JANUARY
A new webmaster for 2026, and a resolution to try and post more club blog posts in 2026.
On 10/11th January the National CX champs were held at Gypsies Green by our friends at @southshieldsvelocc . The fight for the national stripes…
We had a number of our riders involved across the weekend. Special mention must go to our CX Queen Caroline Cunningham who finished 4th in her category – well done Caroline !
Club rides – the weather has continued to disappoint in January lots of rain ! Only 1 Sunday ride was possible this month, and midweek rides were also cancelled. However some of our dirtbags have continued to make it out on Monday nights, despite the mud and wet.
Finally, some of our members had a weekend over in Benidorm to watch the the UCI world cup cyclocross racing. Sounded like a great trip, and definitely a good idea given the weather in the UK.
FEBRUARY
Weekend rides have included Saturday visits to Pedalling Squares to watch the CX World Champs, Bowes & Tanfield railway, along with the restart of the Breakfast Blast/Bimble. Sundays have seen the return of the Sunday Club Run (SCR) and we visited the Cheese Farm near Dinnington early in the month and Matfen last weekend – thanks to a gap in the rain.
Zwifting has also continued to be popular – 6 of our riders have been participating in the weekly CTT Winter Zwift series which has been great motivation to keep fitness levels up in the winter. Well done Jamie, Niall, Matt, Mark, Martin and Adam.
Aside from cycling – a number of our members were at Wylam Brewery on Tues 17th Feb – to see cycling commentator Ned Boulting in conversation with journalist Harry Pearson. Beer and cycling chat – a good time was had by all.
Last but not least – members have been consistently out riding their bikes solo as well as on club rides – or in Stanner’s case, falling off their bikes (see photo below )
MARCH
Rides have started getting good numbers once again. A reminder of our current schedule of weekly rides. All midweek rides are evening starts.
NTR RIDE SCHEDULE
– Monday – Gravel / Local Wagonways ride, approx. 20-25 miles. Suitable for Gravel/CX Bikes and MTB
– Tuesday – Tuesday Night Training, our main club road ride of the week. No-Drop ride concentrating on group riding. Should be the start point for new riders to the club. Approx 20 mile loop. Road bikes only (or gravel bikes with road tyres)
– Wednesday – Starting mid-April, Guidepost Trot/Gallop, a fast (drop) ride, but with defined pace groups. Approx 25 miles. Minimum 16mph average speed – note this ride is not really suitable for new ridersto the club as group riding experience is needed. Road Bikes Only.
– Thursday – Peters Hills – a local road ride taking in the nearby hills of Royal Quays & North Shields fish quay. All abilities welcome. A good second point for new riders after TNT.
– Saturday – Varied mix of Gravel or Road rides usually posted – often both offered. Routes will depend on time of year & conditions, but usually 40-60 miles ending with post ride pub stop
Sunday – Sunday Club Ride. Social ride on road bikes – usually around 40-60 miles heading into Northumberland. Pace groups based on expected attendees but usually 15mph average upwards. No Drop ride that always includes a cafe stop. Suitable for Road Bikes / Gravel bike with road tyres fitted.