To be fair, being a Sunderland Fan has the same qualities as completing the Coast to Coast…. in the fact that there are many “ups & downs” all throughout the course of the day – many of which I’m sure you’ll read about in this short report.
After a few months of organising we had a maximum number of 16 riders with 1 support driver, but this was narrowed down to just 10 riders and a support driver – who was invaluable to the team – as I’m sure everyone will agree.
It was that time of year again – the weekend of the Coast to Coast, when a number of mad Mackem’s set off from Whitehaven – just to cycle back to Sunderland!
I’ll not tell you about when Paul’s tyre burst on the way up to Whitehaven, or the fact that George took a dive into the harbour, or even about Alan getting lost only 9 miles into the ride, and ending up at Cleator Moor…. Or then again .. I just might!
After finalising the arrangements the night before, we packed up the car on Friday morning, and set off to the west coast at 8:30am, meeting Paul & Michael on route as they were following us over.
Having arranged to meet the others at Whitehaven (Mark, Jess, George Alan, Matty, Andrew and Prowse) the only pickup we had was Austin, our last minute support driver. Again, arrangements were in place to meet Austin and on picking him up we set straight onto the A69 towards Carlisle, with Paul and Michael still following.
We had only travelled 25 miles when Paul stopped in a lay-by just on the outskirts of Hexham. On looking at the bikes, we noticed that his tyre had burst. However, Michael was soon on the case, and taking off both his (for safety) and Paul’s tyre, he replaced the inntertube and actual tyre on route to Whitehaven.
We thought this was just not gonna be our year, but pushed on, arriving at Whitehaven via M6 and A66/Keswick just before 11:45am. George, Alan, Andrew and Matty were already there and raring to go. Alan explained one of his group (Prowse) had pulled out last minute so there was only 10 of us!
After introductions of our support driver to the gang and vise versa, we set about preparing our bikes and supplies for our first leg (31m) to Keswick. Now, it is “the done thing” to dip your back wheel in the Irish Sea, so once Mark & Jess had arrived, and prepared their bikes, that is what we all did.
We all donned our C2C T-shirts, and walking toward the actual harbour George was explaining to me, how a girl from the previous group had accidentally fallen into the water after riding her back down the harbour embankment. George proceeded to do exactly the same!! Needless to say, that was the start of the jokes for the rest of the weekend.
With everyone in place and photo’s taken we headed off along the well sign posted C2C route via the café to claim our first stamp… and onto the route towards Loweswater (10m) which we thought would be our first water refill stop should anyone require it.
Cycling from the harbour, through the town and housing estates onto the main railway line/cycle track was fairly flat, and an ETA (from myself) at Keswick for 5:30pm was looking good.
Andrew & Matty took up positions as pacemakers – although we still don’t know to this day who they were making the pace for, as they seemed to leave the rest of us behind somewhere in Kirkland.
Arriving in Loweswater was a relief, as a couple of guys did require a water refill, but when we arrived Austin was nowhere to be seen, however the sight of Janet (George’s wife) did fill us with some encouragement as we knew we were on the right route – well, some of us were - anyway! (weren’t we Alan!?)
We passed through Loweswater (14m), stopping only for a quick chocolate intake since Austin was not here and enjoyed the downward stretch of 3 miles into Lamplugh where I clocked a maximum speed of just under 30mph – I’m sure Steve managed a little more, but when your brakes aren’t in top shape, 29.2mph was fast enough!! Andy informed me that Alan was lost, and now in Cleator Moor – just 5 miles from the start. We managed to make contact with Austin and Alan, although poor signal for the mobiles never helped. Between them, they made arrangements for pickup of the prodigal son and agreed they would rendezvous with the group at Keswick around 5:30pm. (Alan later told me how much he wanted to do this C2C, and how he was feeling a little low having now completed just 10 miles from the first 31 possible).
