Chester le Street and Washington - In Search of Gertrude Bell
Saturday 15th August 9.30am 13 miles
Start from Chester le Street Police Station, Newcastle Rd DH3 3TY. Big grassy area outside.
We're continually inspired by the extraordinary stories of County Durham women. One such woman is Gertrude Bell who was born in Washington and went on to be an explorer, archaeologist and instrumental in establishing the modern Iraqi state after the First World War. She was the first woman to graduate from Oxford Uni with a first class degree. And much more....
So, our ride will mainly follow the Sustrans cycle path from Chester le Street to Washington, 6 and a half miles each way. All good quality paths and not too hilly for County Durham. Best for hybrid bikes.
This is a suitable ride if you’re just starting to get out back on a bike after the winter or a longer break as well as for more confident riders wanting a relaxed ride with a bit of chat and Gertrude Bell history included.
In order for the ride to leave promptly, please be punctual so we can carry out bike checks, etc. prior to us setting off. Expect to be out for at least 3 hours in total which will include a stop for a cuppa in Washington Village.
For any queries please contact us at
[email protected] and any last minute cancellations on the day please text 07493808927 (note this phone is only for the day of the ride). If the weather is bad we will only contact you if we are cancelling the ride and will do so no later than 8am on the day by putting a message in the ‘conversation’ tab in the ride. You should receive a notification by email if there is a message. If you have not heard from us we are still riding.
In view of COVID-19 we will be taking this into account with our ride leading and we will follow govt. guidelines. Please note the following:
• Maximum ride number to be 6 (including leaders). This may change as govt guidance dictates.
• We will not share any equipment so please be organised and bring your own items eg drink, spare inner tube, tyre levers and pump, sun cream and hand sanitiser.
• You should pay particular attention to your bike being in good working order before attending a ride so as to minimise risks and disruption to rides.
• We will ride taking social distancing into account. At the time of writing British Cycling recommend riding 1m+ apart.
• Participants must not attend a ride if they have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with anyone with symptoms
• Anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms during a ride must inform a leader.
• Anyone who develops COVID symptoms after a ride must contact the leader who will inform British Cycling HQ who will then contact everyone who attended the ride.
You can contact the leader directly via the ‘Message Ride Creator’ tab in the ride posting on let’s ride unless you have their direct contact details already.
Audrey and Janet