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Not only did riders in Saturday’s  TVCC North Pennine Sportive take on the spectacular and rugged terrain of the North Pennines, but also the June weather – a steady downpour which continued throughout the day.  The conditions failed to dampen spirits and the enthusiasm for the stunning rides through the North Pennine countryside.

One hundred riders entered for the three rides, with an almost equal split between the two longer distance rides of 75 and 45 miles respectively, and just a handful entering the 15 mile family ride around Derwent Reservoir. However, the rather bleak forecast put off 35 riders who did not start and a number of last minute entries for the family ride failed to materialise.

The first riders set off from Blanchland shortly after 8 am and most were away by 9 am. The route took both  Advanced and Intermerdiate rides north-east towards Derwent Reservoir and then off to Minsteracres, Slaley Hall, Juniper, Hexham Racecourse and Catton, where, just before Allendale, the first checkpoint was located.

Conveniently alongside the checkpoint was an excellent tea room and a number of riders  enjoyed a respite from the rain by taking an early lunch. The hardier riders forged on after the checkpoint, with those on the  Intermediate route, turning left into Allendale and then on to Allenheads, Rookhope and then the steep climb up to Hunstanworth Moor before the welcome freewheel down to Baybridge  and home to Blanchland.

For those on the longer ride, the weather deteriorated on the climb up through Carrshield  to Blackhill above Nenthead. Thereafter there it was a relatively easy run up the upper Wear valley to the second checkpoint  just before Alston and then on a left turn  down  Teesdale to  Langdon Beck . However , those expecting it to be downhill all the way were in for a surprise with a challenging little climb coming  before the run down to the Langdon Beck turn.

Here again a surprise!  Another unexpected  climb before the descent to the Langdon beck and then on to one of the major challenges of the event with the three  mile climb up to Chapel Fell.  Thereafter a steep downhill section to St John’s Chapel , followed by the run along the south side of the Wear valley to Stanhope and the final challenge – Crawleyside!

Crawleyside is well known to local riders as one of, if not the steepest climbs in County Durham.  Coming after  65 tough miles in inclement conditions, it certainly felt as though it must be the steepest in the North of England

Eventually,  the summit  at Parkhead Station and the final fast undulating section across Stanhope Common – with just a hint of the glorious views to be seen in clear weather –  and down into Baybridge and the finish at Blanchland.

The organisers at TVCC have been pleased with the enthusiastic response to the rides, particularly positive comments about the spectacular and challenging routes. Thanks for all the e-mails, and your encouragement to run the event again. We also take on board the lessons learnt with regards to route signing and keeping track of riders who go ‘off route’.  We would welcome any further suggestions and your individual reports on the event. Please direct any such comments  to me: jeremyeliot@btconnect.com

Thanks to all of you who took part in this first North Pennine Challenge, in spite of  the awful conditions, and made this such a memorable event.

We would also like to thank club members who helped on the day, notably Jim, Peter, Terry and Mike, who also braved the conditions but didn’t participate in the climbing to keep them warm. Finally, particular thanks are due to our partner, David Grey of Chain Events North East, who contributed massively to the organisation of the event.

We look forward to seeing you again next year.

Jeremy Eliot

Final Ride Times Ride ‘A’ 75 miles

Final Ride Times Ride ‘B’ 45 miles

Posted in Events.