In Search of Sir Bobby Robson

In search of Sir Bobby Robson
Sun 30th January 10.30am
Start outside Ebike shop, Framwellgate Moor DH1 5AU
Distance c21miles


This ride leaves from outside the e-bike shop where parking and a Greggs is conveniently situated. The route starts on the flat towards Waldridge Fell along the A167 and as we wind our way to Edmondsley, the beautiful hills that surround Durham will be viewed. We then head towards Sacriston and see the birthplace of our famous Knight of the realm. Downhill towards Witton Gilbert brings us to Langley Park and we see the terrace house where he lived with his family. We will visit his gravestone before tackling the easy gradient to Quebec which affords fine views to Lanchester. A ride passing the medieval village of Esh we note the location of his house he lived in for many years before buying his last home, Urpeth Hall. The ride takes us down to the Deerness valley which we follow back to Aldin Grange where we climb up Toll House Road.

The route is varied and interesting and will include a commentary of the life of Sir Bobby Robson. A somewhat hilly ride and a mix of on and off road. The road sections are mainly quiet and the off road sections good quality.  

Sir Bobby was born in Sacriston near Durham, became a professional footballer at aged 15 and played for Fulham and West Bromwich Albion. He was capped for England x times as a striker scoring goals. He retired and moved into management, firstly with Fulham and then more successfully with Ipswich Town. There he won the FA Cup in 1974 the UEFA Cup in 1975 and in the nine years he was manager Ipswich never finished lower than 6th in the first division. He became England’s manager taking them to the quarterfinals of the World Cup in 1986 and to the semifinals in Italia 90 where the lions lost to West Germany and a penalty shootout. He then had further managerial success with Porto, Barcelona and his home club Newcastle United. After a long battle with cancer he died in 2009. He was a much loved and celebrated elder statesman of the football world whilst of the pitch he was charismatic, friendly, trustworthy and highly regarded, particularly in his native the north east, where he was idolised

Our recommendation is a hybrid bike although anything but a skinny road bike will do the job. Any children should be over 10 years as there are some road sections needing particular care. Under 16s must wear a helmet. Please come prepared for winter weather with plenty of clothes including gloves and bring a spare inner tube for your tyres. Also make sure you’ve got front and back lights in case light conditions are poor. As the weather is unpredictable at this time of year we may alter the ride slightly or start later if conditions are not great.  We will keep you posted if there’s a change of plan by 8am on the morning of the ride so please keep an eye on your emails. For any last minute cancellations on the day please text 07708327943 (note this phone is only for the day of the ride) otherwise use the option to cancel when you log in to letsride.co.uk. 

In order for the ride to leave promptly, please be punctual so we can carry out bike checks, etc. prior to us setting off. Make sure your bike is in working condition and bring a spare tube to fit your tyres. We should be out for about 3 hours but as always it is difficult to be precise about timing. There will be the option to stop for a cuppa in Langley Park (venue to be confirmed) and there is Greggs at the beginning and end of the ride.

Hope you can join us for a fun and friendly ride. If you want any more information email us at [email protected].
Audrey and Ken

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We never leave anyone behind