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

Five muddybums gathered in the market place at Bellingham for a days outing in the North Tyne area.

Today's riders were Willie, Julie,Tom,Steve G and Tony who all had a decision to make about what clothing was going to be best suited for the day some opted for summer and some opted for early winter.Heading out of the village we passed the temporary campsite for what was apparently Bellingham's Glastonbury festival.

The first off road climb saw some of us adjusting the clothing scenario that's those who had put on too much having to remove some. Good time was made as we made our way over Shitlington common with the ground being as firm for along time at this point we decided that we should include the extension to the ride.Up through the trees saw the ground change back to being on the side of soft but not sloppy as is often the case in this area.

Lunch was taken in the garden of the bothy whilst one of the MBA members was doing more repair work inside.As the sun beated down on us one of the upstairs windows opened and the fella joined us in conservation over the miss use of these premises and some of the others in the nearby area. The MBA have now decided that it is easier if they close some of the problematic premises during the summer months so as not to let them get into a state of disrepair through miss use.

Off up through the woods saw us dropping down to Falstone for a cuppa at the tea room. The border county ride was totally dry and the final ford being as slippy as ever. The spin back to Bellingham saw us finished for 2.45pm and covering a distance of some 21 miles.

On our way back into the village saw us catch up with local Anthony and his better half heading to the festival. No rain and next to dry trails with good craik makes for a good day out.

Cheers Willie.