The weather forecast for the 7th was predicting rain and thunderstorms, the thought of thunderstorms high on the Teasdale moors, risky.
However, Sundays forecast was looking better so I changed the ride to Sunday and 11 brave souls joined me for the challenge.
Leaving Barny by the Bowes Museum across the Abbey bridge to the Egglestone Abbey and onward to Startforth village.
Climbing up to the Bowes moor, here we met head on strong winds making slow progress to Cotherstone.
Coffee break was at the recently opened chapel cafe which was an enjoyable stop.
Refreshed we climbed up to the Baldersdale reservoirs, Hury, Blackton, Balderhead and then over the top to Lunedale with fine views of the peaks
of the high Pennines. Descending to Grassholme reservoir the choice was to take the road to Middleton or the shorter route direct to Mickleton and lunch.
A threatening shower decided a quick ride to the recently reopened cafe at Egglestone Hall.
Despite one of our members destroying the lovely cake display cabinet, converting the cakes to eton mess.
Fully refreshed we tackled Eggleston Bank to enjoyed the panoramic views of lower Teasdale, riding Langleydale Common road to Woodland.
With a few more hills we descended to Barnard Castle.
A very windy 39 miles, 3400ft of climbing a tough ride in the dry.
Many thanks for joining me around Teasdale. Graham M