Back out on the gravel after a Bank holiday rest from the bike

 

After the bank holiday weekend of doing family things and dog sitting for Angus it was back to normal today. There was a sunrise but the sun did not last long and clouded over by the time I got out after 6am. I joined onto the old railway line at Langley Park and headed for Consett. The line was in good condition considering the amount of none stop continuous rain we had over 24 hours on Sunday. It was lovely and quite all the way up and never seen a sole. At the crossroads I turned left and headed for Parkhead. It was really cold, a headwind and my feet were freezing. I stopped at the last gate before the moor section and headed back down. There was a few others out by the time I was back at Consett area again. I dropped onto the country back lanes back down to Lanchester to mix it up a little. All in just over 30 miles in 2hrs 16mins with 1400ft of climbing. Below are a few snaps from the ride, enjoy and hopefully more soon inc some Fresh Goodies Blogs -  

A sunny spin through Hamsterley Forest then a road loop over Teesdale

 

Its like the weather is on repeat at the moment. Another overnight ground frost with the grass white and the Garmin reading 0 degrees on this morning ride. I opted for a short trip out in the van and parked up at Hamsterley Village. From there I drop down the road to Bedburn and into Hamsterley Forest. I ride through and out of the forest and onto the B6278 to Hilltop, Egglestone. The forest was lovely and quiet and never seen a sole and just one bird, not sure where all the wildlife had gone. The road back to Hamsterley village was just as quite apart from the short steep uphill section on the B6282 which is always a busy stretch of road. The wind was not too bad and the views over Teesdale in the sun was unreal. All in 24 miles in 1hr 46mins with just under 2000ft of climbing. Below are a few snaps from the loop, enjoy and hopefully more soon-