North East Runs 21 and 28 September PHOTOS!

[Picnic Queen]

Hi all,

Steph and I invite you to two runs - apologies if the dates don't work for you (we may post another run up in October). Both runs will leave at Kingston Park Tesco car park (petrol and toilets) at 10am. Please let me know if you would like to be added to the list (or removed).

Please note the 21st is a 'Hoon', the 28th is a MORE RELAXED RUN (following discussion on our earlier Hartside runs).

Updates will be posted continuously

.
1. 21st September - BORDER RAID

10am Tesco Car park Kingston Park Newcastle, Belsey, Chollerford, Bellingham, Kielder Water, Bonchester Bridge, Hawick. Return via same route - it's such a good route it's worth it - and we've reece'd lots of possibilities but not possible to tie in a good return to Newcastle without too many miles


paulgs1000
Chezsherman
Grumpybri
Dave1971
cherrym


2. 28th September NORTHUMBERLAND COAST AND CASTLES - (N.B. more relaxed run)

10am Tesco Car Park Kingston Park Newcastle, Belsey, Elsdon, Rothbury, Edlingham, Alnwick, Bamburgh, Seahouses (Fish and chip lunch), Craster, Alnmouth, Warkworth (ice cream stop), Morpeth, Newcastle.

paulgs1000
Chezsherman
Grumpybri
RichieZ4
Overthehillnhoj
Jon Booth
Swiftly
cherrym
Toe-side
JaxZ4
Sammyz
PeterZed (to be confirmed)
Craig3.2
Bradders75
GJC72
Big Kerhuna
AndrewP

Paul and Steph

If only we lived nearer

 

[paulgs1000]

If only we lived nearer

Yes would be lovely to have you at our runs!

We started offering runs in the North East because there seemed to be little offered around here. . . we travelled up to the Scottish meets. You should have more opportunities further south?

 

[paulgs1000]

Just spent an hour writing up an account of our run inserting photos and lost it all!!!! Arrgghh! :x

I'll try again. . . .

 

[paulgs1000]

Here's our Zed all clean and polished wrapped up ready for the next day. . . . .



After curbing a wheel when swopping petrol pumps (didn't notice the base had a dog bone which stuck out a foot at each end ) we met up with Grumpybri and his VERY shiny Alpina and dave1971 and his Porker (No problem :lol: seen it before at the national and in the dark it looks interlagos blue. . . ) who were already there and unbeknown to us so was Cherrym and his wife in their silver grey Zed - just in a different part of the car park )

After a short briefing and handing out the route sheets we set off. . .

NEVER SEEN SO MANY CYCLISTS on our favourite back roads before and of course we met a couple of peletons. They are so difficult to pass. Where we were waved on their compatriots ahead weaved all over the road, there were no safety zone to move back into, where there were gaps they would cycle up the inside of the Zed . They are so vulnerable that there must be an agreed Cycling Code for the road - it's so popular there is likely to be more incidents unless they work out a way of leaving appropriate passing gaps - wonder how we get that sorted?

Anyway we still managed some enjoyable parts to the route and eventually stopped at Kirkharle Courtyard which is a great place to visit and to have a look around (good for Christmas presents) and a lovely café.



We then headed out to Chollerford and a terrific route up to Kielder Water - the traffic gods were with us and we managed some enjoyable moments interspersed with the inevitable 'other road users' - some helpful and some not.

At Kielder - it's difficult to capture just how impressive this reservoir is. . .







Managed to get the ladies to pose. . . .



Coming over the dam road. . . .







It's a fabulous road from Kielder Water to Hawick and we had a fairly clear run through - magic - what a road!

We have Cherrym to thank for our lunch - a great bikers' café with excellent food - nice one!



But better was to come - Cherrym had suggested a route down from Hawick which looped in with our route and it turned out to be brilliant, with some lovely views but wonderfully twisty - a great compliment to our route up. We were also blessed with a clear run so were able to make the most of this terrific back road - everyone had a blast!

The run back to Kielder felt a little disappointing after all this - you have to make the effort to drive the B6357 to Bonchester Bridge and the B6088 to Hawick then come back on the B6399 to Newcastleton turning left onto the B6357 to get back to the Kielder road. If like us you get a good clear run through you'll be in driving heaven!

Here we are on the return where we made arrangements for everyone to make their own way home after Chollerford.







Another successful North East run then. Thanks to those that turned up, Steph and I had a great day and thanks to Cherrym for his input - it all contributed to another enjoyable day of driving - just what the forums all about.

Nice one all and thanks again!