After George’s friend had arranged for plans of a new house (just being built in Lamplugh) to be sent to him, everyone carried on towards Lorton which was 7 more miles away, but now separated into 2 or 3 little groups with Matty & Andrew, Jess and Mark at the front of the pack. Austin was now on route to Cleator Moor, the rest on the outskirts of Lorton, cycling through villages that had no more than 2 or 3 guesthouses, but still had a name!! Everyone had split up by now (not necessarily through choice but through pace, or lack of it) and I was cycling with Paul, my training partner for the ride itself. As far as we knew, the rest were well on their way up the steep incline and on the road to Whinlatter Forest Pass,
Cycling through villages and past schools in the sunny, weather would be any cyclist dream – well, until your back axel broke in two! As Paul and I approached the bottom of the bank that eventually led you to Whinlatter Pass, I was in trouble.
No mobile signal meant I had to push the bike up towards the top of the steep incline, where I managed to get in contact with Tracy, who was waiting for us at all Keswick. She managed to contact Keswick Mountain Bikes who explained they would be able to fix it, if the bike was brought into the shop before 5:30pm! – I was about an hour away, and time was ticking!!
Feeling disheartened, but not to be beaten - unable to cycle even the smallest distance, I managed to push my bike another mile or so (now approx 25m) where, by chance, I saw Janet (George’s Wife) who offered to take me into Keswick.
Paul carried on up Whinlatter on his own, and following my advice, he would cover the remaining 4 “disco” miles (it was actually 5 or 6 normal miles, or so he said) in about 45mins where he would meet us at the B&B – our planned stop in Keswick.
I attached the bike to the car (a very swanky C class Merc – George does have taste!) and headed to the repair shop. It never took them long to replace the back wheel, and I was soon on my way to meet up with some of the others, who were now stuffing their faces with fish and chips! (or in Jess’ case, just chips!) As Paul was not in sight, they all headed to the B&B where Austin, Alan, Matty and George were waiting, arriving 20 mins earlier then was originally anticipated. Having not been at our break stop long, Paul rang to ask where we were, and on giving him directions his arrival was welcomed by a chorus of cheers! Refuelling with Mars Bars, Banana’s and the odd swig of Tesco Own Red-Bull give us the strength we needed to complete the last 15 miles of the first day. As we had missed the stamping point in Keswick, “The Ferndene Guest House” agreed to sign the card to prove we had passed through – and indeed stopped for refreshments.
With everyone now back in the group, we headed up to Keswick Leisure Pool and along the railway/cycle track to Threlkeld. Opening and closing gates every ½ mile never helped, but we all pushed on past “The Mill Pub”, avoiding sheep on the way, making the last 15miles in just under 2 hours. Arriving in Greystoke with a welcoming party of Janet and 2 friends made it worthwhile as we cycled down the bank into the village green, where we stopped for 10mins to arrange our night before booking into the B&B! (The pub wasn’t serving food that night, so a take-away and a few pints it was!)
George explained that we weren’t good enough to stay with on the first night, and headed back to Maryport with Janet and his two friends!! (Oh, how he wishes it was the Saturday Night instead!!) We booked into the B&B (Brathen), and were welcomed by Christine who made us feel right at home from the moment we stepped through the door – nothing was too much trouble, even down to washing our C2C T-shirts at 7:00am in the morning. As the stamping point in Greystoke was closed, (Greystoke café) Christine and her hubby even agreed to sign our card as prove of our first day/night stop.
Rooms sorted and beds claimed, we all relaxed after a good days cycling. Steve and myself ordered our take-away and collected it from Penrith while everyone did their own thing – be it sleep, watch TV, or even just chat about the days events.
By the time we got back with Supper, everyone was waiting, and out of courtesy, we suggested we all eat outside. Christine showed us to the garden, which, as well as table and chairs, displayed a greenhouse, plants and flowers galore.
The next half hour was silence, with everyone enjoying their well earned grub and, (for those that got one) can of diet/normal coke. – Yes Matty – I know I still owe you one
Once everyone had finished feasting their faces, most of us went along the local pub “The Boot & Shoe” for a drink, although Michael and Jess retired to bed in the hope of a good nights sleep. The pub was rather packed with a retirement “do” taking place, so we found a table in the back room and claimed it as our own.
