So my day started on the beach. Wow, that sounds very continental! However, the beach in question wasn't a sun drenched tropical island but the beach 10 mins ride from my dad's house. I have to say tho, it's a beauty and arguably gives the aforementioned a run for it's money. On a sunny day (or any other for that matter, especially when you run hot!), i reckon the north east has some of the best beaches in the country.

After bidding farewell to my dad and his ageing pup (9 years old now...where does the time go), I decided to travel north up the national rail cycle route 1...yes I finally get to ride it! Aside from being a great pub quiz question (the NCN 1 runs from Dover to John o Groats, is 1264 miles long and is the longest one of them all- just in case you ever get that particular question), it also feels kinda special to be on the original, the daddy, the big tomala, the one that started it all. Also, from the bit I was on (a total of 12 miles 😂), it is bloomin beautiful (I know your probably getting bored of this description by now but there really is no other word).

After doing a circular and stopping for a quick workout (it seems I have absorbed my brother's obsession of not even allowing a down day even on holiday). I got back on the trail to what I thought was going to be straight to the rail station to make my way back to Newcastle...however!😂... There was a catch. One of the best (or maybe worst) features of Google Maps is its ability to highlight stops that it thinks you might be interested in...and Google has been listening...closely. So closely in fact that I happened to glance a brewery that was only a mile from my designated rail station....I mean...what was I gonna do?

The brewery in question was the Rigg and Furrow and as you might expect by it's agricultural title is situated a front a huge working farm backed by a mass of rolling green fields populated by some lovely highland cows. The taproom is pretty decent aswell with dried hops hanging from the thatched roof, wooden oak tables and a faint smell of manure....all in all, very rustic. If you find the smell of manure an adjunct rather than a detractor to your experience, it is all quite lovely. And the beer...12 lines...good variety with some quite modern styles TBF. I opted for 3 Half's (they don't serve thirds...oh well)- a wheat beer (adequate), a stout (impressive) and a nelson fuelled hazy IPA (sensational). Of course, I may have been biased by the obvious excitement of my (relative) discovery (my dad I think has been here a while back) and the setting is fantastic but all in all, I am quite chuffed with my decision to go and will always appreciate taking a punt on a 'Shot in the Dark'.

Anyway, Newcastle calls and I don't want to be late for my train so in the words of dear Bob Mortimer and as a shared tribute to Ted the dog (if you know, you know) I will end with this....

And Away boss. Xxx

But the nights still young!!!....

Admittedly i'm not young and a wiser man (who has to cycle about 45 mile tomorrow) would go and get some shut eye...but I am not that man. Anyway, it's Friday night in Newcastle...it'd be wrong not to sneak a peak at the offerings! And so on a pleasantly warm evening I find myself walking through the not so pleasant (and frankly harrowing) tenements of Byker on the outskirts of the city. A far cry from the jolly Geordie kids of Byker Grove (Ant & Dec have done very well) it would be fair to say Byker is a shit hole...I pass numerous shady gangs and one boy racer that has wrapped his Corsa around a lampost and paramedics/police are on scene... I am pleased to see them, both for the victims of the wreck and (incredibly selfishly) to scare away the wantant gangs...needless to say I kept a tight hold of my phone...head down...and continue.

On a lighter note, once I arrive at my destination- Two by Two brewery...it's delightful and full of early 30s liberal types with cosy jumpers, decked with fairy lights and colourful nouveau artwork daubed on the walls... It couldn't be further from the hell that surrounds it...alas I guess that's what inner city rental prices do to breweries...I reckon you get a lot of bang for your buck out here and the brewery is reflective of this with no fewer than 6 constantly rotating tuns. I basically taste the board😂 but TBH their music selection is better than the beer, so I won't list my selection (nothing special) and I won't be buying them in can but as the dulcet tones of Phoenix plays in my ears and I observe their impressive art work... I'm mellowed and feel it was worth the trip out...just!

Footnote: I have left my bike at the hostel at this point so I am on foot...does this still count as a beerbicycleblog at this point?....I wish I did have my bike at this point...for both speed and safety🫣

Well, well, well...this has been a day of happy and not so happy accidents (I didn't even tell you about the first car crash I observed today...I hope I'm not a bad omen) but this is a good accident...so far.. I think😂. Basically on the way back to toon...I wanted to go a safer route...I decided to head up to the main road.. and it seems... So did the rest of Newcastle... A short hop across the canal (and up a big bloody hill....which I did not like) I find myself surrounded by cool middlers, brushed brick walls, social club seating and a faint whiff of pretence in the form of Donzoko brewery (think pretend church in a warehouse) ....it's perfect...I feel cooler already. The beer is ok too, not my usual style but definitely interesting, with brews like farmhouse pales and even an Oyster stout...here's a brewery trying to be cutting edge.. and for all intent and purposes, pulling it off.

And I think with that, I'll say goodbye. I should probably go back to the hostel now but there is a rather lively cool person's pub at the bottom of the hill I passed...do I qualify?.. who knows...I'll leave you guessing. 😘

Footnote: As I wake to head out for my 'big ride' today, I simply have to put on an addition to last night's proceedings. Following a twinkly stroll down the Tyne late night yesterday, I ended up in the Bridge Tavern for 'a nightcap'. Excellent, multi level, traditional style pub complete with upstairs beer garden thingy and as much keg/cask craft than you can shake a stick at. As I sat chilling, people watching (one of my favourite hobbies) I was approached by an attractive lady with a beautiful smile and a quicker wit...I knew I would like her immediately, she radiated warmth, humour and a zest for life. I know what your thinking...hold on...she is happily married😂) but we definitely hit it off, as we joked about the relative merits of the NHS (she worked as a palliative care nurse). She was very open and began to tell me all about her life- I was slightly bemused to hear that she had suffered a stroke at 38 years old and had spent the next 10 yrs rebuilding her life- TBH because of her demeanor and her general sparkle, I was half waiting for the punchline but no, it was true...and wow, what a journey! I was blown away by her resilience and positivity...a real inspiration. So much in fact, that after we had spent sometime comparing blogging notes 😂...  I left to return to my hostel and spent till 3 in the morning reading her blog🫣. So here's to you 'Broken & Healed'...you left me tired but inspired...and as promised I will post a link to your blog below so your healing words can touch others. Xxx