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

Coniston Round

Weather: Dry and Bright

9 muddybums (Graham Mc, Ian A, Julie, Willie, Dave, Terry, Ian S, Tony, Gavin Mc) gathered in at the campsite having deflated airbeds and packed away the tents. Kevin was not riding today but was heading off up the Old Man by himself. Well at the least that’s what he was telling us I think he was heading back to the Wilson arms for that Hand Job promised the night before.

9:30 we hit the shore cycle path back along to Coniston where the group split, some to the garage to take on provisions whilst the others headed for the lake to make some minor adjustments to their bikes. After about 15 mins those that had went for food appeared with Julie riding Gavin’s hard tail whilst he looked like something out of the circus riding in on willies full sus.

The group then continued around the lake to the north where the first climb of the day, tested the weary legs, the tarmac began to level out, but there was no rest as we took a left into the forest. A climb up through Lawson Park through the trees over tree ruts and exposed rocks was all rideable if it was not for the tired legs from the full days riding the day before. It wasn’t long though before we had climbed out of the trees. A quick snack was taking overlooking Coniston admiring where we had ridden the previous day, before a fast rocky descent down to High Nibthwaite. Graham got a little close to Julie coming down over the rocky path, and stepped off his bike making a perfect dismount that was until his bike swung around and smacked his shins. Once at the bottom Ian A and Will both rushed to spray his open wounds before heading off again. Having all traversed the Out of service footbridge.

We then headed for home through Blawith fells but not before stopping for lunch in a perfect idyllic spot. All agreed it was perfect and could have stayed for much longer, taking in the sun’s rays. From here there was one more final climb on tarmac before descending back into Torver. A quick drink was taken back at the Wilson Arms where Lisa and Rosie were sitting outside taking in the sun.

Cracking ride, no mechanicals to report, although I do recollect Julie riding over Tony, not quite sure what happened but she was causing mischief all day.

Graham