Not much talking took place, as I’m sure everyone was too tired to even think about the next day, let alone chat about it.
Myself, Austin & Paul called it a day after one pint each, and went home. The rest (Steve, Andrew, Alan Matty and Mark) sank another 2 before coming back, with Alan bringing up the rear as always.
It was almost midnight by the time the stragglers came back from the pub, but they were careful not to wake the others. All were woken the next morning (some earlier than others) by the lovely smell of bacon and eggs, which was due to be served.
Breakfast was superb, with plenty on offer, with the choice of cereal, croissants, toast, full english with black pudding, and fruit, alongside tea, coffee and breakfast juices. As everyone had an idea of what lay ahead, they filled up with as much as was possible before heading outside to prepare their bikes.
It was just after 9:30am, and with everyone outside checking over their bikes, I thanked Christine for her hospitality before waiting outside with the rest, for George who arrived back with Janet from Maryport.
With arrangements made for meeting with Austin for today, we all set off for Penrith, along the 7 mile route through little villages, down into Penrith, stopping opposite the cycle repair shop, for everyone to catch up.
We had not been in Penrith for two minutes when Austin pulled up. Not expecting such a quick meet with our support driver, we took on board more water where needed, and carried on towards Langwathby, and the Shepherd’s Inn Pub.
I knew most of the c2c route including Penrith area, like that back of his hand, but as always Matty & Andrew raced away with the rest of the group following (even Alan managed to keep up). By not taking the correct route, they were made to cycle an extra 2 miles – causing a tailback of HGV’s, cars and cyclists that stretched for miles!!
Not waiting to wait around any longer, I followed the official route which led me up the bank, turning right at the top, to enjoy a brief descent down to the bottom, with Langwathby now just 2 miles away. Seeing the rest of the group in the distance, made me push on, and I soon caught up to them, just before the first arranged stop at Shepherd’s Inn!
Austin was already there, and informed the group both Matty and Andy were well on their way to Hartside, having decided to go at it alone.
The chance for photo is always welcomed, even more so just before the dreaded Hartside. With Austin behind the lense, the group had a short stop with Mars Bars, and Tesco’s Red-bull the order of the day. Now according to “my disco miles” we had cycled a third of the allocated mileage for today in just over 1h 15mins. Easy you might say. Well, it would be if you took out both Hartside and Garrigal climbs which were still to come. Onwards and upward (almost) to Little Salkeld and Renwick, where, once again, the boys almost took a wrong turn – but still all together as a group of 8! (No Matty & Andrew)
With the rain just starting, we all got a shower we never bargained for (however, this shower would be better than the one some of them got that night – they just never knew it!) although it only lasted 5 minutes.
Turning right, this junction bypassed the village of Renwick, but gave you the opportunity to rejoin it at a later stage, or to take the off-road route up Hartside, which, after another chocolate intake, and a majority vote, it was decided this is the way the group would go. It was now just after 1:00pm, with myself estimating an “disco arrival time” of no later than 2:30pm at the Hartside Café.
With Matty and Andrew now out of the picture, and probably ½ way up Hartside, Jess and Mark took the lead and braved the off-road trek.
The route itself was new to all the group (I had completed the road option last year) and the rain that had fallen just moments before never helped, and, halfway along the route George has a fall…. luckily missing a puddle by inches!! Bruised, and wet, but not disheartened George was encouraged by everyone around him and after an steep incline they all reached the ½ way point of the first section of Hartside Pass. Decision time again, on whether to keep off-road, or to take the steep road option up to the top of the first section and that of the main road A686.
The road option seemed more favourable, so everyone set off at their own pace, with Michael, Mark and Jess reaching the summit first, followed by myself, George, Paul, and finally Alan, who was almost knocked over by a idiot in a green Metro, trying to over take a camper van on a bend!
All were greeted by such a friendly face, - one who’d been there when we’d needed him for whatever reason, always on call at the touch of a button!! Someone who we had not seen, for what seemed a lifetime - Austin!
