Day ride with Teesside CTC. Good turnout (13 starters); met at Cook's Cafe Tees Barrage International White Water Centre for pre-ride coffee and muffin. Warmly welcomed by Andy, ride leader/ cajoler/ dragoon. BJ bike not out of place; many fascinated by what would bring me from Leeds to Teesside. Explained family history and Tri-Vet 100 experiences (2019, 2022, 2025). No pre-published route, so very much follow-my-leader. Local knowledge invaluable in negotiating cycle tracks and through industrial estates of varying degrees of decay or resurgence. Flat early miles across estuary landscape, battling fierce E wind off N Sea.. Skirted Billingham to Cowpen Bewley Country Park where landscape changed from industrial to semi-rural, with some attractive villages alternating with industrial areas. Fascinating, I think! Some higher ground at halfway as Hartlepool was circumnavigated from W & N, taking in some historical sites en route to the Headland. Wide sandy beaches looked good in sun, but strong chilly wind from N Sea dispelled any thoughts of lingering. Brief stop in Croft Gardens park for picnic lunchers to eat before proceeding to Cafe Rappor for lunch stop at H Marina. Marina development looking a little tired after c 30 years, I'd say (opened in 1993 by ER2 and DofE). Return leg was wind-assisted and seemed to take no time at all. Fellow local rider piloted me direct to station for a post ride cuppa while awaiting train. Something completely different!