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

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A dozen Muddy Bums enjoyed an outstandingly good ride in the Cheviots today. Izzy, Julie, Willie, Tom, Ian A, Ian S, Gary, Dave, Terry, Derek, Gavin & Mark were the lucky riders - who enjoyed a splendid combination of fab route, great weather, good craick and a birthday party to round it all off.

The start point was Slymefoot - tucked deep in the remote upper Coquetdale valley. A cool breeze and a grey sky made clothing selection a bit tricky from the off. The choices made varied from summer gear (by the optimists) to full winter gear (by those with perhaps a bit more experience). But a couple of miles of tarmac to reach the start of Deel's Hill gave the riders the first clue as to whether they had chosen the right gear. Deel's Hill itself presents the first challenging ascent of the day. But the dry conditions meant maximum traction was available such that many riders cleared the whole ascent with great style. The route now joins Dere Street and heads North crossing the border into Scotland. From here there begins a truly exceptional route that initially hugs the hillside, crests a few ridges, runs quickly down hill and presents the rider with the most magnificent views into various vallies and across classic border landscapes. The wild goats that live hereabouts add to the sense of being in a special, remote and seldom seen land.

The first habitation is reached at Buchtrig where tarmac is joined for a mere 100 yards before then diving down another ancient trail alongside Capehope Burn heading north down a beautiful green valley. The trail was all very good - not because it sees regular current day use - but because in centuries gone by these trails were major cross border thoroughfares allowing many bands of men and anilmals to move back and forth (not always for well intentioned reasons). Lunch was taken nestled by a stand of trees where many calories were taken on board as the riders rightly sensed there was still a lot of hard work left in this route.

The fell side traverse to The Yatt was completed with aplomb, before swinging west at Mainside and starting the ascent up to and along The Street. This route back to the border ridge is all rideable, but it does present a long and tiring challenge to reach a border ridge that seems to only inch closer. But the ever changing views into the many vallies on either side, and of the border ridge ahead makes the work all well worthwhile. Arriving (at last) back at the border ridge had those who knew this trail eagerly anticipating the next roller coaster descent back into Coquetdale. The Street deserves to be savoured as it rides along the ridges and ends with a final fast & flying descent back to Slymefoot and the cars - which feels almost like parachuting.

The whole group agreed that this had indeed been an outstandingly good ride of 20 miles length and 3,500 feet of ascent. But its the quality of the terrain (in these dry conditions), the precious views of remote vallies and hill sides and the almost complete absence of other people along the whole ride that made it so special.

We then adjourned to the Barrowburn tearoom where we were treated (by Julie) to a feast of sarnies, scones and birthday cake washed down with lashings of tea and coffee. The reason for this generosity was Willie's 45th birthday - an event we all marked in the traditional way with a raucous verse of Happy Birthday that had the sheep for miles around scattering deeper into the fells.

Thanks to Wille for leading the route so well, for Julie for treating us to the food fest at the end and to everyone who turned up to enjoy the day. See the route map here. MARK