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

  Suzanne, Julie, Willie, Ian A, Ian S, Gary, Jeff, Arthur & Mark set off from Slaley under
  leaden grey skies. But as the forecast predicted - within half an hour the sun put in
  an appearance and stayed shinning on us the rest of the day.

Everyone was in good form today - and in a strange roll play exercise Julie decided to take on the persona of Kev. This involved finding new and more spectacular ways to exit her bike with the slightest provocation - whilst remaining cheerful at all times.

The route climbed into Slaley Forest by one of the many old pathways and we popped out onto Carriers Way without feeling as if too much work had been done. The traverse of the Carriers Way was much enjoyed by all as there was a good combo of softish ground to ease the drop offs, feathery heather to caress the ankles and clear blue skies to enhance the magnificent views.

Elevenses were taken at the shooting hut before the drop into the "hidden valley" and long climb up to the Broadway. This route usually delivers a painful headwind with which to battle - but today the only challenges were fixing Arthurs broken chain and avoiding a sunbathing adder who was not impressed by having to move aside for us to pass.

The descent of the Broadway doesn't now "flow" as well as it once did - but the traverse to Stobs Cross made up for that, as did the sweeping descent to Allendale Town. Coffee and cakes restored energy levels for the climb back up and over Greenrigg Moor. This Northerly crossing of Hexhamshire Common is long but mainly dry and it entertains with far distant views to the North.

The route back to Slaley was through the Jingling Gate, across Dotlands and crossing Peth's Foot. A few riders cleared the steep and slippery climb up from Peth's Foot to the Travellers - which was very impressive indeed at this stage of a ride. Tea coffee and cakes were taken in glorious sunshine to round off the ride.  MARK