A GROUP of cyclists have returned from a "holiday of a lifetime" in the Swiss Alps.

Seven members of Cycling Tynedale, formerly Tyne Valley MTB Cycling, explored off-road tracks around Arolla, Saint-Jean, Leukerbad, Griesalp - climbing the steepest tarmac road in Switzerland - Kleine Scheiddegg and Zermatt. 

The group also managed a trip to Jungfrau where James Bond was filmed. 

Cycling Tynedale, chaired by local cycling legend Ted Liddle, caters for road bikers, mountain bikers, e-bikers and traditional bikers. The group work together to open up bridleways and other routes. 

Members meet regularly during both the summer and winter months, with rides planned during the week and longer routes on weekends.

"It's absolutely been a holiday of a lifetime", said long-time member Ruth Marlee, of Hexhamshire.

"I love riding in Northumberland, Durham, the Borders and Scotland but riding in the alps, is just a whole different bundle of scenery, collegial, working together.

"In Switzerland, they have fantastic uplift systems - we went up 1,200 metres in one lift in order to get to a route which can't be used by cars. Traditionally, they were trading routes but we can do those now."

The trip had been planned pre-covid and routes were established by 'mentor' Ted. 

Since 1994, Ted has devised around 2,500 miles of mapped and signed cycle routes in the North of England and has compiled various cycle route maps and guidebooks.

Ruth added: "I'm so lucky to experience it. Without Cycling Tynedale, I would never have tackled that on my own.

"We understand each other's skills and abilities. You get to know what each one can do and who you're going to follow or stick with. We all work together - some might be good at one thing, some might be good at another. But we all work together to enjoy it.

"Everyone is welcome in the club. None of us would have been there without Ted's influence."

Members range from teenagers to people in their 80s; different rides are organised for different levels.