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

Where - Doddington Bridge October 17th 2010

How many and who - Isobel, Ian A, Arthur, Willie, Gavin, Tom, Andy, Terry H and Julie
How Far - 25miles,
Time - Departed at 10.00am and returned to cars at 15.30pm - 5 ½ hrs
Weather - Cool dry and sunny with a slight breeze, perfect riding weather.
Route
A very scenic moderate ride of approx 182m of climbing, starting from the flat Millfield Plain and climbing to ride the rolling Northumberland whins, crags and moors, taking in ancient caves and many prehistoric sites including a stone circle. The finishing run high over Doddington Moor has spectacular views of the Cheviots, and the start point below, which can only mean one thing, a cracking fast descent back to base

• Excellent weather today and a new route to most thanks to Gavin for linking it all together.
• The pre lunch stop at St Cuthbert’s cave had the foragers Tom and Izzy on the hunt once again for their teas,Izzy was the winner this time with an enormous Cep (Penny Bun, King Bolete) Wild Mushroom.

 The King of all mushrooms.. Simply pan fry it with salted butter (and a touch of garlic if you wish)
Here are Various Identifying Descriptions:
Porcini (Boletus edulis, the taxonomic name) is a highly regarded edible mushroom. It has a number of English names, including cep (from its Catalan name cep or its French name cèpe), king bolete and penny bun. A common term in current use is porcini. This mushroom has a distinct aroma reminiscent of fermented dough. The mushroom can grow singly or in clusters. Its habitat consists of areas dominated by oak, pine, spruce, and fir trees. Not limited to these locations, the King Bolete is also found in hardwood forests containing oaks. It fruits from summer to autumn.

  * fungus colour: Brown
  * normal size: over 15cm
  * cap type: Convex to shield shaped
  * stem type: Bulbous base of stem, Simple stem
  * spore colour: Olivaceous
http://www.wildmushroomsonline.co.uk/Identifying-Edible-Mushrooms-The-Cep/index.php

• Only faller of the day was Arthur who almost disappeared down a large hole, he appeared to be happy to lay there until everyone caught up had a good laugh and took a photo or two.

As it said on the box a cracking if not strictly legal descent back to the cars

A great day thanks Gavin

Cheers
Ian A