On yer bike: free-wheeling coast to coast in uk’s geordieland this summer

One of the UK’s best loved cycle routes – the Sea to Sea (C2C) – celebrates its 20th anniversary with a three-day anniversary bike-ride

This month one of the UK’s best loved cycle routes – the Sea to Sea (C2C) – celebrates its 20th anniversary. Newcastle-based cycle tour operator Saddle Skedaddle is celebrating with a three-day anniversary bike-ride (24-26 May), in advance of a summer of bike-friendly fun in their home destination.

Andrew Straw, from Saddle Skedaddle, commented; "2014 sees the 20th anniversary of the C2C, Sustrans’ iconic coast to coast cycling journey which starts on the west coast at Whitehaven and ends 140 miles later at Tynemouth after passing through the centre of Newcastle. It’s a must do ride for any cyclist and superb challenge for those new to cycling but with a decent level of fitness.

 "To celebrate this event Saddle Skedaddle and Sustrans are running a cycling break and asking participants to raise some money to ensure the route is kept in tip top condition for the years to come. Just think how you’ll feel after completing the distance having raised some money for this worthwhile cycling charity too."

Some places to park your bike:

The Cycle Hub sits squarely just before the final leg of the C2C in the Ouseburn Valley and is the perfect place for a pit-stop. Enjoy a reviving cuppa and piece of cake before heading to the finish line at Tynemouth. If you’re visiting NewcastleGateshead on a short break, then hire a bike and set about exploring some of the many bike friendly locations across the destination.

Heralded by the New York Times as one of NewcastleGateshead’s most vibrant areas, the Ouseburn is home to a variety of pubs, a city stables, city farm, galleries and venues including Seven Stories, the national centre for children’s books.

A symbol of the area’s cultural regeneration, Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North has been welcoming visitors to the area since 1998. Standing at 20m high, it is seen by more than 33 million people every year passing by road and rail; it’s a must-visit. Striking from a distance, the Angel of the North is most breathtaking up close. bit.ly/1g38fXi

Legend has it that the Tynemouth Castle and Priory is the burial place of kings from the old kingdom of Northumbria, the ruins are steeped in mystery and stand as the first fortifications protecting this section of the North East coast and Newcastle from invaders abroad, and even from the enemy at home during the English Civil War. It’s the perfect place to take in the sea-air and enjoy a well earned ice-cream at the C2C finish line.

Located at the far end of the Keelman cycleway in Newburn, The Keelman Pub is a cyclist’s favourite serving a selection of thirst-quenching real ales many of which have been brewed next door in the Big Lamp Brewery. Join the Keelman Cycleway on Gateshead Quays and head west along the River Tyne.

Visitors to NewcastleGateshead can also enjoy a range of cycling focussed events this summer. The brand new Newcastle Traithalon will take to the starting blocks on 19 July against the iconic backdrop of the NewcastleGateshead quayside. Combining open water swimming in the River Tyne, the route will take participants underneath the Gateshead Millennium Bridge with a quayside cycle circuit and a run that will pass by some of the destination’s most famous sights. Thousands from all over the UK and further afield are expected to turn out to see athletes of all abilities taking part.

The Virgin Money Cyclone, which was founded in the North East in 2007, takes place 19-22 June and welcomes professional and amateur cycling enthusiasts across four days of race events. SkyRide Newcastle also takes place in August.

For more on cycling in and around NewcastleGateshead visit http://www.newcastlegateshead.com/things-to-do/sports-and-activities/cycling

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