21 September 2014

Road ride today - Old Durham Beast Route

The sun finally came out this morning and there was no drizzle or mist so it was time for a road ride. Watching the Beast riders last Sunday got me thinking its about time i rode some of the route again so that was the plan. We did the old route that they used from County Hall to the back way out of Sacriston then upto Broomhouse Farm (same as the 25mile Big ride) then we followed the route. When we came to the junction of the new extension we turned right and followed the old route. The wind was blowing strong by the time we got upto Tow Law way but still a lovely morning. Tow Law old bus turning point was our first stop for a drink & bar but soon chilled with the wind so it was time for more miles. Angus missed off the East Hedleyhope loop and went straight down to the Hedleyhope nature reserve and waited for me. From there is was over to Satley, Angus was goosed by now so he missed the small Butsfield loop, its a killer of climb at the top to come back onto the Quebec road. From there only four steady climbs back home. It was clouding over and went dark but it kept dry. I got did 51 miles with 5150ft climbing, yes thats why its called the BEAST! did stop for many photos but heres a few -  
A the top of the second climb heading for Broomhouse Farm/Tow Law

Climb up into Iveston Village - its steep after the hairpin.



Turning right here to head for the A68 then towards Wolsingham

Top of the singletrack road (new tarmac all the way now!) @ Thornley before the second climb upto Tow Law

Rest at the old Bus turning circle, Tow Law

Top of the steep climb on Ragpath Lane before to get to Quebec

I was blowing like an old Steam Train at this point

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