Handshakes all around, for a job well done, and a well deserved snack was on the menu – but not before the obligatory top of Hartside summit photo.
Austin explained Matty and Andrew had arrived at Hartside at about 12:15pm and after a good stop (and probably watching the rest of the group climb that fooking hill) had set off for Garrigal and Nenthead. We later found they arrived at the Miner’s Arms about at 2:45pm – more on this later.
Austin had contacted the Miners Arm’s and booked a table for evening meal for about 8pm! This would give everyone a chance to get down from Garrigal and to get turned around in plenty of time to meet at the pub.
After everyone filled up on snacks/pies and coffee, and after I had borrowed a pair of gloves (and a Mars Bar) from George we all began the descent. (At 1,903 feet above sea level it ain’t gonna be the warmest of places)
Knowing this part of the route well, I led the group for the next few miles, ensuring they took the correct road, and sent off for a good long fast descent to the bottom of Leadgate bank, reaching maximum speeds of 32.2mph (Disco mileage of course!). Waiting at the bottom for the rest, gave Alan a little break, but it wasn’t long before we were all cycling hard to get nearer our second base for the night – Nenthead, as the rain started once again.
The rain could never really dampen our spirits – as we were working as a group all the time - it was just the climb out of Garrigal that could be seen as you descended into the village.. of course, we all thought “nar, that aint the road we need to take”.. but it was, and a long one it was too.
After a 10 min stop in the middle of Garrigal to take on water, (and after realising the bus to Nenthead had just gone 15 minutes prior, and the next one was in a weeks time), we set off up Garrigal towards Nenthead and our stop for the night. Austin made his way from Hartside Café to the Miner’s Arms in Nenthead, where he was greeted by the Matty & Andrew, who we are sure were competing for the yellow jersey. Shame this is the Tour-de-Pennines not Tour-De-France!
Whilst the rest of us were making our way up Garrigal to the summit, Austin – the superstar that he was, had taken the opportunity to source out the B&Bs that I had booked in the village.
You couldn’t really compare Garrigal to Hartside Pass, except to say, this was still as challenging – and again, unride-able in parts. Steve and Michael were the first ones over the Garrigal summit and enjoyed the steep fast freewheel into the village below, shortly followed by Jess, Mark, Alan, Myself, Paul & George.
Austin shipped everyone to their B&B’s, arranging to meet at the pub for evening meal which was pre-booked! (or was it!) earlier that day! T
As if we hadn’t climbed enough today, Steve, George, Michael, Paul and Myself (and Austin in car) had to ride another 600 metres uphill to their B&B - The Cherry Tree Cottage. Mark, Jess, Alan, Matty and Andrew were booked into Avesgarth, which was just behind the pub, which was just a 2 minute walk away.
We (the lads at Cherry Tree) had a slight advantage come Sunday morning as our B&B was halfway up the next hill. On entering the B&B, we all put our bikes in the lockup, and entered the cottage – Oh, how we wished we’d slept in the garden with the chickens!!!
It may seem funny now, but believe me, it was even funnier had you been there!! – I’m sure the guys will back me up on everything I say next.
The owner of Cherry Tree – a (how can I put this without offending her), rather oldish deluded “sand-dancing” bint called Hellon asked us to “leave our shoes in the porch, and keep our dirty hands of the wall!” (which I guess any proud owner would do and, which any guest wouldn’t mind doing out of courtesy).
She then gave us guided tour of the cottage including, living room, wash facilities and bedrooms. As there were only 4 of us turned up at the time (George and Austin hadn’t arrived yet) it was rather confusing her as we had booked 8 beds!! But it as even funnier trying to explain to her someone was not there, because they had been taken to hospital, and the other had not turned up on Friday Morning.
Hellon went on to explain that Alison from the Miners Arms has called, and said that someone had cancelled the meal Austin had booked just 3 hours earlier. (Alison never even knew we were stopping there as far as we knew!) On calling the pub to double check this we concluded that Hellon was indeed deluded as we first thought, as Austin confirmed no call was made to Cherry Tree Cottage that afternoon!
