Cheviot Border Ridges
At the end of this ride Ian declared that it had been a total of 18 miles of riding, of which 16 miles had been uphill. He exaggerates of course - as 1 additional mile was almost flat.
See a route map at www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=10336
Willie and Julie gathered at Slimefoot shortly after dawn, eagerly anticipating the imminent arrival of the rest of the Group. They were starting to get worried at 10am when no one else was there. But then a sudden arrival spurt saw Mark, Arthur and Ian A screech to a halt in the parking area (aka Sheep Pooh Central). A diversion near Harbottle had added 10 unexpected minutes to the carefully planned arrival times - or at least that was our excuse.
Willie's original route plan was hastely amended to avoid a fell race, so we started up the track along Rowhope Burn. The sun was now starting to turn up to "10" so the climb was bringing a "glow" to everyones faces (ie sweating like fat lassess at the disco). This glow became a trickle and then a deluge as the group ascended to the Border Ridge. Here we took our first proper rest and view appreciation stop. A group of young Duke of Edinburgh expeditioners arrived and joined us for our sit down. They were spending 3 days on this expedition and were indeed blessed by good weather. As they swung West along the border ridge, our band of glowing cyclists headed North to invade Scotland. We experienced little resistance from the locals - except for some very excitable sheep and cattle - who clearly don't see many cyclists along this track.
The route tracked alongside Bowmont Water before swinging Southish again at Belford Farm for the long climb back up to the Border Ridge. This ridge proved very ellusive, with each skyline reached revealling several more to be climbed before achieveing the desired return to England.
The heat and gradient started to take their toll on all but the Mountain Goats amongst us (meaning everyone other than Arthur and Mark). As we walked up hill we consolled ourselves that at least this way we had time to take in the panoramic views and vistas of this spectacular border countryside. The Mountain Goats on the other hand were focused solely on that square foot of grass under their front wheels - at least that was when the sweat hadn't temporarily blinded them as it oozed its salty course from forehead to crotch via the chest !
Nearing the border ridge at last we again passed the Duke of Edinburgh Expeditioners. They looked slightly sheepish and suspicious - perhaps thinking we were teachers in disguise stalking their every move. As a result of this less than engaging welcome we forget to tell them they were heading the wrong way - well they have to learn and it was a lovely day for a longer walk.
As we re-entered England there was the prospect of a short downhill section which we all attacked with great gusto - skipping skillfully over the sheep scrapes - so happy were we to be allowing gravity do the hard work. But then again the route resumed its normal upward course for a couple more miles - before the final short and sweet descent back to Sheep Pooh Central.
We then adjourned to the ever so friendly cafe at Barrowburn to consume lashings of tea and scones and discuss what a splendid day out we had all enjoyed. Thanks to Willie for leading us on this great cross country - cross border route, but next time, can we try a bit more downhill ? Mark
THE MUDDY BUMS (aka "the Clarty Ars#ses")
MOUNTAIN BIKING IN NORTHUMBERLAND AND BEYOND
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