Sunday morning local offroad ride on the CX bikes

No ride yesterday, too busy sorting thinks out and catching up with jobs around the house etc. Shame as it was lovely and sunny day for the most but a cool wind. Today Angus wanted to go out on the CX bikes for a change but we wanted to get back before the rain/strong winds were due around midday. We and the bikes were ready so we set off just before 8am to a frosty start. The sunrise only lasted a few minutes then it clouded over and that was it for the whole ride. We headed over to Baxters Woods the back way to pick up the old line then straight up to Consett. The track was frozen solid so nice easy/fast going but cold. Once through Langley Park we had a light shower and it was minus -2 degrees! Once through Lanchester another rider tagged on the back of us for a chat all the way up to the coal truck junction. He was heading for Parkhead café with his son joining in the ride at Delves Lane. The bloke was 70 years old and fit as a lop on an old Halfords Carrera special! Once at the Consett junction we said goodbye as we turned right and headed straight down to Birtley. It was a fast section of line as there is only one proper off road section left now through Beamish woods. The kids must have had a good week off as I have never seen so many smashed glass bottles and the dogs must have been having a party as well as there was piles of dog muck on many sections. All part of the fun of cycling I suppose! Once at Birtley is was a quick drink/photo break then to decide which way to go from there. I was up for going down to Cox Green then home from there but Angus said his legs were tired so we headed into Chester Le Street then along the riverside and out onto the cycle lane alongside the A167 back to Pity Me / Framwellgate Moor. From here Angus went home and I did another couple of short laps before getting back in, all in just under 39 miles and only 1500ft climbed. My feet and body was cold by now and was pleased to get back, the skies were getting darker and within half an hour we had sleet showers. More soon and a few photos below from todays ride, all the best.

Plenty Lakeland mud in my cleats

Less than 1/4 of a mile and we are off road

and on our way to Baxters Farm

To pick up the old line to Consett

crossed under & over many old bridges en route

This is on the opposite side of Malton Picnic Area, second car park?

just outside Lanchester

opposite the park

Angus inside leg never stops growing, saddle up again

Consett junction

new bench top

check out the straps to try and stop the kids nicking it

the coal truck

highest point of todays ride

this is next to Jolly Drovers side car park

nearly at Birtley

Birtley junction, I wanted to straight on

but daft lad was heading for Chester Le Street

around the Riverside and back home