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

FELTON FRENZY
 
20/11/11
 
On a bright, sunny and warm autumn morning 6 muddybums turned up in Felton- Dave, Andy, Izzy, Tom, Ian.S & Kev.H or actually was it 7? as well as giving me a lift she also borrowed me her bike! as mine needs some attention, I thank you Rosie, however she chose to walk her 2 dogs & not ride. Well in hindsight Rosie had the pleasure of my company so I reckon she got the better deal.

Not setting off until 10,15 due to a puncture from Izzy and her bike wasnt even out of the car! I duly helped to sort it out [or so I thought, more later] The going started good heading along the river then picking up rake lane towards Warkworth, good, clear views, lots of sunshine and not a breath of wind. Then the puncture Izzy had that I 'sorted' back at the car returned, I blamed it on those adhesive patches and the wet although Izzys spare tube was used I snapped the end from the valve but it did stay 'firm' for the remainder of the ride-sorry Izzy.

Through Warkworth over the brand new bridge although Ian S decided to get the customary photo shoot in the wet, now lets all remind ourselves that only 3 months ago Ian badly dislocated his shoulder and here he was riding a rigid frame single speed bike through a river! just the way to 'break' yourself back in [no pun intended] snacks taken before the push onto Shillbottle and then the 1st of 2 crossings of the A1

Picking up the bridle onto snipe house was as big as a challenge as any steep climb the cheviots/lakes has to offer as the mud and badly chewed up ground felt like you were trying to run across a ploughed field in flip flops! Lunch was taken in glorious sunshine and you had to remind yourself that this was supposed to be a low level winter ride.

Pushing on towards Newton on the moor passing Sheil Dykes farm Ian.S couldnt resist engaging with the locals his quote of 'what a gorgeous beast' went down like a fart in a lift to the rather large lady but he was referring to the horse. Passing Newton and on to Swarland again safely crossing the A1 then picking up the bridle through mere burn stopping to admire the expensive looking houses in Acton before the final push back into Felton for tea and cakes at our usual haunt.

Good tasty nosh and lots of bread with the soup! although a wee bit pricey.
No falls or mechanicals and only the one puncture-twice! a cany day out, thanks to all who came & I'll see the rest of you at the Christmas ride.
 
See ya all soon

Kev. H