Slaley Forest

After Saturday's gales and rain - Sunday dawned bright and clear - perfect conditions for Mountain Biking. Unfortunately many of the regulars were laid low with various plagues, curses and injuries so it was a select gathering that savoured the delights of Slaley Forest today. Due to the splendid weather we decided that a moorland blast would be better than a byway bimble in these conditions.

Graham A, Graham Mc, Ian S, Dave and Mark set a good pace out of Slaley Village and across to the low road through Slaley Forest. The ground conditions were perfect, and a light breeze ensured no one over heated. We opted for the straight ahead route at the cross roads and the views as we climbed up onto the moor top got better and better, with The Cheviots and Simonside fells all clearly visible to the North. Carriers Way was reached in record time and surprisingly this was the first time many of those riding today had come this way. Two thirds of the way across Carriers Way we swung East and across the top of the moor towards the Pennypie route. The only puncture of the day was fixed at the highest point of todays ride - where the 360 degree views were simply spectacular.

Arriving at the Pennypie track we rode back towards Slaley Forest for a short way before turning right down the 'new' bridle that sweeps majestically downwards for 2 miles to the Blanchland Road. Ian S described this track as "one of the best Northumbrian trail" he had ever ridden - and no one was arguing with that today. Turning left along tarmac for 100 yards before swinging back into Slaley Forest to pick up some of the delightful single track routes that skirt the edge of the forest. The sun dappled through the trees made for a fairytale trail that all much enjoyed.

Lunch was taken at the Pennypie track gate where we met up with Len B who was out on his bike with a friend who both stopped for a bit of craick. We then set off through the woods to the steep singletrack. Mark warned everyone to take care here - and within seconds was off over the handle bars to prove his point. Sore wrists and a bashed hip were his reward for this piss poor piece of riding. Everyone proceeded tentatively as we completed the single track but speeds resumed their normal level as the descent continued out of the Forest and down to Devils Water.

Arriving at Whitley Chapel we had a choice to extend the ride over to the Racecourse or return for an early bath at Slaley. Mark's increasingly sore wrist had him voting for the early bath and everyone else was happy to agree. The return over the Dukesfield Bridle was remarkable for how dry it was - even the muddy cow pooh corner was bone dry.

An extended tea break was then taken in Mark's back garden where everyone agreed about how many magical tracks were hidden in Slaley Forest and surrounding moors.

Hopefuly we will be back to a fully fit compliment of riders next weekend - so best wishes to everyone who is ailing just now.

Mark

THE MUDDY BUMS  (aka "the Clarty Ars#ses")

MOUNTAIN BIKING IN NORTHUMBERLAND AND BEYOND

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