28 January 2023

A freezing cold and wet mainly gravel loop to Consett - Birtley then home

 


With not getting out on the bike for the last couple of days I had to drag myself out this morning. It was dark, cold and wet! I set off over the back way to Baxsters Farm to drop on to the old railway line to Consett. There must have been a hard frost over night then early morning rain on the top, it was lethal under tyre. The heavy drizzle continued all the way up the line to Delves Lane then it eased up. The temperature also increased and there was no frozen ground just wet & muddy. At the junction I was going to turn left and go to Parkhead but I was too cold and wet by now so turned right and headed down to Birtley. Once I crossed the bridge I dropped onto the A167 into Chester Le Street then around the riverside and back home via the cycle lane up the side of the 167. It had brightened up slightly and the temperature had gone from minus -1 degrees to nearly +4 degrees, still did not feel that warm. The old lines were not too busy but still a few slowing right down moments for dogs under my front tyre! All in just under 37 miles with 1500ft of climbing in 2hrs 49 mins. Below are some rather damp and cold looking snaps from the spin. Enjoy and hopefully more soon- 

























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