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 | Tandem 2016 - UK National RallySaturday 6th. - Saturday 13th. AugustKirkley Hall |  |
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The Tandem Club 2016 National Rally was held at Kirkley Hall Campus, part of Northumberland College situated some eight miles north west of Newcastle City Centre. The Kirkley Hall Campus specialises in Agriculture and Horticulture. Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens are located within the grounds.
The hall is a 17th. century grade II listed building set in parkland. We had the use of a field and the campus facilities for showers, toilets, restaurant and bar. The area abounds with cycling routes taking in both flat and undulating countryside. Many historic sites and views are within easy cycling distance.
Competitions
The Velocio Trophy and Hill Climb events took place during the week.
Results of both competitions.
The Area
For the first time in over 25 years the North East part of the Tandem club are proud to organise the 2016 National Rally. Kirkley Hall is just a short distance south of Northumberland National Park which is the northernmost national park in England. It covers an area of more than 1,030 square kilometres (400 Sq. miles) between the Scottish border in the north to just south of Hadrian's Wall. It is one of the least populated and least visited of the National Parks. The park lies entirely within Northumberland, covering about a quarter of the county. This makes the area an ideal location for cycling
Of the 11 National Parks in England and Wales, Northumberland is the most northerly, most remote from large urban areas, least visited and least populated. Northumberland has more castles than any other county in England. A legacy of its turbulent past, including the infamous Border wars which raged from the 14th to 16th centuries, Northumberland boasts over 70 castle sites. Many have long since disappeared, some, like Dunstanburgh Castle and Berwick Castle, are romantic ruins. See others in their fully restored glory - like Bamburgh Castle, as seen on Robson Green's Tales from Northumberland.
Feel the sand beneath your feet and the refreshing sea breeze in your hair with a visit to Northumberland’s magnificent coastline. With more than 30 miles of beaches the Northumberland Coast is simply spectacular
The Event
A full range of activities was planned for the rally including:
Welcome party - Saturday
Evening Bar - every evening
Cycle Jumble - Sunday
Quiz Night - Monday
Tandem Games - Tuesday
Coach trip to Beamish Open Air Museum Wednesday.
Quirky Games - Wednesdy evening
Local food and drink. - Thursday
Outward bound type activities; Climbing wall etc. - Thursday
Last night hogroast/picnic and Ceilidh - Friday
Velocio trophy (a treasure hunt style ride)
Routes
A varied selection of rides was planned and are available on our routes page.
Meals
Breakfasts, Packed lunches and evening meals were available each day if pre-ordered.
Map showing location of Kirkley Hall