Smoggy Seaside

[fritz]

Having been delayed on getting out by a surprise visit by some friends our planned ride for Sunday afternoon took a reduced length route.

From our neck of the woods it’s quick to head up north and across east to the coast by ‘boro (that’s Middlesbrough, Teesside etc for those unaware) and the long beach strip that way.

Though you might cock a snoot at these silver strands in comparison to others elsewhere they have a beauty of their own, canny in fact.

South Gare stretches out from the south of mouth of the Tees and has much to see – you might have to look past the rubbish (people and industrial) and if you squint and raise a hand to blank out the Chorus (as was and remains so by name) works the miles of golden sand that run south they could match great beaches anywhere. There is much to see on a wildlife front and for us the industrial backdrop adds just as much. If you’re lucky you might be passing as molten metal is poured in wagons and steam floods the skies…though it’s all gone a bit quiet on and off recently.

Off Redcar a huge installation of wind turbines has stood for the last few years. Love ‘em or hate ‘em they are quite a sight. Paddy’s Hole provided some sparkle in the warm sunshine, a sea fret on the sea side limited long views but added to the ambiance.

For those from further afield Smoggy* relates to a name for locals based less on the sea fret, more the old yellow sulphurous haze that used to hang over Tesside that is less present these days.

 

[fritz]

After passing time chilling in the warm sunshine it was off to Redcar for another tradition, the Lemon Top. Not to be confused with a Teesside Tangerine which is more David Dickinson. Pacitto’s usual has a good queue and certainly today. If unaware it’s a ‘Mr Whippy’ with a lemon sorbet on top and very good too, Oyster for Bev.

 

[fritz]

Hazy views

 

[fritz]

Huntcliff peaks out through the sea fret as folk enjoy jogging or dog walking along the miles of beach. We actually saw a couple pass that we’d seen walking their dogs some 5 miles further along. Sand and beach all the way. Fish and chips by the pier (particularly good and like the ices healthily large) while watching folk getting the last of the light on the pier. Some smartly presented donkeys had probably seen the last of their trade for the day, but Buzz the five-legged donkey obviously had his mind on other things.

A short time later we were home after a cracking little ride out – don’t discount the interest of the NE coast away from the honey pots of Whitby and Scarborough. The backdrop could detract from the experience but I’d say not – they add to it. Well worth a visit and easily seen from the saddle of your bike – too many of the other honey pots on the Yorkshire coast have become pedestrian only and no easy way to park up and admire. Also a great place to come for a good winter walk on a howling day (by car!)

Next weekend Saltburn host a hillclimb. http://www.motorclub.uk.net/Saltburn-Hillclimb We miss it every year – yep, this time too. If you are up this year it is very likely a great thing to come and see, lots of classic stuff. The sands here were used for land speed record attempts by some serious in early years – you can find plenty of stuff on YouTube, this is a good starting point http://theoldmotor.com/?p=134463

 

[andy79]

Good photos. I wish they hadn't put in those awful wind turbines, it really spoilt the view at redcar. I haven't been to pacittos since I was a kid.