Now, from the outside of the house, it looked a beautiful little cottage with hanging baskets end to end at the front, gravel driveway, with chickens running around the yard, and fields everywhere you look, although a horse looking at you first thing in the morning when you open your bedroom curtains isn’t what you want! (and no, that wasn’t Hellon!) The interior looked as though it was from 1970’s, and in the middle of a slight refurbishment – or at least that’s what we all hoped! Paul had even found an old “Brook Bond Sticker Book” worth 6d! …. I hear ebay calling!!
Once the tour was over, she proceeded to explain to us about breakfast and took down “the order” using an old school easel/chalk to chalk down what we all wanted. Although she meant well, she was one strange character. As George was just locking up his bike, (and Austin was on his way up from Avesgarth), they both missed the tour, and breakfast order…. although to keep the peace, I did order them cornflakes and the full english which was initially arranged for 8:45am the next morning.
The showers – if that’s what you can call then, never matched up to the one we had mid-day on the way to the bottom of Hartside, and only ran cold, or ice cold and red hot water (not warm) so we all decided not to have one the next morning. We all braved some sort of shower that evening though, before meeting up with the rest of the lads just after half 5, collecting our next stamp at the pub which was the official (and only) stamping point in Nenthead.
Remember, the other lads at Avesgarth didn’t know about Cherry Tree at this moment in time, and as good comments were forthcoming from them about their B&B, it made us think “what have we let ourselves in for here?”
As we were all at the pub, a good hour before our meal, we sat and chatted about today and yesteryear only to find that Mark and Austin are actually related, through some very religious bloke (no, not God!) that played the organ in some catholic church in Hebburn, many moons ago. I also asked for volunteers to join me for the Lands End to John O’Groats Cycle Ride – a 1,110mile ride over 3 weeks. Needless to say, there wasn’t many takers.
After a couple of games of pool, I triumphed winning 3 games, to Steve’s 2, although he’ll only tell you he played 2, and no more! As the pub was filling up we managed to grab our table a little earlier than was actually booked.
As our table only sat 10 we had the opportunity of another, which sat up to 4, but as we’d cycled as a group all day, we opted to eat as a group, and squeezed everyone onto one table. As all we had that day was brekky at 8:30am, a couple banana’s and Mars Bars, we ordered straight away as we all rather peckish to say the least.
Whilst waiting for the starters to arrive (George and me are fat buggers), Steve and Michael gave a running commentary about Cherry Tree to the other lads who for fortunate enough to have been booked into one of the “nicer” places in the village. Just as we were talking about our landlady, guess who walks in - yes, Hellon! She had booked a table for 3 people at 7:30pm, and this got us wondering if she had tried to cancel our table just so she could have it for herself. (Alison had already told Austin he would need to book a table, as the pub was the only one in Nenthead, and it got rather busy at midweek, let alone weekends, so why would anyone cancel it?!!)
During the meal we chatted about events and people, but one in particular. This was backed up with laughter and jokes, but also by the group receiving sly looks from the table over the other side of the room, which is where she, and her two friends were sat. – She must have known we were talking about her so we tried to keep the noise to a minimum.
Halfway during our meal, (just as the mains were being served), one of the waitresses (Alison’s mum, and owner of the pub no doubt) came round, trying to turn on the side lamps, as dusk was just setting in. Mark, being Mark - the kind gent that he is, offered to do his for her, but was shouted at when he couldn’t find the correct switch. Eventually she calmed down when the lights were on. “Doesn’t she know I’m a bloody chief engineer?” was Marks reply (when she had left the table of course!!)
With evening meal almost over, we decided to stop for another drink or two, before retiring back to our rooms… No one wanted to leave on their own when Hellon was on the wander. Once everyone had finished, I squared up the bill and we all sat in the back room, around two tables chatting about the route that lay ahead of us. (Paul found a bus timetable, but unfortunately for him, the bus never ran Sundays!) Andrew suggested we play Cards and went on to make sure everyone knew he could only play “Chase the Ace” and “Snap”…. The fact he was reeling off several high-tec card games wasn’t an issue.. “Texas Hold’em, Brag, 5 Card Draw, 7 Card Poker” didn’t really fill us with joy at all … so we never did get round to a game of Snap!
