After disturbing dreams involving sentient cables chasing me I woke up for what was our last day of proper cycling - a 33 mile trip to Brampton. Although we were in the middle of the countryside far away from major towns we still thought today was going to be the easiest day and a nice … Continue reading Day 6 – From Keilder to Brampton →

After a peaceful night of sleep we both went down to breakfast. Watching the news as we ate, we simultaneously noticed one of the only other two diners making an odd noise. This wasn't a polite cough or burp while eating; instead with every exhale this bloke was making a mad 'Urrrgh' noise. It was … Continue reading Day 5 – Whitley Bay to Keilder →

After breakfasting we headed out in early morning drizzle to be greeted by a very familiar sight; a big hill. We were expecting it and we knew most of the climbing was now behind us as we headed towards the coast. After a few miles we came to one of those famous on-road, off-road signs. … Continue reading Day 4 – Allenheads to Whitley Bay →

After a peaceful nights sleep I went into the bathroom to jump into the shower, only to be greeted by a third room guest - a fucking massive spider. Perched above the shower head like Edgar Allan Poe's raven, it seemed to look at me with it's many eyes as if to say 'You jump … Continue reading Day 3 – Penrith to Allenheads →

After breakfast we packed up and set off to rejoin NCN71. As soon as we left the private road our accommodation was on I took the first wrong turn I could after forgetting how far along we were meant to turn towards the NCN. After waiting for a recycling truck to move out the way … Continue reading Day 2 – Whitehaven to Penrith →

So, it's been a while since the last one but my brother and I finally got around to organising another cycling holiday (or 'off on my jollies' as my wife calls it). This one was to be the longest trip yet and was to incorporate the first coast to coast cycling route developed in the … Continue reading Day 1 – Starting and getting to the start →

Fatherhood is amazing. All of the firsts you get to experience with your child as they grow up. Their first smile. Their first attempt at a crawl. Their first word. Their first tiny wobbly steps. All of that is amazing. But, and this is a big but that no-one really prepares you for, there is … Continue reading Shit →

Peak and off-peak are fairly standard terms to understand regardless of the industry you are talking about. Phone companies used to have it so that you could make cheaper calls after a defined time. Gyms use it these days so that if you can visit outside of the busiest hours you get a small discount. … Continue reading Northern Rail – A simple guide to off-peak travel →