Hi all,
Well the traffic gods were with us most of the day and we had a terrific run on nearly all the route. The numbers meant it was relatively easy to keep together and the weather though dull, was good enough to make the most of the roads. Steph and I had a great day and as always, we're relieved that everyone had a good time, especially as, in some cases, folk travelled quite a way to join us.
It's surprising how the pressure builds to the day hoping that all goes well and folk feel it worth the effort (and increasingly, cost) to take part - hence the recces and planning. So thanks for the feedback, much appreciated.
It's always brilliant to meet up with like minded forumites and a big smile when we saw Swiftly (Nick and Lorraine) at the start together with AlienZed (Maurice and Andrea) who we first met on Castles and Coast when they said they'd return for another run - great stuff. Good to meet up with Stevo//m in his impressive black Z4MC, Dave and his daughter Steph (Davegolfr) in his Golf R, and then of course our regular on nearly every run from the very start, Craig (Chezsherman).
A late post and text meant we might get to see Richard and Julie (MefiEcosse) somewhere on the route and what a delight to see them walk through the door at Hartside café. They'd missed us at Hexham but knew our route. (Sorry you missed the early roads but really glad you had a good time with us in the afternoon). It was great to meet up again.
The route worked out well (despite the uneven road surfaces - can't avoid the sad state of some of our roads
) with the sun trying hard to break through around our first coffee break. Up to Hartside we'd arranged for Craig to lead (he knows the route well) and we dropped in mid way to bring along the back of the line. At Alston we took the lead again and made the decision (due to having a clear road) to continue up and over Hartside then return to the café for lunch after - made for a good enough run but the pass was surprisingly busy with the challenge of dealing with motorbikes (slower on the corners and on the brakes) pedal cyclists - ok if not in a group and met at the right time to safely overtake and the Sunday drivers, all of which didn't spoil our enjoyment of this brilliant road.
There were a number of other car groups out - very noisy exhausts, hoodies, Halford aftermarket kits. Then a top spec black Merc, max revs, blaring exhaust, drifted out the car park, hit opposite lock as he drifted away leaving black tracks back to Alston. Each to their own and I love it all but I'm guessing they'll attract attention and we'll end up with a blanket 50 limit. Hope not, this is such a fabulous driving road, though with such 'Fast and Furious' type activity it'll likely happen - damn!
(Haven't seen much of this before).
After more chance to chat over lunch we headed back to Alston and our North Pennine loops. Just after Allenheads I had a quick word with Craig and he was keen to lead through one of our mid week run favourite valleys (thought he might - I knew it was one of his favourite routes) so Steph and I waved everyone on - it's great to have a different view of proceedings and it was fun at the back. Mind once at the front there was no stopping him and Craig just kept going! Good lead though Craig - thanks for that - nice one
(right up to where you missed the turn off and took us all down that cobblestoned high street again
- once was enough!) .
A quick stop and a reorganisation had us heading back out of Alston and we pulled everyone in at Kilhope Lead Mine visitor centre to use the loo. Nice location and a good stopping point in the future (nice small café). Checking everyone was ok we were able to head for our last stopping point (the Crown at Catton on more terrific roads) for a well earned drink (coffee and soft drinks available) and good natter about the day.
Another good days driving folks - magic.
I'm tired so I'll post up some photos tomorrow.
