived and was beating down on the window panes. “Think I might get the train back” suggested Heather but after checking the train times decided to brave the conditions and return with the rest of us.
See what happens when you leave your bike out in the rain
Donning our rain jackets (at least those who’d thought to bring one) for the journey home we were pleased to see the rain had eased slightly. Unfortunately it didn’t last long as it continued persisting it down all the way home.
“Weather forecast is showing rain for 1200” advised Matt “Can we meet at Etton with an earlier start time of 0900?” he added tentatively. Shortly after he must have had second thoughts. “Is 9 too early maybe 0930?” he asked. The replies poured in from those who could attend, “I’ll be there” was the general consensus “but what time?” queried Melvin. Eventually we settled on 0930. Unfortunately not everyone got the message. “It’s such a ‘Trial’ to get people on ‘Time’”. Someone had not read all the messages and arrived at 9am while some others ended up running late.
Thirteen knights turned out but as the appointed start time arrived “Where’s Colin?” asked someone “Hiding round the corner waiting until it’s 09:29:59” suggested another. In the end Matt invoked rule #87 “The ride always leaves on time” but not before sending a message advising of a change of route due to road closures.
Rolling “down the ramp” the ‘team’ set off towards Kiplingcotes and the climb up the race course road to Cross Gate. At the foot of the first climb there was a “whoosh” of yellow as Matty “Vingegaard” set off at pace to lead the bunch up the steepest section. Little did we know that he had an ulterior motive. As we reached the first junction, there was Matt performing the duties of traffic cop waving his arms around egging everyone on. “All clear” he declared allowing us to continue without stopping.
At the top of the climb we stopped to regroup before heading downhill heading towards Middleton-on-the-Wolds. Our next climb came soon after as we reached North Dalton and set off to Huggate. Part way through the upwards slog, Iain put in a rare spurt making his way forward through the peloton like a soigneur handing out bottles to team mates. “What’s he up to?” we thought. “Has he spotted some WOW girls?” Turns out he was close to a segment PB and decided to “go for it”.
After regrouping at Huggate it was time to enjoy the mostly downhill run to Tibthorpe followed by a flat section through Southburn to Cranswick. With rain forecast for early afternoon or was going to be “trial of time” to see if we could get home dry. However it didn’t stop us having a lovely lunch break at Manor Farm Shop.
For the route home we followed our usual track over Bracken lane to Mere Lane and South Dalton where the main road had been newly resurfaced turning the road into a gravel track. Somewhere between Etton and Cherry Burton we felt the first drops of rain threatening to fall. Fortunately we managed to get home before the ‘main event’.
Freshly returned from his jaunt into foreign climes, our resident tuk-tuk rider outlined his theories on our outward route. “Everything is the same but different” he began in typical professor speak. What followed was a detailed synopsis of twists and turns that explained how to reach our destination.
When the various knightly species had gathered at Etton, chairman Neil gave a timely reminder regarding splitting into groups on busy roads. “The designated road captains for today are Raymond and Zog” he advised before adding “and everyone should stay behind your captain”. At this point a huge grin appeared on the face of Raymond. “Well that will be novel” he surmised. “OK Zog pick your team” continued Neil. As Zog looked around at the Knights someone commented “Ooh this is like being back at school waiting to be picked for the football team”. Eventually we decided that ‘natural selection’ would be a better way to go.
Setting out from Etton we headed to South Dalton before turning along Mere Lane passing a young family of ducklings on the way by the pond. After reaching Bracken lane we turned North once more before picking up the Neswick road to lead us into Bainton. On reaching the busy B1246 it was time to implement ‘natural selection’ policy. This turned out to be the first six to reach the junction went with Zog while the rest stayed with Raymond. “We’ll regroup at Middleton-on-the-Wolds” he advised.
The first group set off with Zog taking his duty seriously. Nobody was going to pass him. In fact he began to set such a strong pace that those behind struggled to hold the wheel. With a few shouts from behind he eventually eased up enough to keep the group together. From North Dalton we continued over the rolling hills into Middleton-on-the-Wolds. After regrouping we set off for the final leg to the Fiddle Drill at Goodmanham with some spots of rain threatening to dampen the proceedings.
The group ‘natural selection’ continued in the cafe as we were offered two separate tables on opposite sides of the room. Once we were all suitably refreshed it was time to head home. “Let’s head back the way we came and then at the top turn right, down the hill then turn left to head through Dalton Park” advised Raymond.
Things went well until heading ‘down the hill’. At the left turn junction, Neil and Heather had decided to take the shorter route home and continued over the junction. Unfortunately those immediately behind had failed to heed the instructions and followed on like sheep despite Raymond’s best effort to direct them to the ‘right’ track. On reaching the bottom, the ‘sheep’ bleated “but Neil and Heather went that way”. “We should have turned left at the previous junction” said Raymond “but we can take this left turn instead”. That would have been fine, but since the road had been recently resurfaced with grit stone it made progress somewhat precarious until we returned to South Dalton.
Thereafter we followed our usual route home through Etton and Cherry Burton. The rain that threatened earlier failed to materialise leaving everyone to enjoy the rest of the ride home.
Day 6 was the final day of the Knights tour of Tuscany. The weather continued to be warm with light winds now from the west-north-west. Today’s route was a 42km circular with around 812m of climbing. Almost immediately after leaving Sienna the climbing began with a 1km ramp averaging 7%. Further lumpy bits ensued as they made their way north to Colombaio and Valiano. The route continued to Ponte a Bozzone and San Giovanni a Cerreto before reaching the furthest point east at San Piero.
Day 5 saw the Knights moving base camp from San Gimignano to Sienna some 40km to the south east. Passing back through Colle di Val d’Elsa then calling into Monteriggioni at the halfway point. The 2nd part of the day took in Il Ceppo and San Martino before arriving at Sienna. Another warm hilly day with light head winds so I’m sure the sight of that swimming pool was very welcome.
From the “new” base camp at San Gimignano the Knights set off for a slightly shorter 42km circular route. Initially heading south towards Castel San Gimignano where they were faced with the “highlight” of the day, a 14km climb over several Monte including La Bertesca, Colle Cavina, Poggio Porrione to the highest point on the Poggio Cornocchio. A final “clamber” over Poggio Pitte brought the crew back to base camp and some well earned refreshments.
