Ready to go

Some months ago I started planning a cycling adventure that would mean riding to Vienna using the cycle route along the Danube. Well the result of that exercise is shown below, 10 days to travel the 200 miles from Passau to Vienna, 7 days in the saddle with 3 days of stopovers, one staying on a vineyard.

Simple maths tells you that I only cycle between 25-30 miles a day as I subscribe to the Ethos of a Dutch bike, that when it comes to cycling, riding a bicycle should be fun, enjoying the journey as much as reaching your destination. 
By far the greatest benefit of riding this style, is wearing what you like when you like. Sit-up-and-ride allowing you to enjoy the views as you roll by, and share a pleasant conversation with your riding partner, as opposed to being drooped over the handlebars looking at the ground, where the simple act of lifting your head becomes a painful chore. There's no need for you to dress up in lycra. Wear what you like, pop into a coffee shop or a pub for a quick pint, not looking like someone who'd lost their way from the local 10 mile charity run.
The ferry sails next week on the 26th so drop by here to see how I get on.

Terrific Teeside

Isn't it funny how the coincidence of three completely unconnected events come together to create something special.

A really handy application I use for planning outings using public transport has just started beta testing an extension that will allow you to plan cycle routes in England, and hey ho, they have now included Teeside.

I have always wanted to see the Edwardian engineering marvel and star of the remake of Auf Wiedersehen Pet, the Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge, and, I had discussed with Sylvia a ride to test some gear before the Danube cycling trip at the end of the month, so it seemed like a great idea to plan a cycle ride to cross the Tees on the Transporter Bridge.

Sylvia at New Marske

The Transport Direct, cycle route planner* soon had calculated a useful route from Saltburn by the Sea to Seaton Carew in no time at all, and had worked out a bus timetable and connections to get us from the finish to Saltburn for the start of the 24 mile ride. All we had to do was drive to the finishing point, catch the bus to the starting point and begin our adventure.

The route was a mixture of quiet urban streets, country lanes and pathways in public parks, conveniently passing a number of excellent village pubs where one could stop for the occasional refreshment, and, the highlight of a trip, a crossing on the bridge.

An wonderful days ride in the sunshine, finished off with freshly cooked seaside fish and chips at Seaton Carew.

Brilliant.

Opened in 1911 the longest transporter bridge in the world.

* http://www.transportdirect.info/Web2/JourneyPlanning/FindCycleInput.aspx?cacheparam=4&repeatingloop=Y