Janet’s J.O.G.L.E. Diary
Day 31 19th May Durham to Rudby
Sunny day after misty start, got through Middlesbrough by avoiding it! Great rail track (NCN1) through to Stockton.
(Thorpe Thewlis station tea rooms, first Cornish pasty).
Lot of water about more like riding down a canal from Haswell. Left the NCN1 after confusion with GPS route and signs but followed City bike route through to Maltby to pick up route but also avoided that by going straight to Hilton – accommodation not forthcoming there or next stop at Hutton Rudby – directed by publican (sometimes this is slightly annoying as our route and distances are misunderstood) to Swan House B&B and caravan park by A19. Nice spot and room though and nice owners. Contacted Gordon and Sandy who came to meet us here for drinks after supper. Laundry done. . Rang Margaret and David. (Today, we had another John moment after I spotted old number plate on verge saying “John”)
Log: 1128,05kms Trip: 63,50kms Time: 4:30:39 Av.speed 14.07kph
Day 32 20th May Rudby to Alne
Very damp misty start – had to take glasses off to see more clearly – fairly hard climbs on to Moors. Horrid stoney track through Codbeck Reservoir and Over Stilton Moor. Met another cyclist in Over Stilton who took photo – he was trying to encourage friends to go touring. Lunch – shared platter in pub in Felixkirk. I was getting very tired, but on to Kilburne and tea in Mouseman’s teashop. Pub looked good for B&B but too early to stop so on to Easingwold. George PH did rooms but full – kindly arranged “POD” at the Alders Caravan Park. A new experience.
This was much better than pitching tent in rain!
Bought supper in Co-op and pedalled on to Alne. £10 donation to charity – we only paid £26 in stead of £36 for the POD. This is better than putting up the tent, but a bit pricey for camping!!
Log: 1185.83kms Trip: 57.77kms Time: 5:41:14 Av.speed: 12.32kph
Day 33 21st May Alne to Saltmarshe
Pod good – rain in night, so no wet tent to pack! Left 9-ish. South Yorkshire is definitely flat (Vale of York) Longest distance and time. Liked York.
Good ride through York
NCN65 great all the way to Selby. Planet “artwork” and recycled machinery sculptures and seating. Coffee by river in pricey twee coffee shop. Saw first narrow boats. B&B very scarce. Another good but slightly rougher river track from Selby to Cliffe. Flat so got the average up a bit. Getting a bit desperate for B&B, pubs not doing any and many even shut. Narrow track across grassland to river path with some odd gates to Barnetby Barrage. 2 dog walkers suggested B&B at Saltmarshe – got number from pub in Laxton and off route about 2k. This was Appletree Cottages, farm set up (£73) but very welcoming (also do cottages). No evening meal but we had snacked all day including bacon sandwich at Naburn Station. Great little cafe, (also hostel £20ppn 07807055934) – young chap “running” it only being doing so a week said he had been the gardener!
Log: 1263,45kms Trip: 77,62kms Time: 5:08:25 Av.speed: 15,09kph
Day 34 22nd May Saltmarshe to Barnetby-le-Wold
Pretty good flat run to Ellerker; chat on Weighton Lock with lone cyclist and with 4 coast-to-coasters at Elloughton (shopped) Going well until North Ferriby riverside track signed “closed to cyclists” (and pedestrians?) Made an attempt after chat with dog walker – then next barrier more definite – walkers can get along river wall – natter with 2 ladies; Gerry’s investigation revealed “Not with our bikes”. Took recommended diversion, not so bad and crossed the Humber bridge, good path bit hilly out of Barton-on-Humber and more undulations on NCN1 entering Lincolnshire. Hotel at railway station – bit off route and might be a drag out in morning.
Log: 1324,09kms Trip: 60,63kms Time: 4:02:16 Av.speed: 15,01kph
Day 35 23rd May Barnetby-le-Wold to Lincoln
Left Barnetby-le-Wold (Not the best pub – cramped room, not en suite and bathroom pretty poor) under threatening clouds – ride out not too bad then a cross-country stint – had to shelter once. Shopped for lunch in Great Limber – potted history from shop-keeper then I broke link in chain – my personal mechanic fixed it!!! Took shorter alternate route avoiding Bealsby. Pretty hilly then hail storm while lunching in “green space” at Thoresway. Climb to second hailstorm on B1225. Blinked and missed Market Rasen and into Lincoln by 1530ish; took Yarborough Road and Crescent and found Mayfield B&B – bikes in garage. Nice room with great view across Lincolnshire. Walked into City Centre; ‘ last 4 minutes of opening’ look into Cathedral (will probably come back for a longer look one day) and then found to CAMRA beer festival, long walk and decided not to go in (too expensive) so went to Pizza Express instead. Still showery – Newark tomorrow?
Log: 1391,47kms Trip: 67,37kms Time: 4:21:03 Av.speed: 15,48kph
Day 36 24th May Lincoln to Newark
Very wet and windy as forecast. Left 930ish and pedalled into weather. Lots of boats on river below Lincoln. Fishing for gloves dropped in stream at 20k stop. Met LEJOG couple on the road – harder for them as wind was N-NW-W. Good slog and made Newark about 1230. Met Susan (Carole & Keith’s next-door-neighbour) and collected keys. Snack lunch. Still very windy but bit drier.
Washing, contacted Margaret, booked hotel in Melton Mowbray. Beer and Skittles with Pete.
Log: 1439,31kms Trip: 38,83kms Time: 2:25:00 Av. speed: 16.07kph
Day 37 25th May Newark
“Fettling” day in Newark. Topped up phone. Walked by river – coffee by the Lock. Lesley called in on Fish Duty – cups of tea. Text from Alison. Sunny day; washing dried outside.
