Category Archives: Cycling

Distance

We’re trying to build up our cycling distance, with more cycling and less beer.

And we’ve made a pretty decent step towards that goal today.

After picking up a delivery from Team Valley, we headed to Swalwell, cycling up the Derwent Walk to Rowlands Gill.

After stopping off to eat in Derwent Park, we cycled (mostly walked) up the beast that is Busty Bank. Close to death, we stopped at Burton House for a well earned beer rest.

And then it was mostly downhill until we fell into the Marquis of Granby.

Where we had a couple of beers before calling a cab cycling home.

We’re now doing some gardening.

Fitness

I’m quite enjoying our drive to improve our (disgraceful) state of fitness.

Yesterday’s bike ride, while a little shorter than last week’s, was more stretching.

We cycled to the Schooner this time.

After food, we cycled across the Tyne to the Tyne Bar. Then to Arch 2 and the Cluny.

After a short bike ride into town, we stopped off for a rest at the Town Mouse.

And the Head of Steam.

And the Bridge Hotel.

There might also have been a nightcap in our local.

Cycling III

A longer bike ride today, down to Team Valley, then to the quayside, Ouseburn and back. Of course, we needed to stop for a rest now and again.

We rested at the Tyne Bar, the Cumberland Arms and the Cluny. We’re currently resting in the Bridge Hotel.

Crossing the high level bridge will probably be tiring, so another rest is scheduled for the Central.

Cycling II

I’ve found I can combine two favourite things. We’ve cycled to the Tyne Bar, then to the Ship for something to eat, then (walked) to the Cluny.

Afterwards, we cycled back along the quayside, folded-up the bikes, then caught a bus home to the Tuns.

Wish I’d bought one of these years ago.

Cycling

Test driving the new bikes.

After years of mountain bikes, the high centre of gravity and old style gears were a little weird, but they’re very easy to ride.

Man bike

For many years, I’ve looked down on folding bikes with disdain; after all, they’re simply not man bikes. I might have considered a Birdy at one point, but common sense prevailed.

So my obvious choice for a new bike had to be a Brompton. We may have bought a pair.

Perhaps it’s an age thing.

Wingate

I once cycled from Stockton to Washington. It hurt a bit. 

An essential stop-off when legs went all wobbly was Wingate. I’d never been before and have only been there once since. 

When seeking calories, we found a cafe. The coffee was great and the crisps were … well, crisps. 

The place was amazing; a plastic fronted cafe with gorgeous victorian/edwardian booths. Long, narrow tables and mirrors. Ok, so there was a little bit of graffitti. But the place was gorgeous. 

A few years later, I heard that the owner had died and his son wasn’t interested in taking over the business. 

This afternoon though, in the Euston Tap,  I came across a man from Winton (who now lives in Camden). We had an excellent conversation about the old cafe, which sadly is no more. 

Now, in my post train state, I can reflect on a nice conversation. And wonder about the fate of the gorgeous booths of the cafe. I can’t imagine. I heard that landfill might have been involved. 

I’d have bought the lot. 

Le disgrace

After an afternoon/evening in town with Trevor; currently watching a documentary about Lance Armstrong and doping. I’m one of the many people who believed in him at the time, but it’s shocking how deliberate the whole thing was. The attempted cover up was even worse.

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One has to wonder whether he would have made it without transfusions, hormones, etc. He possibly could;  never for so many years, but surely one or two.

The threats against people who’d potentially give evidence is particularly disappointing.

Bike ride

Today we went out on our bikes. We cycled along the Tyne, to Pelaw (-ish), stopping at the Cricketers for refreshment. We also fed veggie scotch eggs to a dog before heading back, via the Schooner, then crossing over to the Newcastle side of the river. Where we visited the Tyne Bar. Followed by the Cluny. And, back in Gateshead, the Victoria. All in all, an enjoyable day.

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