Coast to Coast
26 - 27th September 2009
Well once again it was time for the annual coast to coast weekend. This was the 3rd one, the first one was 2006 to Whitehaven, 2007 didn’t happen because something went amiss ! 2008 saw us going to Stranraer.
We had been hoping to go to Morcambe bay but due to the logistics of finding a campsite and a hotel at one location proved fruitless.
So it was decided that we would return to Whitehaven but this time stay in a local hotel.
So on the morning of 26th September 2009 the northern contingent met at Minchella's South Shields whilst the southern group would meet at Hartlepool, finally both groups converging and meeting at Durham services.
The Northern group pose on South Shields Beach
All was going well and as I was rounding up the northern group Keith rang to say he was the only one at Hartlepool, So I said give it 10 minutes, try to get someone to take a pic for the website and we will meet you at durham in 30 minutes.
Malcolm and Denise led that way to Durham services without any hitches and soon we were united with the southern group… Keith !... and later Tony H.
Keith, Will, Ray, Bob, Tony H, Malcolm, Lorraine, Barry, Rob, Denise and taking the picture Manuella
Keith led the way and I was riding as tail end Charlie. I was hoping to catch the group on video but that ended as my camera ball joint broke and left my camera dangling by the safety strap.
The route took us thru Barnard castle, Stang forest and up to Tan hill (The highest pub in England) for a coffee break.
Then Buttercup pass to Hawes and Ingleton fell with a lunch break at The station pub in Ribblehead.
Our final leg took us down to Devils Bridge and onwards towards Kendal, round the North West of the lakes.
I took the lead towards the end taking the group to St Bees ( I had been there camping a couple of weeks ago). Quick leg stretch and photo
and then onto our hotel in Whitehaven.
The Hotel was fantastic (Thanks Manuella for finding that one!). The owners welcomed in and soon made us feel at home.
We opted for ordering a massive Chinese meal for all of us, the highlight was Lorraine mistaking the salt for sugar and wondering why her meal was so sweet !
After we were well fed, well actually feeling very stuffed we head off for the pub next door to the hotel. It was a very local pub with a very local feel ! so we all settled into the back room and after one drink decided to head back to the hotel. Rob had found out that apart from having 3 bedrooms off his room he also had a lovely sitting room. So we all sat down with nibbles and plenty of booze, soon the room was buzzing with tales of different ride outs and jokes.
Morning saw us all looking forward to a full English breakfast to build up our strength for the return journey.
Keith wondering if he has to give Will a push start.... While Will looks for the most interesting route to the lakes
Posing around in Whitehaven harbour
I had volunteered to lead the group over to the lakes where Keith would then take over and get us home.
My trusted Tomtom was programmed for the quickest route and soon we were heading out on some very basic back roads, back roads soon turned into smallish paths and I realised that the only way out was to keep going forward ! Im sure I could see the steam fuming out of somebody’s Helmet as they followed me over some very interesting roads !
Finally Whinlatter pass was in sight and soon we were rolling down into Keswick, where the lead was handed back over to Keith and I took my place at the rear (Probably will never be allowed to lead a ride ever again !).
Keith led us thru some stunning scenery and after lunch it was time to make our way home.
Once again my head is full of good memories and great times. If you have never done a Coast 2 Coast ride then make sure you get your name down for next years event. I can promise you a fantastic weekend end away.
Will
English