Hellon had now left the pub with her two friends, so after a couple more drinks most of the Cherry Tree lads including myself, called it a night, and took the short walk up the bank. We all returned to our rooms, apart from Steve, who stayed and enjoyed another drink.
We sat in their room, and chatted about the B&B decor, fitted wardrobes, Hellon the landlady, and how no-one dare not eat all their breakfast the following morning – especially the free range eggs, which we think were her pride and joy! Steve was heard coming back in about 12:00pm but by then most of us were asleep.
That morning came, just 6 hours after retiring to bed and I was up first so sat in bed making notes for this report. Austin woke second, and informed me he never wanted Breakfast, so, as not to waste any food (which you need notice to buy!) sent me downstairs to see Hellon who was in the kitchen. I explained that she only need cook 5 full english breakfasts, as Austin was still in bed, not feeling well. She asked if it was “the drink”, and just to keep the peace once again, I answered “yea, I think it is” (Good job she never clicked on Austin was our support driver, otherwise I’m sure he’d of got another lecture, but this time about the do’s and dont’s of driving while under the influence)
It wasn’t long before everyone else was wake, and after getting changed (without a shower) everyone packed their bags, sorted out their bikes before breakfast was ready.
Breakfast was a little earlier than planned, but as this suited us all, (for more reason than 1) all but Austin headed for the breakfast room to face cereal and juice, with a nice cup of tea and slice of toast. Everything was laid out for them and they soon polished off their cereal (well, everyone but Steve, who later found out the Muesli he left would be used as chicken feed). The full english consisted of 1 sausage, egg, rasher bacon, fried tomato and was swimming with beans that must have cost 7p a tin from the nearest Netto. (which in fairness was at least 25 miles away) No mushrooms, black pudding!! Needless to say, we ate it all, and before checking on Austin and the other lads in Avesgarth, a history lesson was in progress.
Hellon went onto say “when I bought these 23 chicken that I have in my garden, they came with no feathers, except the 3 on their wings, and I was going to report the farmer to the RSPCC or whoever it was until he told me they were wild ones and that’s how they were supposed to look”
She then went on to tell us about how she had lived in Nenthead for 40 years but was still classed as an “incomer”, I’m sure no-one was really listening, although Michael and Paul were rather warming to her - Your new grandmother boys?!
With breakfast over, and with everyone including Austin now outside by this time, I paid the balance of £70.00, although after insisting it was only £60.00 Hellon gave me £10.00 back – but it did take her 20mins to realise he’d over paid her, while dropping “subtle” hints about buying food for people that never turned up in the hope she could keep it!
I was having none of it, and after reclaiming what was rightfully mine (well, the groups) I thanked her for her hospitality and hoped (cheekily) we would see her again next year!
After I was finished with Hellon, Austin took me to Avesgarth to collect the bags from the other group. They were just finishing breakfast, so after a 5 minute wait, the car was loaded once more with bags. The lads grabbed their bikes, and after giving then a once over, set off to meet the others halfway up the bank. But not before commenting on how lovely the breakfast was. Alan even went on to say “it was better than yesterdays”, which made our breakfast seem like the worst ever (it wasn’t far off that, I’m sure)
Austin dropped me off where I picked up my bike, and once Mark, Jess and the others had caught up, they headed up and over the hill to Allenheads. For the first 45 minutes, it was no more than walking pace, although Mark, Michael & Andrew had already taken the wrong route, not even 1 mile after setting off from Cherry Tree. We tried calling them but only Michael heard, so the other two set off on their own.
The rest of us followed the right route, and eventually reached the highest point of the C2C, Black Hill (29 metres higher than Hartside) where a photo opportunity was in order. After navigating the ups and downs of Black Hill, we all could rest a little, while freewheeling into Allenheads – a long, downward stretch of about 3 miles.
