i cycled the coast to coast route from whitehaven to tynemouth over the bank holiday weekend. it was a group ride organised by amos trust. amos trust are a wonderful charity who amongst other things support projects in gaza so it has been an intense year for them. several people were raising money for gaza. we rode with a version of polka dot jerseys with watermelons on - a symbol of solidarity and protest for palestine (the colours are the same as the flag).
the first thing to say if that i made it! this is us at tynemouth. it was a great way to get a feel for the landscape of that part of the north of england. the west area of cumbria is really beautiful, the pennines are moody and atmospheric.
i did what felt like some long climbs for me at least. there were a couple of long ones i managed without having to walk at all but a few others were simply too steep so ended up pushing the bike for some of the way! i definitely prefer a downhill it turns out. this photo is the bike while i am having a breather up hartside pass.
i don't actually do a lot of cycling and there are not really any climbs near us so was underprepared but 150 miles later and with some tired legs i was very happy to have completed it. it is actually my second coast to coast in the north of england having done the way of the roses a decade earlier. the only photos i have are on phones though there will be photos to come from amos trust. the one above i think was taken by jen after a slog up one of the climbs but i think it captures the feel of the ride the best or at least my experience of it - wet and knackered and looking forward to a downhill shortly!
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