Tracks n Trails (Northumberland edition)

Tracks n Trails (Northumberland Edition) - 28 miles
Expect to be out for about 4.5-5hrs in total

RIDE/ROUTE DESCRIPTION:
An entirely new route, joining some familiar dots. It mostly uses traffic-free tracks and trails and quiet lanes, but does involve a couple of sections alongside or on a road in order to 'join the dots'.
The route starts with a (new) challenging climb (with some natural points to take a breather) but then that's the hardest bit done and dusted - and it's rewarded with a magnificent view over the landscape!... A couple of gentler hills after that, but reasonably flat otherwise (roughly 1000ft elevation gain altogether).
Cafe stop in Ponteland just under half way. Bring a lock.
Categorised as steady because the pace will be steady and sociable, but note the information about a challenging climb. (we wait for everyone!)...
Suitable for bikes with robust tyres.

Safety information - please read:
* The ride leader needs to be able to perform regular shoulder checks - for this reason, please don't ride too close to the leader's back wheel
* Repeat any calls that you hear or signals that you see (such as arm signals or calls such as ‘stopping’) so that riders behind you know what to expect
* In large groups, if you realise there’s a big gap between you and the person behind you, try and notify the leader.
* Although we don’t leave anyone behind, have a plan to get home if you’re unable to continue with the ride for any reason.
* If you find that we’re close to your home as we get towards the end of the ride, let the leaders know that you’ll be leaving the group.

THE OTHER BORING BUT IMPORTANT BITS....
Please make sure your bike is in working condition PRIOR to arriving for the ride and bring a spare inner tube to fit your tyres (check the valve type too!) and/or a puncture repair kit. The leaders can help you fix a puncture, but only if you have the right size inner tube for your bike or a puncture repair kit!

If the weather is poor, we will contact you if we are cancelling the ride and will do so by putting a message in the ‘conversation’ tab in the ride. You should receive a notification by email if there is a message. If you have not heard from us, we are still riding.

If you book on this ride and then find you have to cancel, please do so as soon as you can so that your place is available to someone else.

The organiser of the ride may take photographs or videos of the ride and riders for publicity purposes. By registering to participate in the ride, you agree that photographic images of you or containing you, may be used by the organiser, sponsors or promoters of the ride for publicity purposes

We look forward to seeing you.

Susan and Wendy