Sunday 15th March 2015

The weather forecast earlier in the week promised rain for Sunday but as the days passed, the forecast changed for the better. When the day arrived, the sun was shining and the sky was clear and it seemed like spring was in the air. Cresswell was the chosen destination, a round trip of about 40 miles.

Party At The Drift Cafe

The Drift Cafe at Cresswell has, in a very short space of time, established itself as one of the Backpedalers' favourite watering holes.

 When we cycle North we either head for Newbiggin or Cresswell. Although Bertorelli's at Newbiggin is an excellent cafe they don't do bacon sandwiches and this is where the Drift Cafe has the edge even though it adds ten miles to the trip.
The cafe is located on the north side of the village and the Coast and Castles Cycle Route (NCN1) passes right outside the front door. A feature of the cafe is its extensive menu.

Normally we opt for a bacon and egg sandwich but the specials on the menu always look interesting.

Wet and Windy

In my last post I wrote about how conditions can affect how easy a bike ride is. Sunday's ride proved the point. Eleven members assembled outside the Delaval Arms in conditions which were a lot better than expected. The plan was to ride to Hauxley and back, a round trip of fifty miles, and the hope was that the ride would be completed in dry conditions.
Heading north through the dunes into a fairly strong head wind presented the first test. Once through Blyth conditions eased and the route up to Ashington was fairly sheltered. 
The group's arrival in Lynemouth was interesting and two problems were encountered, one familiar and one totally unexpected. Firstly, a member of the group had a puncture.

Secondly, the residents of Lynemouth appeared to be holding an impromptu rodeo in the main street.

Once those two obstacles had been negotiated the route continued north up to Cresswell and the head wind returned.

The Dirty Dozen Ride Again

The weather forecast suggested that it would rain but as the Backpedalers assembled outside the Delaval Arms the skies cleared and the temperature rose to double figures. The day was set fair for the tenth consecutive Sunday training ride.

Twelve riders prepared themselves for a forty mile round trip which would take them north along National Cycle Route 1 as far as Cresswell. (The gentleman on the right arrived on time but forgot to bring his bike).
The ride out was straightforward and uneventful and good time was made. 
The group arrived at The Drift Cafe, Cresswell at 11.20 am ready for bacon sandwiches and coffee, both of which scored highly on the Gaiger Gauge.

The return journey, which took in Cambois, Low Horton and the canal network of Blyth's South Beach Estate was as straightforward and uneventful as the journey out. There were no punctures and not one person fell off their bike.