HCC Sunday Social Cafe Ride
With blue sky’s and light winds you could almost believe it was summer. And indeed, it was. So, a perfect day to explore a new cafe stop and make the most of the exemplary cycling conditions. Sean and Matt were at the Golden Lion ready for the 8:30 start when Peter arrived quickly followed by Steve A. The big question though was will Steve S make it? He had been complaining about having buckled wheels all week and wasn’t sure if could risk making them worse on today’s ride. But he turned up with his fingers crossed to transform the small group into a proper gaggle. It has to be said that Steve A was also a bit risky having not been on the bike for weeks due to work commitments and bad knees. So, well done to the two Steves for getting out.
The route was out over Quarrington hill then down into Durham before climbing out the other side. Through Meadowfield and along to Brancepeth. The cafe stop was at Brancepeth castle, but the sign at the entrance gate only mentioned church services. ‘Oh no’ thought Peter ‘wheres the cafe?’ ‘Sean will go off on one if we don’t find the cafe soon’. So undeterred by the prospect of ending up in church the only option was to keep going. Fortunately, this was the right decision as Brancepeth castle was just a bit further along the road.
The castle dates back to the 12th century and was built by the Bulmer family from using the money from their cider business. It later refurbished by the Neville’s who also had a cross named after them in Durham city. The current building however was built as a family home in the 19th century and was in fact one of the first projects to appear on Grand Designs. It was later a hospital during the ww1 and a barracks for the Durham Light infantry. Now however, it is home to the Grund Schneider German cafe which serves German coffee, German cake and German leek and potato soup. There are seats outside and in, and if you need your trousers adjusting, they can do this as well.
After the very pleasant cafe stop and refuelled with coffee and schtick it was time to get back on the bikes and head off towards Page bank. There was a good stretch of downhill toward the Wear River and past Shafto’s cottage before the start of the long haul up out of Weardale. All the way through Spennymoor to Kirk Merrington from where it was a good swoop down into the Tees valley and mainly downwards all the way home.
So, a good ride by everybody and both the Steve’s made it round without any mishaps. The ride was around 50 miles with around 2900 ft of hills and as always, a steady sociable pace.
Club/Racing News
On Sunday, Lee Morley took part in the Sowerby Sunday Club 10 Mile Time Trial, starting and finishing in Dishforth on the V210 course. 63 riders took part and Lee finished in 29th place with an excellent time of 23:17 and an average of 25.77 mph. Well done Lee, another great ride! The race was won by Bevan Jones of 53eleven in 20:25 and an average of 29.39 mph.
The club is currently preparing for the National 50 Mile Time Trial Championships next Sunday which the club is hosting. Therefore, any support or help would be appreciated.
Strava Club Leaderboard
This week Stephen G Rhodes took the top spot in the general classification with 212.0 miles, The Thirlwind was 2nd with 201.3 miles and Richard Nichol was 3rd with 154.1 miles. Tony Slimmings was the King Of The Mountains this week with 12,812 ft of climbing! A big well done also goes to Richard Nichol for his single ride of the week with a massive 154.1 miles! This week 7 riders went over the 100 mile mark for the week – Stephen G Rhodes, The Thirlwind, Richard Nichol, Phil Wright, Steve Scanlon, Bob Stonehouse and Frank Elders. Well done to you all. This week 22 riders put miles on the board out of 52 Strava HCC members, well done to everyone and for the rest of you, now is the time to get out on the bike in the lovely weather! Well done to everyone. Other achievements to note, Paul Sefton for starting to get in some bigger rides and completed a 20 miler on Sunday, Richard Nichol for his massive single ride of 154 miles, Lee Morley for his excellent TT season so far producing some great times, Bob Stonehouse and Gareth Parker for completing a couple of excellent 18+ avg speed rides and everyone else who is enjoying their cycling this season! Be safe and enjoy it.