A calm night and overcast by morning. I was on my way at 8am with the objective, or obstacle, just a couple of miles away. I had the 25% climb of Sutton Bank to negotiate. I continued along the A120 and saw the ‘Low Gear’ signs up ahead. The first part is steep and straight, followed by a short stretch of easier gradient to regain my breath. Then came the sharp and very steep left bend which has been the downfall of many heavy good vehicles. Being fully laden I was just on the limit. If the final right bend at the summit had been as steep I would probably have got off and walked. I just made it to the top and noticed a lot of cyclists in the summit car park.

Cycle event above Sutton Bank

I cycled in to investigate and went to a registration tent where I asked one of the operatives. The event is over two days, today being off road on mountain bikes and tomorrow a road event of various lengths for different capabilities. I soon left the ‘A’ road and turned left to follow a minor lane to Rievaulx Abbey. It’s over 10 years since I visited the ruins. The official opening time is 10am but it was only around 9am so I had the whole place to myself. There was no sign saying anything about an admission charge and the gate from the car park to the Abbey grounds was unlocked. I left my bike and enjoyed a wonderful walk round the ruins. I was amazed how large and extensive they were. When I got back to my bike there was still nobody about.

Rievaulx Bridge

Rievaulx Abbey was a Cistercian abbey founded in 1132.
It was one of the wealthiest abbeys in England and dissolved by Henry VIII in 1538

Rievaulx Abbey

Rievaulx Abbey

I continued along the lane and passing the thatched cottages up the steep climb to the B1257. From the quiet lanes I was now on a busy road mostly used by motorists who have no sense of consideration for cyclists. The next section to Stokesley was uncomfortable because of high speed cars passing way to close. It meant that I couldn’t really enjoy the scenery along the road. After Stokesley I was on wider roads which were still used my inconsiderate motorists but at least I had a wider road to avoid them.

Approaching the Transporter Bridge, Middlesborough

I was heading for the Transporter Bridge in Middlesborough. When I got near to the river Tees my map showed a cycle route but there was no sign of it on the ground. I turned round and headed back then set off for the football stadium where I found a way through. I’d seen the transporter bridge from a distance and was relieved to find the minor road to it. A small platform was open and available for anyone to drive, cycle or walk on. I wheeled my bike on and soon we were being transported across the river, suspended below the main superstructure. The charge was 60p for me and my bike, which I thought very reasonable. The ride across the river was so smooth I didn’t realise we’d started until I saw the gantry start to move away. All too soon we were across and I wheeled my bike off on to tarmac again.

The Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge, is the furthest downstream bridge across the River Tees. It was opened in Oct 1911.

The Transporter Bridge

Pipelines north of Middlesborough

Industry north of Middlesborough

I followed the A178 north toward Hartlepool. It was a very industrial and bleak landscape. I could see pipelines and distant refineries to the east. It was strange reaching Hartlepool as the streets had more of a wet Sunday morning appearance and not the Saturday morning that it was. I noticed a Sainsbury’s supermarket and bought a 5lt container of water for £1.10.

West Hartlepool, don't know the building's name

I continued up towards the coast on the A1086. As with yesterday I didn’t want to get too far ahead of schedule and decided to camp at the first practical spot. At Blackhall there was a minor road down towards the clifftops. I followed it then along a coastal path to a grassy area on the clifftop. It was an ideal spot to camp so I did.

Secluded camp on the cliff tops near Blackhall

View from the tent