THE MUDDY BUMS (aka "the Clarty Ars#ses") MOUNTAIN BIKING IN NORTHUMBERLAND AND BEYOND

Where : Alwinton, Sunday May 30th
Travel time : For future reference 1hr from Gosforth
How many and who : 7 : Isobel,Steve G,Julie,Tom,Willie,Tony and Ian A
How Far : 21 miles : Time : Departed at 10.00am and returned to cars at 16.30pm : 6 ½ hrs
Weather : Cool mainly dry am rain after lunch showery pm
Route
• It might have felt a bit cool in the car park but 5 minutes into the ride saw the majority stripping off the top layers, this is some start with a testing climb straight up Clennell street right from the outset with a furious 30 mph in parts descent down to Kidland Forest and the red path.
• A long gentle climb to Davidsons Linn had the seven picking their way over a multitude of terrains some way more difficult than others.
• We stopped at Davidsons Linn waterfall for what was to be a quick lunch as the weather turned, additional treats were provide by Tom with a super size pack of chocolate brownies presented to Ian (Birthday treat)in the car park prior to the start
• The climb after lunch was on some recently upgraded dolomite track a bit different to the rutted trail in the past
• Uswayford and Hazely law were passed before turning left at Murder Cleugh and a wicked rapid wind and rain assisted descent to the welcome surroundings of the Barrowburn Tea room, pots of teas and coffees appear within an instant the gentlemen take the seats furthest away from the open fire allowing the wet lassies to dry their bits off, soup scones and cake helped to lift the dampened spirits for the journey homeward
• Obviously Julie and Izzy hadn’t had enough cake as they bu@@ered off along the road the short route to the cars
• The climb up Kyloe Shin was easier for those who knew what reward lay ahead
• We all attempted the ford crossing at Usway Burn choosing various entry styles but all having the same outcome ,that right wet up to the knees, I don’t know if anyone’s ever made it across but well just have to keep on trying, or maybe just use the bridge next time
• Wet feet or not what comes next is one of the best low level single-track rides in the Cheviots never forgotten by those lucky enough to ride it, through the Woods at Fairhaugh and Hosden Law before following Usway burn past several waterfalls and hazardous drops to he right hand side ,take your eyes of the trail at your own peril
• We hit the road at Batailshiel Haugh,although the riding is easier the views remain spectacular all the way to Shilmoor
• And we all know what comes next after crossing the ford at Shilmoor,another off camber single track climb dropping you to two more ford crossings both of which see us all dismount and carry our bikes across,(This is Nico and Dave territory)
• The main challenge still lies ahead so its time to fuel up remove excessive outer garments and don’t look to far ahead as the Pass Peth climb sores away in the distance, looking from the last gate the route appears steep but once riding it you realise that a little extra effort might just be required, reaching the shoulder is usually as good as it gets because the angle increases a notch or two for the last 100ft
• The last few attempts has seen several people reach the summit exhausted and elated today was no exception as Willie and Ian both got their doubles up
• Down all the way with a rapid grassy descent with a few rocky kickers thrown in for good measure, once gathered at the road we all had enough energy for a high speed chase back to the cars

A day of two halves the second wins by miles, but don’t tell the girls.

Cheers

Ian