The C2C Ride takes you from either Workington or Whitehaven to Sunderland or Tynemouth; this was my second time for the Whitehaven to Tyneside ride, last done as a family Cancer Charity ride back in 2008. Follow an email from me friend Nic asking can this be done in two days? Yes came the reply and when are you going and do you fancy company? The response saw me over to his place on the Sunday evening, with day distances sorted for a three day ride and B&B’s sorted we set of on the next Saturday, 6th August 11. The travel up was in torrential rain at times not a good omen but we were lucky to hit a 3 day window of clear weather thankfully.

Rear wheels dipped in the sea on Sunday 7th saw us heading with leaden skies over the lakes to Keswick, the ride out of Whitehaven is a pleasant 10 mile up hill on a old railway line leading us to skirt the western lakes, the sun graced us with its presence as the route took us by the Ennerdale & Loweswater, beautiful. The first serious climb greets you at 21 miles up to Whinlatter Pass, this found us both struggling with dropping onto the small front sprocket! With maintenance calling we climb the 2 two stages, road then forest, with little effort - well from yours truly! The decent found soon in Keswick and in the Peddles Cafe for some bike work (brake blocks not the gears!) and excellent lunch of Soup and Roll with tea. Our first night stop was at the Boot & Shoes in Greystoke a further 15 miles up the road, again along a old railway and then on past the glorious Blencathra (just love it) and out of the lakes, looking glorious in the afternoon sunshine. A total of 50 miles, 1952 feet in climbing for the day found us at the Boot & Shoe Inn for an excellent stop-over offering good beer, food and room.

A good breakfast and the bill paid the Monday found us heading for Nenthead a shorter distance with two major climbs to attack up the Pennines, they were shrouded in heavy cloud and looking wet! Meet a few more guys on route to day, family of 4, a group of 3 and the 3 young female physio's. The climb out of Penrith set the tone for the day and onto the Hartside climb, up to 1903 feet following a 4 mile climb was hard but I really enjoyed it, easier than the last time but that’s another story, oh yer wasn't able to get in low gear on the front so stopped to move it again, cold, dry and windy with tea & cake at the cafe, yummy. Ventured forward with a fast descent into Garrigill but immediately into a tough hard 2 mile climb but a good feeling to maketo the top follow with a tricky decent, 2 more ladies passed on the way up and they too had their over night stop at the Miners Inns in Nentheed, good rooms and food. Sorted my gear problem with Swiss Army Knife – was the drinks holder getting in the way! Anyway, the figures were 35 miles with 2638 of climbing recorder no less.

The overnight rain cleared to bright cool start for the Tuesday ride and straight into a climb up to the highest point, Black Hill (609 m) - nice wake up call that one. The ride over the grouse laden moors was one of the highest points for me – had a feeling of sheer pleasure as we headed for Rookhope - marvellious. Some good speedy drops a reward into Rookhope pass an old mine head then onto Stanhope for tea & cakes and the last climb of the trip. what a bugger that is, 3 mls plus up but once achieved it is all down hill to the end from Parkside on again an old railway through Consett heading for the great bridges of Newcastle for a well earned tuppa. The 3 physio's passed as we downed tea and cider! We caught them up out by Wallsend - well we had to really, we wetted the wheels at the finish in Tynemouth and completed the day with 62 miles with 2254 feet of climbing all in the first 20 miles leaving the next 40 all downhill.

We had a great trip; the total for us was 147miles with a couple of detours, officially 140miles and with 13 hours in the saddle. The weather was kind to us really and the all important wind generally favourable to, the route is well marked all along its length but the Sea to Sea map is a must. I can only recommend this ride to any one up for a little riding challenge, 1, 2, 3 or even 4 days – its well worth doing, this was my second go at it and I’m looking to do it again in the future. If interested have a look at www.c2c-guide.co.uk/

Paul Woodham