So Craig had a lot on and was busy (family first 
) but by pure luck, Mike and I found ourselves free on Wednesday ( 
) and after a few texts and phone calls we decided we'd go on a run anyway (sorry Craig :lol: )
We decided we'd head out to Hawick and reverse the route we'd done last year and use this as a bit of a recce for our next NE run. A couple of mates joined us and fully loaded we met up on the A68 and set off for Kielder via Chollerford and Wark to Bellingham on the A6320. We travelled through mist/low cloud and the morning was very still. The sun came out as we pulled over to enjoy the view at Kielder Water. What a place and yet again, time to be thankful for living up in the North East.
It was hard to pull ourselves away from the stillness and calm - Mike led to the B6357 (and had a bit of a moment when braking in mid air. . . you had to be there :lol: ) I took the next section left to just north of Newcastleton and right onto the B6399. The roads where dry, were wonderful but care was needed under the tree sections and there were some areas where farm work had left the roads slimy. It's brilliant though (as are most of the roads on this route).
At Hawick we found it difficult to find somewhere to park so after a quick word we headed out to Bonchester Bridge for lunch. It's a great road off the A698 to Jedburgh, right onto the A6088. We weren't in the pub long though - we took a look at the menu and prices (
) and made a collective decision to head back to Hawick! Well the road is worth it. . . .
Back in Hawick we found lots of room in the large free car park ( :x ) and a short walk to some great grub and an excellent cuppa at the bikers café. We still had the run back to look forward to and on the road we kept swopping the lead on the way. Mike caused an expletive from my passenger as he pulled up a bit sharp on one corner. As we (literally
) slid up behind him, we got out to be taken through a detailed and forensic re-enactment of his motorcycle crash at this very spot. . . . 
quietly I mentioned to Mike's mate 'Err - this is where two bikes came sliding off - perhaps it's not the best place to leave the Zeds parked up. . .' :? )
Able to breath again as we moved away from the spot
we smoothly despatched the roads back past Kielder, Bellingham and stopped at the A68 to say our farewells and to agree we'd had yet another brilliant day's run.
I'm knackered mind - it was a lot of spirited miles mid week - but who could resist roads like this - simply brilliant.
) but by pure luck, Mike and I found ourselves free on Wednesday ( ) and after a few texts and phone calls we decided we'd go on a run anyway (sorry Craig :lol: )We decided we'd head out to Hawick and reverse the route we'd done last year and use this as a bit of a recce for our next NE run. A couple of mates joined us and fully loaded we met up on the A68 and set off for Kielder via Chollerford and Wark to Bellingham on the A6320. We travelled through mist/low cloud and the morning was very still. The sun came out as we pulled over to enjoy the view at Kielder Water. What a place and yet again, time to be thankful for living up in the North East.
It was hard to pull ourselves away from the stillness and calm - Mike led to the B6357 (and had a bit of a moment when braking in mid air. . . you had to be there :lol: ) I took the next section left to just north of Newcastleton and right onto the B6399. The roads where dry, were wonderful but care was needed under the tree sections and there were some areas where farm work had left the roads slimy. It's brilliant though (as are most of the roads on this route).
At Hawick we found it difficult to find somewhere to park so after a quick word we headed out to Bonchester Bridge for lunch. It's a great road off the A698 to Jedburgh, right onto the A6088. We weren't in the pub long though - we took a look at the menu and prices (
) and made a collective decision to head back to Hawick! Well the road is worth it. . . . Back in Hawick we found lots of room in the large free car park ( :x ) and a short walk to some great grub and an excellent cuppa at the bikers café. We still had the run back to look forward to and on the road we kept swopping the lead on the way. Mike caused an expletive from my passenger as he pulled up a bit sharp on one corner. As we (literally
) slid up behind him, we got out to be taken through a detailed and forensic re-enactment of his motorcycle crash at this very spot. . . . quietly I mentioned to Mike's mate 'Err - this is where two bikes came sliding off - perhaps it's not the best place to leave the Zeds parked up. . .' :? ) Able to breath again as we moved away from the spot
we smoothly despatched the roads back past Kielder, Bellingham and stopped at the A68 to say our farewells and to agree we'd had yet another brilliant day's run. I'm knackered mind - it was a lot of spirited miles mid week - but who could resist roads like this - simply brilliant.
been swamped with work at the min last day off was a week gone Wednesday and I think my next day off will be Wednesday next week but am free all day not school runs. Looks a good route and roads. Hopefully get out soon if not next week 