Hexhamshire Crossing
Sunday 28th July dawned beautifully bright, clear and warm (in Bermuda).
In Slaley, it dawned, muggy, misty and muddy - after a night of heavy rain. But being made of tough stuff - 4 Muddybums set off for a cross country ride through Hexhamshire. Or at least we think it was Hehamshire - no one could tell for sure due to the limited visibility !
Gavin, Terry, Gary and Mark left the village by the usual muddy lane, soon arriving at the bottom edge of Slaley Forest. The steam was already rising off our backs - to add to the muggy mist that was dominating the atmosphere - as we splashed through deep puddles at great speed and negotiated gloopy mud with great skill (well Terry was good anyway).
The route now turns steeply downhill towards Devils Water and a rocky, fast descent here is always fun. Crossing the river by the footbridge rather than the Ford seemed appropriate, even though the river was still very low - all of the precvious nights rain seeming to have decided to stay in the puddles rather than flow down to the sea.
The route now climbs up to the road, then a few tarmac miles to the start of Broadway. Here we climbed higher and higher into the thicker and thicker mist. Gavin caught up with us at the top saying being alone in that mist had actually been quite spooky - especially as this was Hangman's Hill. Was that the creaking of a rope on a gibbet we could hear ?
A short but sweet descent down to the deepest, longest puddle (in some places this would be called a Loch) where we all opted for the peddle through rather than walk around option. The following climb up to the top of Broadway was quite a long challenge - but it was all rideable and very satisfying. At the top gate a quick discussion on which tearoom to now head for - Allenheads, Allendale or Blanchland. Thinking of the sublimly fast and sweeping valley down to Blanchland (and the rather hard return from Allendale) had all opting for the White Monk Tearoom.
The next 7 miles were fast and very enjoyable - a few of us not having descended this way before. Arriving at the White Monk we all looked like true "Muddybums" so we chose to sit outside. Here we feasted on Pea and Ham soups and hot cups of tea - recharging the batteries before the Pennypie Climb.
As we climbed up to Pennypie the mist began to lift (well visibility increased from 100 yards to 250 yards) so at least we could see each other again. We then took the "new bridleway" option back down to the road. However this route seems to have been "improved" meaning a better surface but less fun - but still a long, fast descent. At the road we climbed up to Slaley Forest and finished our ride through the grounds of Slaley Hall. The crowds gathered to watch the Seniors final round in a PGA golf tournement looked bemused at the sight of our mud covered bikes and bodies sweeping through their civilised masses.
Back at Slaley - a good washdown and a cuppa rounded off the ride very well. Mark
For a route map of today's ride, look here.
THE MUDDY BUMS (aka "the Clarty Ars#ses")
MOUNTAIN BIKING IN NORTHUMBERLAND AND BEYOND
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