Bellingham Blast

[addictfreak]

I came across this ride while surfing the net recently. It starts in Bellingham (Northumberland) and heads out towards Kielder, a 61 mile loop in total. It was advertised as a sportive, recommending Road or cyclocross bikes.
Having looked at the route, I dont think I would do it on my roadie. Just wondering if anyone in CC land has done this ride and could give me a bit of a heads up. I was thinking of doing it next year but would be tempted to use MTB.

 

[TheSandwichMonster]

Having a look at the (poor) map, I'd want some kind of confirmation from the organisers as to the exact nature of the "logging roads". I know that there are some "proper" roads in Kielder, but I wouldn't want to risk the road bike at that time of year without being certain.

 

[Fnaar]

I looked at this ride a while back, and came to pretty much the same conclusions... seems a product of trying to please everyone, but ending up with something that isn't either an MTB ride or a road ride.
See thread here: http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/bellingham-blast.73342/

 

[addictfreak]

Cheers guys your thoughts are pretty much in line with mine.

I will probably enter next year if its on, but would not risk the road bike.

 

[albion]

It is worth noting that roadworks last I knew meant that Sweethope Loughs to Redesmouth and Bellingham roads are currently closed to cars.

Thus Bellingham makes for a very good road loop from Newcastle at weekends.

 

[Fnaar]

Yes, I've been out that way a couple of times recently, the road past Sweethope is even lovelier than usual, without cars, though I had to lift bike over a couple of temp fences last weekend.