Blanchland Moor Ride
A bit of a missely start to the day saw four early arrivals (Ian A Anthony, Terry and Isobel) at the car park in Blanchland; unfortunately the tea room was closed! But shy bairns get nowt so Terry tried his luck at the back door, steaming coffee to go, great service.
Back to the car park saw the remainder of the group arrive (Arthur, Gavin M,Ian S, Julie and Willie).A quick check of the maps and the nine were off climbing from the outset past Pennypie House and on through Slaley wood before hurtling down the tarmac at over forty miles an hour, disk brakes steaming we headed west passing Palm Strothers,Dukesfield Hall and Viewley before dropping into Embley Wood, a quick snack was taken at the ford (Now Terry should have known better than to try and eat bread based products before noon but fortunately Julie was in a good mood and permission was granted, just this once).Whilst we were sitting enjoying the moment two unfortunate newbie type riders approached the ford, being ever helpful and courteous much advice was given on how to cross the ford safely, Ian S even gave them a demo but somehow managed to get wet trying to dodge the many missiles being hurled in his general direction.
Passing Hesleywell we turned left through Long Lee heading up to the Carriers way, we’ve travelled this way many times but this is the first time we had a neb around the derelict, crumbling farm house which still had its original cast cooking range intact, Dave who couldn’t make the ride today is looking to own such a building so we took some measurements for curtains and carpets just in case. Lunch was taken at the shooting hut at Blackburn Head, the route was decided turn right along the bridal on Bulbeck Common, and someone wasn’t listening.
The single track descent started in spectacular fashion with Willie going the wrong way and losing his front wheel in a hidden hole only to find him over the handlebars but luckily landing in the heather. When the right route was discovered it was big smiles for everyone, a dry and rocky track at high speed, perfect combination.Any thoughts of turning right and shortening this wonderful descent were forgotten as the leading group blinkerdly carried on to Slaley Forest and retraced our tracks back to Blanchland just as it started to rain, A quick visit to the loo by Isobel helped us sneakily nab a eight seater table in front of the mumbling people ahead of us in the queue at the Monks tea room, Anthony headed off home before we realised our good fortune, The pea and ham broth contained some unexpected ingredients but mainly peas and a type of bacon with a brothy juice ,very nice, especially with a white bun!.
Back to the cars as the sun came out Arthur distributed a few samples of allotment fodder, some say you can eat it but, I think Ian Stanners idea of using them to make you look more attractive in Lycra shorts might just catch on especially in Wark, Ask Anthony!!
Another great day,
Ian A
THE MUDDY BUMS (aka "the Clarty Ars#ses")
MOUNTAIN BIKING IN NORTHUMBERLAND AND BEYOND
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