South Shields And Back - March 13th 2009

On the quayside ready for the off...destination SouthShields.

On the way Ian and Jim had a big fight with some fish by the Tyne Tunnel.

This is why we came.....
God bless Toney Minchella................the black horse blogger.

Edit: And now through the wonders of modern technology and a bit of jiggery-pokey, the ride can now be viewed in Google Earth by clicking on the link below and opening the kml file.
The photos can be looked at "in situ" by clicking on the numbered photo links.

• View the route in Google Earth

The Penshaw Round--6th march 2009

Todays riders are Jim, Duncan and Chris, big Ian is working today but took Duncan for a mudbath yesterday in Chopwell woods. Here we are having a breather at the bottom of Penshaw hill.

Nice climb to the top of the track and we come out just under monument. Its a copy of a greek temple and can be seen for miles around, the view from the top is fantastic but we decide to go back down to the riverside.
on the way down Jim meets a friendly horse.....here they are deep in conversation.

Nice descent down to the river at Cox Green, a real nice place surrounded by woods and parkland

End of the ride near Beamish. and Chris decides to ride the Lampton Worm...the mad fool

see you next ride...the black horse blogger.

A great day for steam.

1st feb 2009 and here is A1 Pacific 60163 Tornado resplendent in her new livery of apple green. She is taking on water at Tyne Yard after pulling the "Peppercorn Poineer" from York to Newcastle and preparing for the return run to York.

if you want to know more click on the link

60163 tornado steam engine

27/2/2009...Brancpeth to Barnard Castle

Ready for the off...Ian has brought his best safety hat...Duncan checks he still has two wheels.

Bishop Auckland already, and Ian decides to pollute the horses water...

Jim and Duncan take time out for a Jelly Baby break.....sugar rush needed.

Jim in full sail on the old railway line to Bishop Aukland...not far now.

Oh dear, Ian has a puncture ....that's stopped us in our tracks.....it's starting to get dark now so we decide to turn back for home. At least a lesson has been learned from the previous week and we all have lights.

All this bike riding makes you hungry, so a pit stop is needed........

Well thats all for this ride, till the next one bye bye........

The Black Horse Blogger.