The forecast was for heavy rain today with winds from the West. I knew I had 38 miles to do to hit my 50% ABB target. I had an early breakfast at 9.30am which consisted of two small slices of toast with low fat butter and low sugar blackcurrant jam. There was only one other person in the breakfast room and they weren't in cycling gear. I immediately realised that I did not have any sense of Deja Vu whatsoever. Nobody sang 'Oh what a beautiful morning' or shouted random remarks outside the bedroom windows. I didn't feel the need to do anything with my suitcase and didn't really care where it was or what it weighed. There wasn't a queue anywhere to be seen. I ambled into my garage and debated whether to pump the tyres up or not. I did them yesterday and they still felt ok so that was good enough for me.
I was first onto the road. I didn't have a route sheet so decided to follow my nose, wondering what I would find. Could I get to the SAG without being overtaken? I figured that since even I didn't know where I was going, there was a good chance of success.
I headed West up Gosforth High Street which is a direct route into the centre of Newcastle (which is 3 miles from where I live).
The Hoppings has arrived on Newcastle's Town Moor. They advertise themselves as the largest travelling funfair in Europe
I strated to climb a bit up the side of the Town Moor until I got a decent view of Newcastle United's stadium (which seats over 60000) which is in the city centre.
Here is Bob, fully recovered form last year's damage and sporting a full set of 64 spokes.
Today was actually quite interesting for me as I went out trying to focus on some of the hsitory of the area for a change. As a result, I stopped and had a much closer look at things I have previously passed by.
These two pics are of the original city walls of Newcastle which were built in the 13th Century to keep out my ancestors. (Waste of effort?)
I then cycled over the Tyne into Gateshead via the High Level bridge and came upon an old pub, The Central Bar which has been sand blasted and looks very nice now and seems to have had a storey or two
added.
Itook this photo of the Swing bridge, Tyne bridge and Millennium bridge.
You may notice more than a passing resemblance to theSydney Harbour bridge. I then
swung down to the Tyne river and Newastle's Quayside. This used to be a rough old place with breakers yards etc lining the river.
This is the Millennium bridge which swings across to allow taller vessels to negotiate the river.
This is the Sage Gateshead which is a music and wedding venue, conference and music education centre.
The Tyne was famous for it's 5 bridges in close proximity.
This is the Baltic Art centre, a converted flour mill. I really must go one day.
And a shot of our nice modern Quayside.
I then travelled on part of our National Cycle Network which is a network of quieter roads and some very nice tarmac cycle paths.
I stopped for a bite to eat just before Tynemouth.
Then climbed a steep hill to be rewarded with views of Tynemouth Priory.
The original Life Brigade Watch House built in 1864 is still standing.
And this is the reason for it's position.
Lastly, a pic of Tynemouth Village Main Street.
Tynemouth is quite a wealthy area with some nice pubs and restaurants and a nice beach.
After that, I headed back home with a stiff headwind all the way.
AAN Mileage - 75
Ian's Mileage - 38
Spokes broken - 0
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