Packed up as usual. I carry nightshirt, tooth brush, staving soap and brush. Arthur takes with him razor, sponge, night shirt, tooth brush, brush and comb (small). Fairly fine outside but cold. Had breakfast. Peevish little man wanted to know if his bacon was alright. started off out of town by 9.35. Market day evidently by the number of vehicles in the village. Oiled up and cleaned outside.
North Allerton - Darlington
10.0 - 12.0 = 16 miles
Total (day) 16
Total 279
Rate 8 miles an hour
Started once more. Did not feel very fit owing to saddle soreness and foot rests () would keep sliding down. Past several little villages, and went through Croft the great mineral watering place. Met several people walking up the hill having taken or with the intention of taking the waters. Hope they like it. Went over an ancient kind of bridge, and then followed a shallow stream which I well remember from the 1890 tour. The road by Darlington bad, that I remember to. Did not stop more than a few minutes in Darlington its self but went in to a public house, meeting a number of men coming out of the works.
Drling ton - Durham
12.30 - 2.40 20 miles
Total (day) 36
Total 299
Roads undulating. N. E. R. on our right. Went down a steep incline and straight on instead of turning on corner and was promptly called back by Arthur. Rode up most of the long hill near Durham. Arrived in that City about 2.40. Found a wedding party at the Three Tunns so decided not to go there. Finally we had a smashing lunch of duck at the Royal County Hotel where a very impatient little man amused us not a little. After lunch we witnessed the marriage festivities. The bridegroom was kindness it slf, he thew coppers to the admiring crowd (duty {?} > Naturally enough his kindness was amply rewarded in that he had no peace so long as he remained in Durham. We then walked about the Wear opposite the Cathedral and heard the bell going for Evensong, what reminded us that we ought to be making a move which we did accordingly.
Durham - Sunderland
4.20 - 6.15 = 13 miles
total day 49
Total 312
Rate 6 3/4 miles an hour.
Long rough hill to walk up and soon found ourselves considerably above the Cathedral Good view on the left with a monument on the summit of a hill. Houghton Le Spring to walk up. Could ride if we liked. First sight of the sea. Ran into Sunderland. Very busy place, Had tea at a shop where was a nice looking girl with her young man. Started aft er half an hours rest.
Sunderland - South Shields
6.50 - 7.30 7 miles
total (day 56)
Total 319
Rate 10 1/2 miles an hour.
Passed over the Weir. Very much like the Tyne only on a smaller scale.
Enquired our way, when a cyclist said he was going there so went with him. We took him along at a good pace, the roads being fair. Met heaps of cyclists mostly ladies. Soon reached the outskirts of South Shields and made our way to the ferry. Caught the 7.45 boat and landed at North Sields at 8.0.
North Shields - Tynemoth
8.0 - 8.20 2 miles
Total (day) 58
Total 321
Rate 6 miles an hour.
Walked to the tram lines. Passed the low lights. Very bumpy and kept clear of tram lines for fear of hot cinders. Arrived at Tynemouth and soon found out Harry’s house but found that he had gone to meet us. Waited til he came in. Changed and had supper. Saw quite plainly the wreck on the black Middens. Turned in late and went to bed with Arthur again as my bedfellow and this ended our ride upt to Tynemouth, one of the most enjoyable rides I have ever had. No punctures no unnecessary delays and mostly all fresh scenery.
Miles in the day 58
Total miles seen 321
Average daily run 64 1/2
Average rate per hour 8 1/2
(Exclusive of stoppages for meals.)
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