Cycling cafe planned for end of C2C route

A brand new cycle cafe and shop could be the sight to greet weary riders who have completed the 140-mile C2C (Sea to Sea) Ride.

Brothers Josh Boyle and Mark Maitland, and their friend Gareth Reece are seeking planning permission for the site, which cyclists say will be a huge improvement on the current finish line - a car park with a totem pole.

According to Sustrans, the C2C is the UK’s most popular challenge cycle route, and many charity riders choose it every year.

North Tyneside Council has approved the plans in principle, on land owned by Mark Maitland.

The C2C links Whitehaven or Workington with Sunderland or Tynemouth.

David Gray, now principal of adventure touring company Chain Events told BikeBiz that a full-on finishing point for the C2C was "long overdue."

"The current finish at Tynemouth – a car park with a totem pole at the end – can be somewhat underwhelming. This would be a fitting end to a challenging ride, or a great start to one of the other rides that leave from that point. It would do nothing but good for the area, and is long overdue.”

According to the Watch House Garden website, “Back in 2010 Josh Boyle completed the Coast to Coast cycle route. Elated and tired Josh was surprised to feel slightly disappointed that there wasn’t a place, a real finishing line, somewhere he could meet friends and family to mark his achievement.

“This moment facilitated a conversation with his brother Mark and their friend Gareth and The Watch House Garden project was born.

“At present The Coast to Coast Bike ride and Great North Bike Ride currently have no infrastructure to provide a welcoming end to a significant achievement. We want to change this!”