First weekend event of 2023 28th April to 1st May saw 11 of us on 6 bikes base ourselves at the George Hotel, Chollerford Nr Hexham. Traveling up from The Mount in Orrell through Gisburn, to the Hotel doing part of the 250 on the Friday. The weather was kind to us and some great riding.
On the Saturday with the weather still playing ball we rode the bulk of the route, anticlockwise through some rolling hills to the Coast at Craster for a coffee stop. Following the coast up to Seahouses, past the impressive Bamburgh Castle and onto Holy Island where fortunately the tide was out so we crossed the causeway and had a lunch stop. The afternoon saw us ride up to Berwick where we said goodbye to Jim who was on his way to do the NC500. We then turned inland and head towards the Kielder forest via a little bit of Scotland. Just as we got to some lovely roads the heavens decided to treat us to a downpour which somewhat slowed us down for safety. As we passed through the village of Kielder itself it was suddenly dry as a bone gain and we headed back to our hotel.
Monday saw us don wet gear as it was pretty miserable and although we planned on a leisurely ride over the tops to Barnard Castle it was decided to complete the 250 and head straight for home as riding conditions weren’t good.
Despite the rain it was a brilliant weekend with great company, many laughs, good food and a few drinks. Excellent views, good riding on sweeping roads that weren’t busy in a lovely part of the world. Thanks to everyone for making it a great time.