Although getting to Allenheads was a great success in itself, it always meant we were 2/3rd’s of the way home, with only two major inclines in the way of successful weekend, and a free well earned pint. It also gave us a chance of a cuppa before attempting the second last major climb, which would lead to the moors, and a 4mile downward stretch into Rookhope!
As far was we knew, Matty & Andrew had already been to Allenheads via the wrong route, and had set off to Rookhope, stopping for just 5 minutes for a quick drink. We pushed our bikes up the steep Allenheads incline, chatting to passing cyclists coming both, up and down the bank. – Me and Paul meet 2 people from Tewkesbury, but their C2C weekend was planned well before the floods, or so he told us anyway.
Carrying on up and over the summit of Allenheads brought a huge sigh of relief – especially when Paul noticed the “Welcome to County Durham” sign. After stopping and taking a photo, we headed to Rookhope where Austin was waiting.
This was the longest, but not steepest decline over 4 miles and arriving at the Rookhope Inn Paul and I were greeted by the rest of the group who were had already been there for 5 mins, and were refuelling with water and banana’s. Austin informed everyone that Matty & Andrew were making way to Stanley, and would probably meet us there.
From Rookhope we had three choices to Stanhope – Off-road, minor road and major road. The off-road sounded tempting, but looking back at Hartside, we opted for the minor road, and started the climb, which would lead us down to the bottom of Stanhope, and Crawleyside Bank. The climb took 20 mins, and the downward ride to Stanhope took just 2, with speeds of 27-30mph down a bank decline of 11% gradient.
By now, Austin had confirmed Matty & Andrew were most of the way up Crawleyside towards Waskerley Way.
My ETA to Waskerley from the bottom of Stanhope, was just over an hour (2:30pm), so just before we set off, George contacted Janet, to arrange the final meet, (Cox Green/Washington Wildfowl Park) before the official end at Sunderland Marina.
We set off, pushing our bikes and taking it easy for the first few hundred metres or so. Austin was on hand and met us half way up the lower section of Crawleyside, supplying us with energy drinks and water, and support. Breaking up this part of the route into 3 stops made it easier to focus on the next stop ahead, even if it was just for a couple minutes at a time.
This part of the route was always going to take about an hour from bottom to top, so as a group we pushed on, met Austin again, just further up the bank, this time for a photo opportunity.
The bank levelled out, and this gave us the chance to cycle a little, and we managed to gain that extra ½ mile before it started climbing again.
By this time, Michael, Steve, Mark and Jess were at the turning for Waskerley, but actually cycled past. While Austin was sent on a mission to the front-runners, Alan, George, Paul and myself pushed on, and from nowhere managed to cycle the last ½ mile without getting off to push.
Stopping at Waskerley, for only a water refill, (and another stamp) everyone set off to Stanley (The Jolly Drover), another 8 miles and our snack stop of the day. Austin left Waskerly getting to The Drover to see Matty and Andrew who were finishing off their Sunday Lunch – They had been there since about 1:20pm. Chris Boardman better watch out!
Everyone else rolled into The Jolly Drover at Stanley, just before 3:00pm and tucked into “probably the best pies in the world ever”, that Austin had purchased from Morrison’s in Consett, only minutes after his rendezvous with Matty & Andrew. He also managed to get the card stamped there too! Good man!!
It was agreed we would all don our C2C shirts (so it would show who the group were raising money for as they cycled into the North East/Sunderland) so after refilling water bottles and downing pies and pasties, we changed t-shirts – all apart from Sad-sack Steve!
Its ok mate, we’ll let you off, We love you really!!
From here to Sunderland Marina was only about 21 miles, so for the last time during this epic journey, I gave my final ETA of approx 5:15pm - 5:45pm (ie: just under 2 hours to complete last 21 miles)
We set off from Stanley, and headed to towards Sunderland, bypassing various places such as Beamish, Chester-le-Street and Washington.
The numerous safety gates from Stanley to Washington along the old railway line caused us to split up (separating into 2 or 3 smaller groups), before we all stopped at Cox Green where Matty and Andrew had been waiting for over an hour with Janet and her parents to give the boys a final support boost before the last 6 miles to the Marina.
