Sunday, 16 September 2018: Pedalling for a Pal
Entry fee will be £10 per person all of which will go directly to the benefit fund. The aim is to get as much sponsorship and donations as possible so please collect as much as you can and we will be holding raffles and other collections on the day.
Entry forms will available from Mean-Eyed Cat or by email pub@meaneyedcat.co.uk from Wed 8 Aug
Brought to you by the organisers of the Original Rock & Roll Bike Ride.
Further details:
It costs £10 to join the ride and for that you get a cup cake with tea or coffee at the start, a pint of real ale, refreshments in Rowlands Gill and food back at Mean-Eyed Cat. Plus, the sense of achievement from a great cycle ride and the pride from knowing that you’ve done your bit for this very worthwhile cause.
This is not a race; it’s a pleasant bike ride with nice stopping off points. The aim is to have fun and raise funds – not to be the first back at the pub!
Please make sure your bike is useable and in good fettle. If you’re borrowing a bike please make sure you’ve checked it over and tried it out well before the ride. Remember it’s you that will have to push it if it’s a bum steer! On the ride there will be a member of our group that will have tools, puncture kits, spare tubes and a kiss better if you fall off. Please remember to bring a lock to secure your bike at the various stopping off points and for back at Mean-Eyed Cat
~Itinerary~
11:00 Meet at Mean-Eyed Cat, St Thomas Street Newcastle for cuppas and cup cakes
11:30 Set off along Percy Street, Blackett Street then down Grey Street and Dean Street to the Swing Bridge where we’ll cross to the Gateshead side of the river. Turn right and follow the cycle path west. Follow along The Staithes turning left after the bridge at the end then a right onto the A1114 St Omers road. After Mandela Way take a left at the traffic lights then a right onto Cycle Route 14 along past the Metrocentre. When you reach where the Derwent joins The Tyne stay this side of the Derwent and turn left. Go under the road bridge and join Longrigg Road.
12:15 Arrive at The Sun Inn for much needed refreshments. The pub is on the left, at the end of Longrigg Road as it joins Market Lane.
12:45 Leave The Sun Inn being extremely careful as we join the B6317 Hexham Road through Swalwell towards Blaydon Rugby Club. Turn left into Derwent Walk Country Park and back onto the Derwent Walk cycle route 14 all the way to Rowlands Gill. There are a couple of slight inclines but nothing too difficult. Once you leave the cycle path be careful as you join the edge of the A694, stay left and cross over Burnopfield Road. You will see a park to the left and The Vale of Derwent Club on your right.
13:15 Arrive at The Vale of Derwent Club where we have been assured a warm welcome. Much needed refreshments will be available to purchase and some snacks will be provided. If it’s a nice day we intend to stay here for up to an hour. Those looking for some real ale can take a short walk up to the Railway micropub.
14:00-14:15 Leave The Vale of Derwent Club. Retrace our route back onto the Derwent Walk heading back to Newcastle. When we reach the small bridge after the viaduct turn left and follow the route by the small lake leading to The Red Kite
14:30 Optional Stop at The Red Kite – If it’s a nice day there are seats outside and drinks can be purchased inside the pub. The second option is to follow the cycle route 14 to The Skiff in (this is more of a halfway point)
15:00 Set off from The Skiff back onto the cycle path keeping the Tyne on your right and head slightly further west to Scotswood Bridge. Cross the river at Scotswood Bridge being extremely cautious of the traffic. (best to walk your bike across on the footpath) On the north side of the river use the foot/cycle bridge to cross Scotswood Road then turn right to join the cycle path east towards Newcastle. When the cycle path ends join the cycle lane along Scotswood Road all the way to St James’ Boulevard. Turn left onto St James’ Boulevard (careful of the traffic) and then either along past St James’ Park or along Percy Street.
16:00 Back at Mean-Eyed Cat for great ale, food, raffles, fun and cupcakes!!!