My First 50

[carolonabike]

I did my first 50 miler yesterday for many, many years . The weather looked unexpectedly good so out we went.

Our trip took us from Ponteland up to Rothbury, over Billsmoor and down into Elsdon. Then after a toasted cheese sandwich, lemon merengue pie and a cup of hot chocolate we went up over the Gibbet and back to Ponteland, 57 miles.

I wasn't expecting the headwind over Billsmoor and I must admit I didn't enjoy that bit much. There may even have been a bit of swearing involved . But, I did it, I didn't get off and walk although I did have a couple of pauses for a drink.

Today, I'm pretty chuffed although I must admit I came to work in the car . But I'll be back on the bike tomorrow.

 

[ianrauk]

Well done you....

Now you had better start planning a 100 miler

 

[Mark_Robson]

Well done that woman

 

[carolonabike]

Why, thank you both (takes a bow) It was a good day out.

Not so sure about the 100 miler, although never say never.

I rode up the Gibbett years ago and it's aquired a sort of mythical status in my mind but I have to say it wasn't as bad as I remembered or feared, Billsmoor was definitely harder. Perhaps I just have better gears now .

 

[addictfreak]

Was it a wet and windy ride? Yesterday I had my hardest day on the bike so far this year.

Only 65 miles, but climb after climb from Lanchester, via Blanchland, Allenheads, Nenthead, Stanhope and back to Lanchester.

Distance and even the climbs were ok, but the weather really made it a very hard day. Still I didnt suffer alone, another 46 hardy souls were doing the same route. Although I rode 90% of it alone!

 

[Banjo]

Nice one C on a B . Headwinds could have had Mother Theresa swearing so I guess we can let you off

57 miles is only about 3 miles short of a metric century.

 

[carolonabike]

Was it a wet and windy ride? Yesterday I had my hardest day on the bike so far this year.

We were really lucky, we had a short shower leaving Ponteland but it was only a few drops. As we got further North the weather improved and at Rothbury the sun came out.

The wind did make the run across Billsmoor quite unpleasant and I was so glad when we arrived at the cafe in Elsdon. Your ride was far harder than mine, I don't think I'm up to that yet.

Cheers Banjo

Would you believe btw that when I got back after all that effort I weighed myself and I was exactly the same as when I got out of bed?

 

[fungus]

Chapeau

you'll have to start looking for a local 100k audax now

We really need a chapeau (hats off smiley)!!

 

[Fnaar]

I think the Gibbett is higher than Billsmoor, if you look on't OS map. I do that route regularly, lovely ride. And the caff in Elsdon is great! Was up that way Sunday, but walking, not riding.

 

[carolonabike]

You're right Fnaar, it is higher. I think Billsmoor seemed harder because of the wind. I'll go back another time when it's not so windy and see how it feels .

The cafe is brilliant. Marion was telling us she has been there for 34 years, it must be 25 years since I was there last but it hasn't changed, except there are more photos and neither has she. She's not very happy though about the new cafe in Elsdon, I don't know if there are enough visitors to support two cafes.

 

[Fnaar]

You're right Fnaar, it is higher. I think Billsmoor seemed harder because of the wind. I'll go back another time when it's not so windy and see how it feels .

The cafe is brilliant. Marion was telling us she has been there for 34 years, it must be 25 years since I was there last but it hasn't changed, except there are more photos and neither has she. She's not very happy though about the new cafe in Elsdon, I don't know if there are enough visitors to support two cafes.

No, the new caff has been using underhand tactics too, acc to Marion... but proper cyclists know the REAL caff

Gibbet cake... great name

 

[carolonabike]

Ah yes, the underhand tactics, she did mention it. I get the impressions she is telling everyone and I can understand her point of view, she's been there such a long time and doesn't appreciate anyone muscling in on her territory. She told us the competition were accosting folk as they got off the bus, not very fair, but as you say proper cyclists will stick with the real deal.

I'm helping a few folks from work to train for the C2C and I've taken them to the tearoom at Capheaton. They loved it, I don't think they knew such places still existed. I'd like to take them to Elsdon, they're not up to that yet, but soon!

 

[Fnaar]

I'm helping a few folks from work to train for the C2C and I've taken them to the tearoom at Capheaton. They loved it, I don't think they knew such places still existed. I'd like to take them to Elsdon, they're not up to that yet, but soon!

Capheaton tearoom is the business! I go there from time to time.

 

[carolonabike]

Well, I might see you there sometime.

 

[Mark_Robson]

I was in on Wednesday and Marion is still talking about the other Caff. Apparently the opposition don't want common cyclists darkening their door now. BTW what a lovely couple they are, they really made us feel welcome and their prices are amazing. And what a wonderful cafe they have, I was fascinated just looking around.

That was my first ride around that part of the world, I'm getting some training in for the Northern Rock Cyclone and the guy who took me around set a hell of a pace. We parked at Whalton and cycled to Rothbury and then onto Billsmoor and down into Elsdon. The wind on Billsmoor was horrendous and I have to confess that I was off the bike three times for a rest going up the hill. Mind you after a huge pot of Earl Grey and a slice of Gibbet cake I was ready for the climb up the Gibbet and I'm pleased to say that it was easier than it looked. We then headed on to Scots Gap and then on to Bolam lake and back to Whalton.

By the time that we got back to the cars I didn't feel too bad but the climb up Billsmoor has scarred me for life lol. I'm pleased that I did it though because it made me realise that I need to get more hills in before I do the Cyclone and that I need to stop avoiding them.