Coast to Coast Day3
It took me a while to leave Allenshead. The ‘Full English Breakfast’ provided by the Inn was just that- full. I also had a chat with a fellow retiree in Canberra by Skype. We all have too much time to chat.
I head west out of the town. It was a slow steady climb. At the top of a hill I came across a Dutch couple carrying even more stuff then me, including a BOB Trailer. They were heading East and hoped to do the whole route in 3 Days. Who knows what they were carrying for such a short time in the road.
At certain points on Route 7 you have the option of ‘On Road ‘ or ‘Off Road’. Given my bike was originally a Mountain Bike, I am inclined to take the ‘Off Road’ option. Yesterday that was not the best idea. Not put off, I tried to give the ‘Off Road’ option another go. As it turned out it wasn’t too bad as I descended into the village below.
The village had two things important to me – a bike shop where I was able to get a bolt to fix my front pannier rack, and a pub, for food and an Ale.
Being Heaps by some Geordies
In the pub I came across a group of blokes from Newcastle (Geordies) riding West to East. I got into a conversation with one of the blokes.
He then went over to his mates and the following ensured (the translation is included):
Geordie 1: This lad (bloke) has come from Allenshead on the Off Road track.
Geordie 2: He is daft bugger (he is a silly bloke)
Geordie 1: He is an Oz (Australian)
Geordie 2: I understand then
All Geordies: Ha Ha Ha !!!!
Geordie 1: And his Dar was a Makem (his father came from Sunderland)
Geordie 2: I doubly understand then
All Geordies: Ha Ha Ha !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On to Penrith
After being seriously sledged by these Pommie Bastards, I headed on to Penrith. The weather was good and the countryside beautiful.
Flickr Link
Garmin Link
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/545867610
Where did the term Mackem Come from?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mackem
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