That support boost came in the form of lager and sandwiches, which most of the group had. It was agreed we would wait for Michael, Paul and Alan who were lagging behind just a little, so as Austin was waiting in the Wildfowl car park, super fit Andrew cycled the ½ mile to update him on the teams progress.
Just then the heavens opened, and you could tell you were almost back in Sunderland. We all dived for cover under the trees, and waited for the rain to die down. Again, it wasn’t too long and indeed even the heaviest of showers couldn’t dampen our day. The last three guys caught up, and giving then a short breather at the Wildfowl Park everyone took on more water for the last five miles.
Janet, parents et all made they way from Cox Green to Sunderland Marina , knowing that they would have trouble finding a parking space due to Airshow traffic (cars not planes!), so it was agreed we would contact them once we had all arrived back at the official finish line!!
Our ETA (or indeed my ETA) was looking good, and with the end in sight so to speak they pushed on another couple of miles until, again, the rain started, causing those that could, to hide under a tree.
It came down too heavy for anyone to cycle, but gave Paul and Alan the chance to catch up once again, as they pushed their bikes up the bank from “The Shipwrights”.
Our next and final stop would be just before Marina entrance ... just 200 yards from the end. This is where we would all stop and meet up, including the new Chris Boardman’s of the group - Matty & Alan, as it was agreed the group of 10 that started together on the west coast in Whitehaven, would all finish together on the east coast in Sunderland.
I took the lead and set the pace (which wasn’t too fast) eventually slowing down for all to catch up, before deciding on which final route to take. The group were all treated to a flyby from the Red Arrows which I had superbly organised prior to the event (or so that what I told everyone!!)
Now, going with the majority we chose to take the lower route to the Marina and with the Stadium of Light in full view, they were treated to a second Red Arrows display that saw the planes fly within 5 foot of each other, expertly pulling off manoeuvres, which only a Red Arrows Pilot could do!! Maverick and Ice from Top Gun eat your heart out!
Cycling under the Wearmouth Bridge, we could now see the Marina, where so many of us (if not all 10) had longed to be, from the moment we left Whitehaven. Cycling past the National Glass Centre gave us all a great sense of feeling, knowing that there was a slight incline with just under ½ mile to cycle, to complete the 136mile adventure, that we all started three days ago.
Stopping at the top of the bank, everyone took on board a little water for the final time, and waited for Steve (who had popped to the shop) and Paul who was making up ground as he pedalled with all his might.
Once we were all ready, and avoiding the airshow crowds, we descended into the Marina, where, 100 yards from finish Alan was unlucky and somehow managed a puncture. Not to worry as little Andrew (or Andrew Little as he is actually called) was on the scene, and carried the bike to the finish, while Alan rode Andrew’s the last 100 yards, to where a welcoming committee were waiting. Gail, Michelle (and kids), Nicola (and Kids), Austin and Janet (who by now, had managed to find a parking space) congratulated everyone as we came into land (pardon the pun) at the Marina (136miles from Whitehaven). We all congratulated each other on a job well done!
The Marina was buzzing, not only with the completion of the C2C, but because the Airshow had just finished. Although I’m sure our event was more fun that watching a bunch of planes do loop-the-loop, and diverted dives, incorporating a G force of -10. We decided to finish as we started, and headed for the harbour, where we all dipped our front wheel in the North East, while posing for a final photo – This time it was Steve’s turn to take a dive, as he rode down the embankment, stopping just in time.
With the stamp card now needing one final stamp I agreed I would go get it during the week, when it was a lot quieter. Although the invite was there, most of the lads opted out of a free beer, and went their separate ways, with lifts and metros/trains already arranged.
Paul, Michael and Steve came back to mine, along with the other half, and kids where I played the perfect host (apart from the pinny!) serving lager, cider and juice for the kids. We sat outside, and enjoyed “the best pint in the world ever” until it started to rain, and then they called it a day, and went home.
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Good reading enough.