Resting in York

Thursday, June 06, 2024
York, England, United Kingdom
Greg and I had a good rest day in Edinburgh, then headed out Sunday to a place called Seahouses, in the UK, sadly leaving Scotland behind.  It was a long 80 mile day, with over 3700 ft. of climbing; some people claimed 5000 ft.  It was a really beautiful ride, especially the one really long climb that took us above the tree line, which in the area we were in was something under 2000 ft.  It was really gorgeous, and the top was a great place for our morning snack, where we could gaze over the wild landscape of grasses, rocks, and pretty little white flowers.  It made us glad to be alive and able to enjoy such a glorious spot!  Of course, the hotel and a beer were certainly welcome that night!  
On our ride that day we crossed over the Union Chain Bridge, which crosses over the River Tweed, the dividing line between Scotland and England.  The bridge opened in 1820, and was the longest wrought iron suspension bridge in the world at the time.  It is now the oldest suspension bridge still carrying vehicle traffic.  The designer of the bridge was a Navy officer who first designed experimental wrought iron chains to use on ships as a replacement for hemp ropes.  He eventually got a patent on his chains.  Since he didn't know anything about masonry, he had a co-designer do all the masonry work.  I just thought this was an interesting tidbit!
Our 2nd day of riding, on Monday, from Seahouses to Newcastle, was 55 miles and much less climbing, along pretty, quiet farm roads, with occasional busy towns.   The farm houses and outbuildings are mostly made of a honey-colored stone, or sometimes brick, and are just lovely.  We were passed by several "honey wagons", but to balance that out, we rode by miles of Queen Anne's lace, with their sweet smell permeating the air.  It was a sunny day, the warmest yet at a high of 69, and we actually had to use sunscreen for the first time.  I struggled with the headwinds a little in the afternoon, but I guess I was just tired.
Then, Monday night, I got really, really sick.  I thought it was food poisoning.  We decided to stay in Newcastle an extra night since I felt too sick to be in the van, then on the 2nd day we took a train directly to York, where we are now, for a scheduled rest day.  Then, Greg got sick last night, so clearly not food poisoning!  I'm just hoping we haven't infected anyone else, although we have kept some distance.  I'm still pretty weak but am hoping to ride tomorrow (Friday), although I can always take the van in from lunch.  The train was only 1 hour - it was a high speed train, and made 5 stops between Newcastle and York, which I think is around 80 miles.  It was very smooth and quiet!
I hope next time you hear from me we are both back to full speed!

Comments

Drex
2024-06-06

Looks wonderful!

Eve
2024-06-06

Test

Yvonne
2024-06-06

Sorry to hear about you guys being sick. Hope you are well soon and can enjoy York which is so pretty. See you soon

Muriel
2024-06-06

Aaww so sorry to hear you're both sick...I hope you recovery quickly and are able to get back on your bikes soon. Take care xx

Bill
2024-06-06

Be well!

Marge
2024-06-06

Your pictures and stories are great ..you do such a good job but you both feel better so you can enjoy..be safe

Marcia
2024-06-06

John will be interested in the Union Chain Bridge. Amazing! Hope you both feel better soon.

Gail
2024-06-06

Hope you’re both feeling better! Enjoy the rest of the ride.

Bryan
2024-06-06

All my best wishes for a quick and complete recovery. Tummy bugs are no fun!

Shannon
2024-06-06

Such a fabulous trip, we’re blown away with what you guys are doing, in all these amazing bike rides. Wow the pictures are amazing and the stories are so interesting. Hope you both are feeling better soon and back out on your bikes!

sally k
2024-06-07

YIKES. I love that part of England, Edinburgh, down to York. When I was dating my English friend, I spent four summers in Yorkshire and fell in love with it. I hope to return soon

Patti
2024-06-07

Beautiful country. So green. I hope that you both get well soon.

Michael D
2024-06-08

Glad you had the option to take the train. Hope you all feel better and can ride soon.

Frank McFee
2024-06-09

You are a great photographer. I love the pictures and dialog. Get well soon.

2025-02-12

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