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

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Netherton wander. Sunday 26th September - Muddybums in attendance; 9 in total - Terry, Arthur, Gavin, Jeff, Tony, Suzanne, Tom, Ian. A, Kev.H

Weather- 9' in morning warming to 12' in afternoon, overcast skies but good visibility, gusty N.N/E wind

Route- All were ready to set off just after 10.00 and straight out of the village onto a bridle through to Scrainwood farm passing some rather bemused looking cows who moved rather reluctantly out of our way, then onto Hazletonrig where a choice of route between standard bridle and a decent footpath criss-crossing the ford, the latter was opted by all, some making it with different degrees of damp feet!

Then we faced the first of many climbs of the day joining the bridle up onto the salters path, with everyone suitably warmed up extra layers were shed as we continued along at a brisk pace, rewarded with a fast but short downhill section passing Ewartly shank [a pretty standard farm holding at present, however there are the remains of a former pele tower and fortified house dating circa 1400, from the times of the border reiver days!] then on we went down hill again but alas to short as we started the next big climb of the day up towards little dod however as i correctly pointed out to Terry not exactly to the very top! But as ever most big climbs are rewarded with very enjoyable downhill sections and I for one enjoyed the fast decent down to High Bleakhope farm. From here the group considerably shrunk! from 9 to 4 as Terry, Tony, Gavin, Jeff & Arthur all headed up the tarmac to Alahnmoor and back for an early bath, after I picked up me pet lip the remaining 4 hardened riders continued to low bleakhope [Northumberlands most remote habituated farm] we started the push over high cantle, now this is a mapped bridle but as long as I have a hole in my a*** no mountain biker or any one on horse back will be seen up riding up that! we nearly lost Suzanne in the 5' high grass and ferns.

Over a rather boggy moor with another steep decent down to linhope burn to hit the grouse shooters bothy for a much deserved lunch stop. Whilst there it was very annoying to see all the empty beer cans and litter left by some very inconsiderate folk who obviously dont respect spending time in such a beautiful place. Well right on cue as we ate our grub the sun made an appearance with its mate- blue skies! and I had to motivate the crew [me included] to get going again, a fast ride down to Linhope village over some rough ground saw me get meself a snakebite before heading onto the visitor centre for coffee however? as we approached 'said coffee provider' both Tom and Ian became entangled and wiped out big style both lay motionless mmm.... apparently it was an argument over who was going to buy the coffees it appears Ian lost!! after refreshments up for the last climb up on to the side of wether hill where we passed some very friendly and courteous walkers decending to Prendwick over to Alnham and back into Netherton just after 3.30 A real good ride, fantastic country side, and good company, many thanks to all who turned up.

Oh and the question everyone's wanting to know- did I fall off?.... well of course I did! at the bottom of little dod i got both me wheels stuck in some mud...splat!

See ya all soon.
    Kev.H