Week ending, Saturday 1st August 2026 (32.16 miles)

Monday, 27th July 2026

9.70 miles. Two vintage 1947 pensioners riding a Hase Pino Steps, semi-recumbent tandem. Warm 21C, but, with a really brisk wind from the West. We tried out a new variation on one of our routes. The intention to make a circuit, taking in the Red Lion (a possible refreshment stop). We did Boldon Colliery - Cleadon Village - Fulwell - East Boldon - West Boldon - Boldon Colliery. The intention was, after West Boldon, to go along Downhill Lane, then, via the Cycle route alongside the A19. But, the unpleasant wind, plus too much traffic noise (for most of the way, we were on Cycle Routes), meant that the "Boss" Pensioner had had enough, so, we cut it short. 

Friday, 31st July 2026

2.79 miles. An early morning outing, only one vintage 1947 Pensioner (the other one still in bed), riding Carerra Cross City Bike. Battery seems to be miss-behaving, perhaps several months of non-use have done for it? 

19.67 miles. Two vintage 1947 Pensioners, riding Hase Pino Steps Semi-recumbent Tandem. Mild and mostly sunny. Boldon Colliery - Whitburn - Souter Lighthouse - South Shields - Jarrow - Boldon Colliery. A stop at Souter Lighthouse, to keep Kathleen happy, she has become obsessed with the place. Too early for the cafe, so, on to South Shields. We try out the new Ferry Cafe, as its name implies, near the passenger ferry landing. Totally underwhelming, slow service, poor choice of food (ie only chips with various additives, and a few cakes or biscuits). I think we will return to frequenting Minchellas, Little Haven.