Alex lead the ride through Weardale and Allendale to Hadrian’s Wall and a lunch stop at Twice Brewed Inn, where he had reserved tables for us. They are used to people coming in dripping wet from visiting the wall, walking the Hadrian’s Wall Path and the Pennine Way. Today was not a good day for riding. Alex had planned a wet weather alternative – just in case it rained. So he made full use of that, rather than climbing over the moors which were shrouded in thick mist.
Alex, Dave, Peter, Eric, Mick, John & Sue, Alan, Geoff, John were all out to test just how waterprrof their gear was. The biggest problem was visibility. The fine rain – scotch mist – didn’t seem to fall – it just hug there and you just rode through it. It proved very difficult to clear and at anything less than about 40mph the visor would mist up as well.

But on the open road the airflow cleared the mist was more effective at blasting the visor clean. And then somewhere just before Durham Services, it stopped. Suddenly the roads were dry, the visor clear and the ride to Northallerton and Leeming Bar was delightful. 166 miles plus the ride to the start at Sedbury Layby and the ride home from Leeming Bar.

A grand day out. Many thanks to Alex for leading and identifying the stopping places and booking the Twice Brewed Inn, and to Dave for Back Marking and accompanying Alex on the recce.