After a good “healthy” fry up, we did some sightseeing in Newcastle. Went to visit a huge bike shop – Edinburgh Bicycle Co-Op. (Well we couldn’t just walk on by!) And also took more photos:
The Tyne Eye in the background, which slowly tilts upwards to let boats through:
And this strange wonderful structure on the South Bank – The Sage Gateshead – which is a centre for musical education, performance and conferences
Looks even more amazing at night.
From there, on to the station for a train back to Carlisle. Being a little tired now, we decided we’d catch another train from Carlisle to Penrith, however, we found out that there were “engineering works” so train substituted by a bus! So, it was back on the bikes after all. Have to say though that the ride from Carlisle to Penrith was brilliant – virtually flat and dead straight all the way, on a minor lane! (we didn’t follow the Sustrans route – went the more direct version, down little lanes – cut about 5 miles off the route). Who could ask for more? Another 20 miles clocked up.
Back to FellFoot Hostel (well, via another bike shop,of course – Arragons, in Penrith). Had a restorative cuppa with Jackie and Alasdair before heading home.
All done and dusted.
Total mileage: 171
Really enjoyed it. Great way to celebrate my 40th. It was all I imagined it to be and more. An adventure, a challenge, excting and also fun. Great to be with Nic on our own for a change, too!
For more photos, (as if you really want boring further), go to my flickr account here
Thank you all so much for your donations, by the way! Really made it all worthwhile!
Total amount raised so far £521 – and 65 days left to donate, if you haven’t already… go on…let’s make it £600!
May 11, 2008 at 5:24 pm |
At risk of boring you, I shall say, once again, well done both of you – an enterprising way to celebrate the fact that “life begins at forty” and also to sponsor a worthwhile charity at the same time.! Congratulations! Love Mxx
May 12, 2008 at 9:31 pm |
Mel & Nic Just read and look at all the pic, great work.
May 14, 2008 at 3:20 pm |
Wow this is my first look at the web site since you started the cycle, what stars and sounds like a good time had by all as well. Well done, how about coast to coast Scotland next year? Julia x