Paul and Steph (Looking forward to next weekend now. . . .)

 

[Swiftly]

Nice write up, it looks like you all had a great day and the weather gods were kind to you all as well

Looking forward to next weekend

 

[paulgs1000]

Nice write up, it looks like you all had a great day and the weather gods were kind to you all as well

Looking forward to next weekend

We've got our fingers crossed for next Sunday. . . we shall see!

 

[jaxZ4]

Looks like you had a nice little group and a good day !

Anyone else staying over Newcastle on the 27th for the run on 28th ? Happy to meet up for a beer and a bite if so. I've not booked but thinking of booking this place - we're probably driving down early Saturday afternoon.

http://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/village-newcastle.en-gb.html?aid=339530;label=1212_recentsearches_resumesearch_v2-agUAfAUBewUAgAUAWgUA;sid=2c1f4575c31f18e4dd086efbb0d43c42;dcid=1;checkin=2014-09-27;checkout=2014-09-28;ucfs=1;srfid=4da556411e74449c07f74b0bdee9b9fe54116b1bX9;hptv=do

 

[Swiftly]

Unfortunately we will be driving down on Sunday morning

 

[paulgs1000]

Looks like you had a nice little group and a good day !

Anyone else staying over Newcastle on the 27th for the run on 28th ? Happy to meet up for a beer and a bite if so. I've not booked but thinking of booking this place - we're probably driving down early Saturday afternoon.

http://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/village-newcastle.en-gb.html?aid=339530;label=1212_recentsearches_resumesearch_v2-agUAfAUBewUAgAUAWgUA;sid=2c1f4575c31f18e4dd086efbb0d43c42;dcid=1;checkin=2014-09-27;checkout=2014-09-28;ucfs=1;srfid=4da556411e74449c07f74b0bdee9b9fe54116b1bX9;hptv=do

Hi Jax,

We've stayed at the hotel you've highlighted - it was modern, fairly new. The rooms aren't as big as they make it look in the photos. We weren't overly impressed (we were on a business weekend so may not have been in their best rooms and asked to be changed rooms - smelt of smoke). It was busy and full because a football competition was on so maybe not the best time to be making a comparison. For a one nighter it is better value than the Crooklands.

We've eaten and stayed in quite a few similar standard hotels. the Copthorne is a fairly new establishment similar standard not certain of costs though - slightly posher and on the river in the city but away from the centre - multi story dedicated safe parking. - take a walk towards the bridges and see the new millenium bridge lit up. Visit the Sage for a coffee or a meal and see a great view of the city at night. As I said not certain of rates but you may get a deal or a rack rate - large hotel. Also more central than the Urban. If you can get a room for a similar rate it might be a better option.

There's a Novotel on the Kingston Park site (just up the road from our start). We've had lots of events and meetings there. Modern, soulless but comfortable - food is typical hotel fayre but good and may be more reasonable rates. Secure parking with only patron's access. As a one nighter would work fine.

If you want to spoil yourself go and stay at Matfen Hall and eat in their candle lit library after a few drinks in their large fireplace lit reception room. Check out their hall (wedding venue)as well before you leave. Foods only missed once - usually excellent. Good spa and swimming pool facilities - set about 20 mins from our start point along the military road west of Newcastle.

 

[Chezsherman]

Looks like a good day out... But the best is still to Come coz I am available for this weekend back from Sheffield on Saturday night which I am over the knot about and have convinced Hannah to join us. Providing I take it easy :wink:

 

[paulgs1000]

IMPORTANT - I want to stress again that this is not a hoon. The roads have been chosen as enjoyable routes to the castles and the countryside of Northumberland as well as following part of the Coastal route that may be moderately busy. This meet came about after discussions at our Hartside runs when some members suggested a more relaxed event. 'Northumberland, Castles and Coast' is in response to that suggestion.

I'm concerned that no-one ends up frustrated or disappointed on the day. We won't always be driving like Miss Daisy but the point is to relax and enjoy the area rather than make the most of the roads available. (We have offered plenty of hoons this season already).

So please be aware of the kind of run you're coming to and arrive with the right mind set to have a lovely day or we'll quite understand if you give it a miss (but do let us know if your not coming!).

Due to the rising numbers, Steph and I have been out making a few checks and have amended our route a little and re-thought one or two of our stops. There are road works at Alnwick and Barter books will be tight for parking so instead we'll have an early call at Kirkharle Courtyard as a toilet stop and may be a coffee stop too, if our new choice of location, just as we leave Alnwick, doesn't work out. (closed today - I'll visit in the week) No problems though, just making certain all runs smoothly.

