Mototrip: Wednesday

Leeds has a similar vibe to me as Liverpool had (two years ago and on a ride-through to be honest), it’s red tall buildings immediately got me back to the Beatles town, where I was looking for car park near the docks, it was raining and I gave up and just rode around before leaving. It wasn’t raining in Leeds, well, not when I was riding around after having lunch at the docks. And it was quite easy to park where I wanted. But maybe I was not targeting the usual spots. My target (apart from a coffee shop) was Northern Monk brewery and it was so worth it driving around this neighbourhood full of one-way streets, missing my turn several times. This place has some genius loci, a vibe that sucks you in and hugs you with all the care and attention you need right now. I haven’t got anything on the spot, nothing non-alcoholic was on tap at the moment and I was not in the mood for a beer anyway, but I had a lovely chat with the staff and got myself something to bring north (if I resist to drink it before). They said they have a pub in York as well, so I can kinda continue in the theme, but I had a different beer place in mind in that city. Didn’t happen though.

As easy as parking was in Leeds, it was difficult in York. So I got myself a treat from a motoshop instead. A bit more expensive than beers, but longer lasting. York looks like something you built in the Carcassonne (tabletop) game. The castle is just right there, next to this roundabout. And most of the time I had some kind of medieval wall on either side of me when riding through the narrow streets. I’ve seen everything from the saddle, nothing stayed hidden. So in the end, the lack of parking only resulted in me not getting any more beer or coffee which I have no idea where I would put anyway (not before the motoshop visit).

And then this bit of land on the way to Redcar and Saltburn-by-the-sea. Valley on the right and no trees anywhere, only grass and heather, sheep lying comfortably just next to the road or crossing the road to get better grass on the other side. I felt like I was in Shetland. I never knew there was something like this in England.

Straight from this tranquility, I fell head first (it’s an expression, I didn’t fall off my bike, don’t worry) in a picturesque tourist town Saltburn-by-the-sea with their tratorias near the beach, promenade and of course a tram that goes up the steep hill. I had to ride that hill up, and let me tell you, if you crave the San Francisco experience of Lombard Street, you can save on plane tickets and go here instead. You get a better view and a more terrifying experience, especially on two wheels. Trust me, I know what I’m talking about. Globetrotter, said my friend, and I had to look the word up. Here’s one more Globetrottering about Redcar. If you've ever been to Bibione or Lignano, you don’t have to go here. Or if England is closer and/or more appealing to you, then go here. It’s a nice place with nice people (who speak terrible accent, so you don’t even feel like you're in England) and a … wait for it … promenade by the beach! It even has an ice cream shop and all the summer vacation whatnots.

I haven’t written about some more places I stopped at or rode through, like Sheffield on Tuesday for example, which I haven’t seen much of, but I was there mainly for the hills around and they are definitely worth it, but that is for another time. Three more days before me. Wish me good weather.