Race Report

I’d paid for coach transport up to the start in Seahouses and ended up on the last coach, leaving Tynemouth at 07:50. Finally after my bike arrived by minibus 10 mintues after me, I got checked in and started at 09:25. The first 10 miles were difficult – a lot of people had just started at 09:00 regardless, so there was a long string of mountain bikes, tandems etc – all riding 3 and 4 abreast to pass, on probably the hilliest part of the course.

As the course opened out, the cover of the hedgerows disappeared and the WSW’erly wind became a bit of a nuisance, specially where the course heads inland a bit. The organisers also had the bright idea of sending the route through the cycle paths near Ashington and Cambois, which were particularly overgrown with brambles and nettles and single-file – not very good for passing people!

It was nice to get to Blyth, and on to a bit of road that I know well, along the sea front past Seaton Sluice and Whitley Bay. The earlier exertion of passing all those people on the hilly bits was starting to take to take its toll, and my legs were starting to sting a bit (note to self TRAIN next year!). The best bit was turning down the hill to the finish line – a nice fast downhill bit, then up  to the car park.

I did meet a group of triathletes I know from Ryton, who asked me if I’d like to ride back with them later on – I politely declined, as my car was, “just parked around the corner” (Are they mad!?)

Sorry, I’ve got no photographic evidence, but I was spotted by Neil and Julie in the final mile heading for Tynemouth Priory.

I completed it in 3h26, over approx 55 miles, about 16mph so I’ve got a target to beat for next year!

If you want to see the route:

http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Great_North_Bike_Ride_2008-Cycle-Route-636.html

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