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

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Weather: Mainly dry, light showers, Bright afternoon but strong Winds.

7 muddybums (Graham Mc, Ian A, Julie, Willie, Izzy, Tom and Steven G ) gathered in Hamsterly forest, having all driven past the tight gits parking on the road then took a deep intake of breath and all exclaimed “£5 for parking”, the forestry commissions way of encouraging more people to use the forest on a bank holiday weekend.

Shortly after 10 we set off through the winding forest tracks, to warm ourselves up and before long and in readiness for the first climb of the day we were stripping off layers. After a long climb we all gathered in readiness for the steep decent down to Euden Beck, Julie having been full of Lady Flu for the last week suggested she was going to turn back, but following some positive encouragement from her fellow riders decided to press on. The descent was dry but there were many more uncovered roots to make the descent a challenge for some riders more than others.

We then climbed back up out of the forest, more exposed now battling against the wind. A well-earned break was had and some welcome shelter from the wind, before the long climb up to the B6278. A short road climb and we turned to head for lunch down a long fast descent down the private road (we decided it was too dangerous to ride up the B road in the windy conditions, your honour)
After lunch we stuck to the right hand side of the river to avoid an unnecessary river crossing, 5 of the group gained alit bit more height than was necessary and left the track only to have to double back when they realised going over the top was not an option. We regrouped at the white house before a slog over the moor, made difficult by the wind. With the moor cleared we had the wind behind us and made good time down to Doctor’s gate.

As usual the descent from Doctor’s gate didn’t fail to please with the added bonus that a group of walkers was holding the gate for all 7 eager muddy bums to fly past. I think they could believe it when Julie and Izzy both bombed past.
For Julie and Izzy that was the last descent of the day, but the others were persuaded by Graham and Willie to climb up to the top of the forest and take the red and black trails to descend back to the river and the waiting cake and coffee courtesy of Ian A. One slight snag on having all managed to rise to the challenge of the red and black descents, Steven G decided that he would cycle into a rock resulting in him and his bike taking a bit of a dive along the forest floor. Willie, Graham and Tom had missed the incident, but Ian A was on hand to ensure Steven was not seriously injured.

Cracking ride, no mechanicals to report. Shame about the wind, Did I mention I got blown of my bike twice must be down to the fact I’m as light as a feather.

Ian thanks for the cake and coffee, many happy returns !

Graham