Sod's law isn't it - you set up a short notice 'hoon' that many can't get too and it turns out to be brilliant weather and one of those magical days when the traffic and roads just fall right and we get a wonderfully clear run across Hartside and on our chosen roads which make for a great day! And there's just the two of us. . .Like I say Sod's law but nevertheless we have had a terrific day out on the first North East 'hoon' with Craig (Chezsherman).
We met at Tesco car park and after introductions (sadly Craig's wife couldn't make it - which was a shame - see why later. . .) we set out as a warm up on some of our favourite back roads to Hexham. It was pleasing to see that Craig displayed the safe smooth and effective driving pace that the Forum seems to attract - nice one. This was important as very early on we came across a shameful placement of a temporary traffic light literally yards after a series of flowing tight right left bends which I just managed to stop for and importantly - so did Craig - another good impression made and certainly better than the impression made by the workmen's choice of placement - there must have been incidents here through the day.
45 mins of tight bends and more open roads (with awareness that there are more and more cyclists sharing our roads every day) we arrived at Hexham and took a break for coffee and a chance to get to know each other a little better. One thing we did find out was that Craig was on run flats and some of the roads we had used were less than billiard smooth!
From Hexham the next section was the marvellous A686 via Alston, Hartside (café) and across to Melmerby and back. What can I say - after a stop at Langley castle to allow slower traffic to get a lead on us (there was a classic lorry rally heading up the Hartside summit!) which turned out to be a brilliant photo opportunity, we had one of the best runs up to Hartside I've had in nearly a year. Overtakes happened miraculously on the best sections and other than that we got a clear run - so much so Steph thought it would be best to carry on over the other side to Melmerby whilst the going was 'good'.
Sure enough we had a terrific run down before turning around and heading back up again (those of you who know the road will know that's well worth it). 'Slow' traffic can ruin this section as there are few safe overtaking opportunities (unless you're a motorcycle) and it can be very frustrating to have to relax and sit back as you pass corner after brilliant corner at Sunday driver pace - but none of that for us - only a red Toyota in front of us for the last hairpin before our return to the café and a well timed break for food and 'feedback'!
The café was very busy (despite our 'luck' with the clear road - how does that compute?!) our food was served quickly and was hot and basic but who cares at such a location - views are incredible and the atmosphere on such a day is palpable. A great café location!
After discussion we decided that there was time to return to Hexham on the A686 (more amazing views and clear progress!) and from there take a more relaxed and scenic route through back lanes and quiet valley roads along the river Tyne to end up at the recently opened Classic car café at Wylam.
In the glorious weather the views were lovely as was the quiet contrast of the driving as we cruised along beautifully kept countryside. AND as we found out when we stopped for a photo - we were heading past the church where Craig had got married only 5 months before! So we just had to stop and go take a look (told you it was a shame his wife wasn't able to make it). What a tranquil and glorious location for a wedding. we had a look in the church and it must have been a marvellous occasion - latent congrats to the two of you!
After more photos it was on to Wylam's new cafe and a final cuppa and chat about the day and the route. We agreed that we need to have more 'hoons' in the North East and talked around a number of routes and possibilities. So we'll get organised for the future and give folk more notice for our next 'hoon'.
Finally - Craig you were a gent and we had a great day - good to meet you and as I've commented before, heading out with other forum members adds another dimension to Z4 ownership and today was one of those days to remember - glad you enjoyed it and look forward to 'hooning' with you again in the near future!
Paul and Steph (Paulgs1000)
We met at Tesco car park and after introductions (sadly Craig's wife couldn't make it - which was a shame - see why later. . .) we set out as a warm up on some of our favourite back roads to Hexham. It was pleasing to see that Craig displayed the safe smooth and effective driving pace that the Forum seems to attract - nice one. This was important as very early on we came across a shameful placement of a temporary traffic light literally yards after a series of flowing tight right left bends which I just managed to stop for and importantly - so did Craig - another good impression made and certainly better than the impression made by the workmen's choice of placement - there must have been incidents here through the day.
45 mins of tight bends and more open roads (with awareness that there are more and more cyclists sharing our roads every day) we arrived at Hexham and took a break for coffee and a chance to get to know each other a little better. One thing we did find out was that Craig was on run flats and some of the roads we had used were less than billiard smooth!
From Hexham the next section was the marvellous A686 via Alston, Hartside (café) and across to Melmerby and back. What can I say - after a stop at Langley castle to allow slower traffic to get a lead on us (there was a classic lorry rally heading up the Hartside summit!) which turned out to be a brilliant photo opportunity, we had one of the best runs up to Hartside I've had in nearly a year. Overtakes happened miraculously on the best sections and other than that we got a clear run - so much so Steph thought it would be best to carry on over the other side to Melmerby whilst the going was 'good'.
Sure enough we had a terrific run down before turning around and heading back up again (those of you who know the road will know that's well worth it). 'Slow' traffic can ruin this section as there are few safe overtaking opportunities (unless you're a motorcycle) and it can be very frustrating to have to relax and sit back as you pass corner after brilliant corner at Sunday driver pace - but none of that for us - only a red Toyota in front of us for the last hairpin before our return to the café and a well timed break for food and 'feedback'!
The café was very busy (despite our 'luck' with the clear road - how does that compute?!) our food was served quickly and was hot and basic but who cares at such a location - views are incredible and the atmosphere on such a day is palpable. A great café location!
After discussion we decided that there was time to return to Hexham on the A686 (more amazing views and clear progress!) and from there take a more relaxed and scenic route through back lanes and quiet valley roads along the river Tyne to end up at the recently opened Classic car café at Wylam.
In the glorious weather the views were lovely as was the quiet contrast of the driving as we cruised along beautifully kept countryside. AND as we found out when we stopped for a photo - we were heading past the church where Craig had got married only 5 months before! So we just had to stop and go take a look (told you it was a shame his wife wasn't able to make it). What a tranquil and glorious location for a wedding. we had a look in the church and it must have been a marvellous occasion - latent congrats to the two of you!
After more photos it was on to Wylam's new cafe and a final cuppa and chat about the day and the route. We agreed that we need to have more 'hoons' in the North East and talked around a number of routes and possibilities. So we'll get organised for the future and give folk more notice for our next 'hoon'.
Finally - Craig you were a gent and we had a great day - good to meet you and as I've commented before, heading out with other forum members adds another dimension to Z4 ownership and today was one of those days to remember - glad you enjoyed it and look forward to 'hooning' with you again in the near future!
Paul and Steph (Paulgs1000)
