Just got back from a quick local ride. Just up the bridleway from Barmpton Village, then along to Peartree Farm and down the farm track/road to the A167, but I was out for about an hour.
This is one of the reasons why Darlington is good for cycling; you can be out in the countryside and away from roads very quickly. I put up two pheasants, was examined by some curious cows and rode through a field of sheep. All just 15 minutes from my front door.
Of course, there are loads of reasons why Darlington is bad for cycling – the busy roads, clingy clay, poor drainage and lack of good trails – but today, with a blue sky and slight breeze, it was good.