C2C Second Time Round: Whitehaven to Tynemouth

Every once in a while its natural to get the urge to do something a bit different and my mate Carol decided that the C2C was the challenge for her which is how I came to do the C2C for a second time in 2010 ... she persuaded me ... I persuaded my sister ... and then despite it being 'biking for girls' we all persuaded our other halves. A biking holiday would be a great laugh I said - Carol took exception to the use of the noun 'holiday' given the level of mental and physical torture she was anticipating but it was all for a good cause. She was raising money for the National Autistic Society and had already advertised the fact that she was doing the Whitehaven to Tynemouth route when we realised that entailed a longer and somewhat more strenuous start to the trip. There was much cursing before hand but as we sat feeding our faces in Siskin's cafe at the top of Whinlatter Pass it was agreed by one and all that the scenery we had just passed through was more than worth the extra effort. Definitely the best place to start from so far!

The route from Keswick to Penrith was familiar from last time and we were blessed with a sunny rain free day which was pretty exceptional given the rain and wind that we'd had all week. These may seem like inane comments but when you've cycled in the latter you are very grateful for the former and we arrived at our B&B with plenty of time for a good soak in the bath before wandering down to The George Hotel for food. It had been a 5am start and a 54 mile route over terrain somewhat hillier than that found in Rutland where Carol normally does her biking - she could barely keep her eyes open and eat at the same time. There was just time to purchase painkillers and snacks for the next days riding before sleep claimed us all.

While four of us headed out of Penrith on Saturday morning, the other two made a detour to the local bike shop to pick up some bar ends. It wasn't until we had completed the first major climb of the day and made it to the warmth of Hartside Cafe that we all regrouped for lunch. Everyone was elated with the climb, no one more so that my hubby who appeared to have a waterfall of sweat cascading down his face as he bounced through the doors of the cafe claiming he'd 'just taken it steady' up the hill. Obviously!!

I had been concerned about the cycle from Penrith to our bed for the night just outside of Rookhope. There were some serious hills to be conquered and in truth you were either inching your way painfully up a monster climb or burning brakes on the next descent - there was no middle ground. I need not have been worried. Carol's satisfied countenance appeared over the top of every climb, 'amazing' she would pant before pedalling on. Red legs meant she was on the way up and blue legs signalled a descent in progress. 

The long, winding descent from Hartside down into Leadgate is fabulous payback for all the hard work done but then comes the climb out of Garigill for me the most gruelling of the four climbs of the day. Last time round we'd broken this climb up with some well earned rests but there was no such luxury this time much to Fee's consternation. Still she had enough breath left to articulate her feelings over this minor oversight so we figured she couldn't have really needed the rests. Must be getting fitter! Next it was the vertical descent into Nenthead. Steve had brought the kitchen sink with him and so aided by gravity and a kamikazi mentality he went for it clocking 40 mph plus before rounding the final corner of the descent to find a fast approaching T junction in his view. There was a distinct smell of smoke and burning brakes when the rest of us arrived at a more life preserving pace sensible moments later. 

From Nenthead we pressed upwards again to Black Hill, the highest point of the route and into Northumberland before swooping down to Allenheads and finally being allowed a hot drink at the cafe. Then it was yet another ascent over the top this time into the County of Durham and a glorious sight - the road winding downhill as far as the eye could see. We could almost taste the finish line for the day and at least this time round it would come as no surprise that the B&B was at the top of yet one more hill! 

Day three and we were all still alive and kicking. There was just that wee hill out of Stanhope and it would be down hill all the way to the sea. Crawleyside Bank was not going to defeat us no matter how long, how steep or how cruel it was. One by one we pedalled our way up and on to Parkhead cafe where it was hot chocolate with marshmallows to celebrate. Mark J had cycled every last one of the climbs despite biking not really being his sport and a rather ancient stead - another convert?! 

After that we were on a roll, literally, the Waskerley Way flew by and then on the edge of Consett we turned left and headed towards Rowlands Gill and Tynemouth. It was easy cycling compared with the day before but still scenic as the old railway line wended its way through peaceful woodlands. There was the occasional bridge or viaduct to bring a frisson of excitement as we looked down on tree tops and contemplated not jumping. The threatened rain never materialised until we were pedalling through the centre of Newcastle and we dived into a Witherspoons Pub for our last meal together. By the time we emerged for the final ten miles it was sunshine as usual. We were so intent on finishing that we were caught by surprise by the American cyclist tucked in close (on the wrong side of the road) as we all converged on yet one more corner. A bit of a pile up ensued as Mark L went head to head with the poor man and I slammed into the back of them both. Luckily it was only cuts and grazes and the smell of the sea soon distracted us. What a fantastic three days, not only great cycling but great company and memories that will last long afterwards. Thank you Carol for giving us all such a good excuse to get together - when can we do it again?