Och, it's fiendish, the only significant way to cut down distance and climbing is to go Whitley Bay - Morpeth - Kielder and cut out the first drinks stop at Elsdon, saves 12km & 300m. Might be a good idea anyway because of all the excitement at the start and the "relay" riders who'll be going faster. Any locals please advise - any good reasons to go up to Elsdon if you were riding from Whitley Bay to Kielder? Later on it pays to stick to the route, it's slightly shorter via Sanquhar but off route for the last 80k sounds like a recipe for no support. #cycling #Newcastle #Morpeth #Northumberland