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

Well a change is as good as a rest or so they say. It was a change but no rest.

Terry arrived at the campsite first on Friday followed by Ian and Arthur, myself and Julie were last to arrive but still in good time for a hands on approach by us all to erect the tents. Saturday morning saw a glorious start whilst having breakfast the sun shone .Our good friend Dave arrived from Southport then Graham and then our dear friend Anne and Adam in time for a cuppa. Since everyone was there we were on the move for 10.00am.

On this ride starting from Sedbergh there is no time to get your legs warmed up 'cos your straight into climbing and more climbing, did I mention climbing, well to be honest your climbing all the way to the Calf. A brief stop was taken on the top huddled around the trig point trying to escape from the wind. Then joy as all the pain of the climbing was now forgotten as you picked your way down the singletrack heading out to the valley. Young Adam was away like a whippet, occasionaly houlding up to make sure we were still following.

Just before lunch saw the first faller of the day. One off those dark patches catching Graham out and putting him over the bars. A brief stop for lunch saw me hunting in my camelbak for my peanut butter and jam sandwiches , I was then told I havn`t bothered as i am on holiday too ( as she was munching hers).

After lunch sees you riding across grassy fields quiet country lanes to link up with more singletrack with the added amusement of a very deep water hole Arthur reckons it came close to his knees. Into a wood and down to a river crossing Adam closing the gate for Arthur to discover he had a puncture. The heavens opened and we took shelter whilst Arthur changed his tube, the culprit was a thorn. Well done Arthur for finding that thorn in the wood. The next few moments were hillarious as Arthur attempted to use his co2 canister to save time - no co2 inside the tube at all resulting to using the traditional method of the pump. More duel tracks & more singeltrack saw us arrive back to campsite for just after 4.00pm. Tea coffee and Terry`s biscuit were consumed whilst Anne was telling us that she was doing a trail quest with a friend tomorrow , OH what it must be like to be so fit!!!

Supper was had in the local pub where we discovered that amongst the local young farmer girls clothing is obviously optional. Food, craik and banter was in abundance after a good hard days riding.It was nice to catch up with some old friends.

Cheers Willie