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

Well today was another one of those days when you felt sorry for folk who dont actually go mountain biking. People who haven't experienced the delights of sweeping single track descents, gut busting climbs, magnificent views mixed with the heady cocktail of mud, adrenalin and comraderie.

11 Muddy Bums gathered in Ambleside in good time to be delayed by Mark (who having been there the longest was least well prepared - sorry). Izzy, Julie, Suzanne, Wilie, Ian A, Ian S, Arthur, Tony, Steve, Kev and Mark set off under grey skies but mainly dry roads. The first few miles of tarmac served as a good warmer upper before reaching the first bridle from Outgate to Wray. This is a pleasant, scenic route with a few stretches of testing rocky descents. A couple of interesting tactics were on show - including using trees as brakes. A couple of punctures and a badly buckled front wheel were the worst that was suffered though. But slow progress was being made as the punctures were quite persistent.

The route now turned up past Wray Castle then down a bridle to Windermere where another puncture (even more persistent this time) slowed progress again. Reaching Balla Wray a right turn on a testing Bridle up onto Claife Heights was taken. This is usually pretty challenging but today a combination of gradient and wet / slimy surface combined to make it unrideable. Kev tried his best but suffered his first "off" of the day - but as usual, he bounced back up with a smile hiding the obvious pain.

At the summit of Claife Heights the decision was made to take the fast rocky descent towards Hawkshead and then the testing climb up into Grizedale Forest. A short but sweet stretch of the North Face was taken to Moor Top where we decided to route towards Parkamoor. The necessary couple of miles on Forest Roads passed quick enough before reaching the lunch spot perched high above Coniston Water. We feasted on the views just until the chilly breeze saw everyone keen to spring onwards. Another persistent puncture again slowed progress before reaching the descent. Here the bridle provides a hugely entertaining 2 mile long route - with testing drop offs, rocky turns, water splashes and hops.

A coffee stop at Satterthwaite pub was taken before tackling the climb up onto Breasty How and the next mechanical delay (thank fully the last of the day). From here we hoped to see the Airshow over Windermere. But the only aerobatics on view today was the various riders exiting their bikes over handlebars or side windows on the next stretch of unfeasibly steep trail. Tony & Kev were definitely showing us the full range of aeriel antics which any Red Arrows team would have been proud.

Once safely gathered on the valley floor the route is relatively flat for a full 20 metres before another up and over, with more testing, twisty, sublimely slippy singletrack. The smiles were broad as the legs were tired on the run in back along the side of Windermere. But a good speed was maintained and Ambleside was reached by 4.40pm where the usual teas and biscuits restored everyone for the trip home.

So another delightful lakeland ride out enjoying some of the Country's finest countryside. Thanks to everyone for driving over - hope you all agree it was well worth the effort and fuel today.

Mark