We arrived at Manchester Airport to be greeted with the effects of time-lag on one hand and splendid sunshine and balmy temperatures on the other. What a great start for our family foursome and our 3 week cycling trip around northeast England and the Yorkshire District. The great thing about cycle touring is the freedom to head off in any direction in anticipation of what surprises may await one just around the next bend. We planned only a few 'must-do, must-see' things such as the NYMR train, visit Castle Howard, tour the City of York and to cycle across the North York Moors from Grosmont to Helmsley. We managed all but one of these. Castle Howard...such splendour! City of York..such history! The NYMR train...such scenery! Unfortunately we were warned off the York Moors because of a severe storm warning that anticipated heavy rain and very high winds for 3 to 4 days. Were we disappointed?..you bet! However it only added to the mystery that is the North York Moors area and steeled our resolve to return another year. The highlights of our family trip were many..the fish-an-chips at Stamford Bridge,.. the beauty of Castle Howard,.. the Sir Nigel steam train,..the midnight visit to our tent by a cute little hedgehog,.. the young lad at the Trailways Cycle Hire who fixed my bike but refused any payment for his efforts, I tip my riding hat to him,.. the small cemetery with the headstone of a lone Canadian Airman,..Elvington Air Museum,..the numerous Roman sites and all the friendly and generous people we encountered!

Many thanks. England!