Will send everyone a pm later in the week with an outline of the route. Route sheets will be handed to everyone on the day.

 

[Chezsherman]

This is the reason I got Hannah to join us knowing it was a relaxed drive. Glad she is happy to come experience this one with us she's missed a few now with different Events and I think the national probs wasn't the best one to start with.

 

[paulgs1000]

This is the reason I got Hannah to join us knowing it was a relaxed drive. Glad she is happy to come experience this one with us she's missed a few now with different Events and I think the national probs wasn't the best one to start with.

Hi Craig - glad to have you back on post - hope the new job training is going well.

Yep that's the reason we put this run together - I just want to avoid anyone making the effort or travelling a long distance expecting our usual runs and being disappointed or frustrated. Just in case anyone failed to read through the original posting!

Just need the weather now to make the best of it. . . we shall see.

I'll bring my wind excluder for you to try on your Zed - only takes a couple of mins to fit.

 

[GJC72]

Hi Paul. Sorry we couldn't make this weekend, Julie and I were up in Scotland for the weekend. We decided to take a detour on the way back and follow your route from Hawick back to Chollerford rather head straight down the M74. I have to say what a brilliant run particularly the sections from Hawick through to Kielder. Thought we might bump into you all but think we were probably some time behind you. We passed a silver grey Zed going in the opposite direction around the Chollerford area. Could this have been Cherrym?
Looking forward to this weekends run. Hope the weather holds out for us.

 

[jaxZ4]

Thanks for the hotel tips Paul - I'll choose soon - I had looked at the identically priced Novotel near the start but find them as you say soulless - and the other place had a nice looking pool and seemed kinda funky. Not sure if we'll have time to head into town but not thinking of splashing out for a Newcastle Spa hotel - having just visited several in Germany & Switzerland I'm afraid they simply cannot begin to compete !

With so many zeds on Sunday I'm sure we'll find some scope & demand for just a little spirited driving - heck I'm still in autobahn / alpine pass / 180 degree hairpin mode !

 

[Dave1971]

This might be a bit long but if you skip to about 11 mins in it's the start of the A6088 and the run down into Hawick.

http://youtu.be/_OVoWEM9Rxo

 

[Swiftly]

Can't see the video as it says it is private and I need to sign in?

 

[paulgs1000]

Hi Paul. Sorry we couldn't make this weekend, Julie and I were up in Scotland for the weekend. We decided to take a detour on the way back and follow your route from Hawick back to Chollerford rather head straight down the M74. I have to say what a brilliant run particularly the sections from Hawick through to Kielder. Thought we might bump into you all but think we were probably some time behind you. We passed a silver grey Zed going in the opposite direction around the Chollerford area. Could this have been Cherrym?
Looking forward to this weekends run. Hope the weather holds out for us.

Hi Gareth, Shame we couldn't meet up - the route we took back was sensational and traffic free most of the way - brilliant glad you got a taste of it. Not sure about the Grey Zed, don't think Cherrym's sense of direction is that bad! :lol: Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday. + 1 on the weather. . .

With so many zeds on Sunday I'm sure we'll find some scope & demand for just a little spirited driving - heck I'm still in autobahn / alpine pass / 180 degree hairpin mode !

Hah, thought you'd be 'hooned' out Jack! Will be a big step down from your continental excursion but I hope we have some sights that will be worth coming for - we shall see. . . .

This might be a bit long but if you skip to about 11 mins in it's the start of the A6088 and the run down into Hawick.

http://youtu.be/_OVoWEM9Rxo

Ditto Swiftly - can't get on without a sign up - any solutions as I'd love to take a look!?

 

[Dave1971]

This might be a bit long but if you skip to about 11 mins in it's the start of the A6088 and the run down into Hawick.

http://youtu.be/_OVoWEM9Rxo

Ooops.I've not done this before, I'll have another go.

http://youtu.be/_OVoWEM9Rxo

 

[paulgs1000]

This might be a bit long but if you skip to about 11 mins in it's the start of the A6088 and the run down into Hawick.

http://youtu.be/_OVoWEM9Rxo

Ooops.I've not done this before, I'll have another go.

http://youtu.be/_OVoWEM9Rxo

Brilliant - Watched all of it and really enjoyed re-living that section - just shows how the gods of traffic were with us - a long spell there with clear roads.

Gives an idea of what folk missed out on - excellent driving opportunity on some super roads.

Thanks for posting Dave1971 - did you get any shots of the road back from Hawick?