Ride Darlo - Choo Choo! (Group 1)

Join us as we ride to visit the National Railway Museum at Shildon! This special ride takes a mixed terrain route, heading north out of Darlington towards Newton Aycliffe then following alongside the railway line to get to Locomotion, the NRM at Shildon. After some train spotting and a break, the return route brings us back via Great Stainton and Sadberge on our return to the Beefeater.

This ride is classed as a CHALLENGING ride which is around 30 miles in total. The ride is undulating, with a few hill climbs. The ride is mixed terrain, including roads, cycleways and some light trails – road bikes are not suitable for this ride. It is suitable for riders who are comfortable sustaining around 10mph avg. and can continually cycle for around 1 ½ hours each way. The stopover is usually around 30 mins-1 hour. Bear in mind these times are a guide and the ride can take longer.

https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/2231089288

Note: Locomotion has a cafe, but you should bring along your own drinks and snacks, just in case we can't get seated or social distancing wouldn't be possible. There is outdoor seating so we can have a picnic as a group.

The Covid-19 pandemic has introduced challenges and new procedures that must be followed in order to reduce the spread of the virus. From 4th July 2020, the guidance for Ride Darlo rides is as follows:

• You must not attend a ride if you have Covid-19 symptoms, have someone in your household who does and is in the extremely vulnerable category, or if you or anyone you live with have been asked to remain at home by the UK Government track and trace system.
• Do not use public transport to get to/from rides.
• All rides are restricted to a maximum of 6 people (including leaders). This is adhering to current government guidelines and as such, is a firm restriction. If you arrive on the day and have not registered in advance, you will be turned away if this takes the group size over 6.
• Rides must include social distancing at all times – stay 2 meters apart from other riders unless you are from the same household.
• In line with government guidelines, masks or face coverings are not required if social distancing is maintained. At this stage, using face masks or coverings is a personal choice but it should not restrict breathing.
• Rides will not always include café stopping points (as these may not be available). Bring along your own snacks and drinks to sustain yourself on the ride.
• Always ride single file.
• Do not share belongings (especially food or drinks) with other riders. Remember to bring equipment to keep yourself healthy, independent and clean – e.g. hand sanitiser, puncture repair kit, gloves (these are not mandatory). Try to wear sunglasses / safety glasses as Covid can ingress through eyes as well as mouth and nose.
• Refresh your memory on biking maintenance basics – you should be prepared to fix your own punctures and repair your own bike without assistance.
• Always remember to bring a charged and working mobile phone, plus a means of paying for sustenance or services should you need them.
• If you develop Covid-19 symptoms after a ride, you should notify the ride leader as soon as possible so that other members of the group can be advised.