Coquetdale Wander - 24.1.10

Today's crew of happy campers are Arthur, Ian A, GavinD, Izzy, Willie, Tim and Julie. The weather is cold with fine sleety rain, 2C but zero wind. The route is to be part of the Rothbury Round in reverse, allthough other options are in reserve incase we get too cold / tired. The first casualty of the day after the short climb through the vennels of Rotho is Tim .... severe chain suck but with no apparant ring wear ?? ... he goes for an early bath ( later we find out it was a seized top jockey). Along Pondacherry with a wave at an imaginary Robson Green and we tackle the never ridden eastern end of the sublime Carriage Drive, which turns out to be a much better way of accessing the drive, down or up. Now we are back into the snow line , but going is not too bad thanks to walkers and thaw and progress is made, but rapid cooling takes effect after the sweaty climb up. Reaching Snitter, we realise how steep some of these hills are, which we normaly do in reverse. The x-country slog part of the day ensues, and a mud fest slither, with a bit of ice thrown in, is the order of the day to B'don.

On and down across the Foxton Burn ( Willie gets wet feet, we all do the bridge) and we climb to above Hepple for some grand views of Tosson and Simonside. Tarmac is now utilised and Caistron Nature Reserve comes within our sight as we skirt round on the bridle, not many birds, apparantly all dead from the weather, but a sighting of a couple rare resident Tosson To$$*rs who regard us with disdain down there unfriendly telescopes. Riders are fairly frozen now, with the usual chilled feet and hands. The home run for Rothbury over the fields along the Coquet is surprisingly dry and the cars come within sniffing distance, along with hot teas and coffee in the Newcastle Hotel. ..... events which both duly arrive at 3pm and 3.30pm respecitively. The aroma of haggis, neeps and tatties, mixed with broth and the carvery proves a big temptation for some riders but we all resist as we agree we actualy had quite a good ride despite the guy driech start to the day. Interesting to do this part of the Rothbury Round in reverse, but there was no way we could have done the Harwood / Simonside ,section as the snow is still to thick. Roll on some warmer weather please ...... GavD

THE MUDDY BUMS  (aka "the Clarty Ars#ses")

MOUNTAIN BIKING IN NORTHUMBERLAND AND BEYOND

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