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

Powburn Sunday 22nd August 2010

Who’s out:-Tom, Stephen G, Ian S, Ian A, Isobel, Julie, Willie, Jeff, Kevin and Andy

Weather : Warm and Breezy

Julie Leads (no map required)

Route:-Heading East along the disused railway line, before ascending the road via Titlington Pike and Titlington Mount then across Beanley Moor where the single track was hidden by the shoulder high ferns obscuring the twists, dropoffs and boulders on this infrequently used trail, An early snack stop in Eglingham saw Tom buy two stone of local beans at a discount price. The left hand turn to the bridal leading over Eglingham Moor was well marked by a squashed hedgehog and red squirrel combo.

Many times we’ve done this route and tentatively looked for Cateran Hole, this time we had the ex military on our team who wasn’t going to give up, eventually Jeff discovered the elusive hole by almost falling into it, most of us took turns with Andy’s torch to see who could penetrate the surprisingly long tunnel before turning back due to the ever decreasing opening, lunch was taken here lying in the sun.

Blawearie had the group stopping once again after a rapid thrash over Bewick Moor, jellybaby stop this time.

Old and New Bewick were quickly passed without incident, other than Ian A receiving frequent texts giving Newcastle score updates from his son who was using his match ticket today.

Pringles Wood, Beanley and back to Hedgeley services for an early coffee and cake.

No major fallers today and no mechanicals other than a couple of squeaky brakes requiring minor adjustment.

A smashing ride - thanks Julie

Ian A