Some Final Thoughts

Seaton Sluice Backpedalers big event, the Kielder Kaper, is almost upon us. By now, hopefully, all riders have reached a peak of physical perfection in preparation for what will be a demanding three days of cycling.

Day 1 – Delaval Arms to Bellingham

We’ll be covering over 150 miles over 3 days so it is important that riders follow the correct route and don’t add any extra distance to the total. On Day 1 we we will be following Route 10 (Reivers) from the Delaval Arms to Bellingham.

At Backworth we will stay on the road until we pass the Killingworth turn and then take a sharp left onto the cycle track.

Sustrans have been busy putting up new signs so theoretically there shouldn’t be any problems.



In practice, it may not be that simple. Some of the signs are quite small and could be missed if riders are distracted and not concentrating. Remember – if you miss a turn you may end up doing extra miles and those extra miles are certain to involve going uphill.

Kielder Kaper

Planning for the Kielder Kaper, aka Cycle Challenge 2016, is now at an advanced stage. Riders have been recruited and accommodation booked so details of the route can now be revealed.

A major change is that next year’s route will start and finish at the Delaval Arms making organisation much easier. The event will take place over the weekend of May 28-30 2016 and involve cycling approximately 155 miles in the Northumbrian countryside. 

Day 1 – Delaval Arms to Bellingham.

Starting at the Delaval Arms, the route heads south on NCN 1 towards Tynemouth before joining the Reivers Route (NCN 10) at North Shields. We will stay on the Reivers all the way to Bellingham, a distance of 55 miles and climbing 2 355 feet along the way.