Tea with Tarzan’s neighbour

Posted on June 24, 2010 by dawnriser

I was only miles from my destination and passing through Greystoke when I discovered that Tarzan has a strong contender for attention here. Cycling Cafe tempted me with a mug of coffee and a huge piece of chocolate brownie. Lunch had been good too. Another cyclists haven, The Lakeland Pedlar in Keswick. A wholefood, veggie cafe and cycle repair shop next to one the town’s huge car parks. Great food.
The descent from Whinlatter on the forest track was a bit of a boneshaker on my road bike. I’m not a fan of off road. Those tracks slow me down and pound my body needlessly as far as I’m concerned. So it was good to feel the Tarmac under my wheels at Thornthwaite. A little more off road on an old railway track out of Keswick and then the hard stuff all the way to Penrith.
One gripe. Why do landowners put this gates across narrow lanes just the steepest point? They break my stride either struggling to maintain momentum in bottom gear on the way up or aiming to eat up some easy miles on the way down. I know it’s to do with livestock and I’m only a visitor but perhaps ……
So today starts from Penrith heading over the toughest section of the ride. Hartside and Black Hill ahead before I come to rest inRookhope for the night.

The descent of Whinlatter Pass

Gated road on a steep incline

Cyclists Cafe in Greystoke

Hotting up

Posted on June 23, 2010 by dawnriser

The gentle ride out of Whitehaven is followed by a sharp rise into the Lake District. Testing gradients challenge every muscle to show what it’s made of. A little low cloud and drizzle soon gave way to sunshine and rising temperatures. Sweat poured as heart raced to supply oxygen to burn and turn the pedals.
A couple of “chain malfunctions” slowed me down but finally I reached the Whinlatter Visitor centre for a cold lemonade and a date slice.
Now on to Keswick for lunch and a gentler ride to Penrith for tea.

Resting and Looking Back at the view

Whinlatter Visitors Centre

A few cool miles after a dip.

Posted on June 23, 2010 by dawnriser

An early start at the sea. Front wheel traditionally dipped in the brine at the C2C sign. The ride begins. First leg via Keswick to Penrith. It’s now sunny and
the temperature is rising so let’s hit the road for a few cool miles before it starts to bake.
First a short prayer. Lord keep me safe on this journey. Thank you for the space to take it and the generosity of my sponsers. Amen.
Riding Lights Theatre Company
The Funzi and Bodo Trust

The start of the C2C at Whitehaven

The start of the C2C

Posted on June 22, 2010 by dawnriser

Here I am in Whiehaven looking at the official Sea to Sea sign. This is where I will dip my wheels in the Irish Sea, turn and head for the opposite coast.
But tonight I’m settling down for a pint and some food in Zest Harbourside. A popular place, buzzing with conversation and laughter.
The sun is gleaming off the water in the small harbour, bathing the town in warmth. It all looks very lovely. Hard to imagine the fear that gripped this town only a short time ago.
The train journey here was good if long. The first half in the company of a fellow cyclist heading for Haltwhistle. Intelligent conversation and mutual interests.
The last few miles along the West Cumbrian Coast were delightful. Despite being the country of my great grandparents I have never been to this coast. The railway winds along the cliff bottom after passing huge wind turbines at Workington to reveal the small communities where the train stops by request. Finally arriving in Whitehave- three hours after leaving Newcastle – the town is quiet and my B&B exactly where I expected to find it. A basic place with a friendly Cumbrian welcome.
So my food is ordered, the sun is dipping over the harbour and I anticipate tomorrow’s ride to Penrith.
Thanks to all those who’ve contributed to the charities I’m riding to support. If you haven’t pledged your gift there’s still time. I know you may be waiting to see if I actually reach Sunderland before giving.
Riding Lights Theatre Company
The Funzi and Bodo Trust
Thank you.

Latest news on Mallard and Tornado move tomorrow

Posted on June 22, 2010 by dawnriser

_____________________

Barrie Stephenson

digistories

www.digistories.co.uk

barrie@digistories.co.uk

_____________________

Sent from my iPhone

07885297669

_____________________

Begin forwarded message:

From: NRM Adult Events <nrmnews@newsletters.nrm.org.uk>
Date: 22 June 2010 16:59:24 GMT+01:00
To: Barrie Stephenson <barrie@barstep.co.uk>
Subject: Latest news on Mallard and Tornado move tomorrow
Reply-To: nrmnews-reply@newsletters.nrm.org.uk

view our web based version

National Railway Museum, York

Mallard’s big adventure tomorrow!

Latest news on Mallard and Tornado move tomorrow

The record-breaking locomotive LNER class A4 4468 Mallard will be hauled on the East Coast Main Line from the NRM at York to Locomotion: The NRM at Shildon by Britain’s newest steam locomotive, Peppercorn Class A1 Pacific 60163 Tornado, tomorrow – Wednesday June 23.

When the train arrives at Shildon, J72 class steam locomotive 69023 Joem will shunt 4468 Mallard and 60163 Tornado around the museum’s sidings, so that 60163’s support crew can prepare the locomotive for its return journey.

We have now received information regarding timings for the move, and the anticipated schedule is:

14.30: Train (comprising 60163 Tornado, 4468 Mallard, 47798 Prince William) to depart York

17.15: Train arrives at Shildon, then 69023 to shunt 60163 and 4468 on Museum sidings

19.00: Train (comprising 60163 Tornado and 47798 Prince William) to depart Shildon for York and Crewe

Please note that these timings are still subject to last-minute changes by Network Rail and the Train Operating Company.

Find out more on Mallard’s big adventure

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