SSW Day One

Part one: Ride to the start.

D: 12.78km El: 126m

Today started well. I got up early got all sorted and set off at same time as Joe was going to work. I nice drive over. Very quiet good roads. The inn has a big car park. Not quite what I expected but friendly people. I hadn’t been going long when I had to repack my saddle bag. It was sticking into my bum! Anyway good progress was made although now I am on the train in a queue waiting to pass a broken signal. It was going to be tight making it to the campsite tonight. I may end up riding in the dark. Good job I have lights.

The train drivers are good. There are lots of announcements

Part two. Hexham to Bellingham

D: 36km. El: 575m

I got in an hour late so not too bad. I stopped at the Lidl to get some provisions. At first it was an ok track but a lot of gates and railway crossings. First problem was a bull in a field. I made a detour. Next was the off road tracks/bridleways. Really mostly not rideable. Locked gates. In the end I was so running out of time that I hit the sustain route 68 and made it to Bellingham for 9pm. Tent up. Indian eaten and a half in the pub. A good nights sleep. Hoping for drier weather tomorrow.

The second half of the ride was a bit more interesting! Rain started. Tracks were not always very rideable. I struggled a bit with the new technology. At the start of the route it was death by gate and level crossing. Eventually abandoned the off road route and finally made the campsite about 9pm. Tent up. Indian meal eaten and a quick drink in the Black Bull Inn. Bed. I slept pretty well.