Throphill Splash

Willie forgot to take his camera today. But he has described how sunny and dry it was so I have tried to recreate the scene using some suitable photos..............and here is his report :

After the dream of beautiful weather amazing single-track,short sleeve tops and really dry trails I awoke to the sound of easterly winds and driving rain.I hadn't even got out of bed and she who must be obeyed said that she wasn't riding today, so it was left up to me.

As 10 o'clock was getting ever closer and nobody had turned up I thought that I would get the day off.First to arrive was Ian and Izzy shortly followed by Kev there seemed to be no great rush to make a start so we chewed the fat over a cuppa.Wet weather gear was donned and we set off to brave the elements straight into a wet and clarty bridle at the rear of Throphill which took us through to East Thornton.

The wind was on our tails for the short section of tarmac. Devils causeway saw us across the moor and back into the shelter of the woods, the track through Longshaws was by this time like a river bed with running water.Out and up to Pigdon to pick up the next bridle saw us battle head on into the wind and rain which was coming down horizontal. Snack stops today had been postponed until either back home or at least until we can find some shelter. The clarts got the better of everyone as we were heading for Newton Park, the cattle weren't at all bothered as they stood with their backs to the weather probably thinking what on earth are this lot doing out on a day like this i by this time was starting to think the same but we must battle on and enjoy what we have.

The next section was tackled without a challenge from the grumpy old farmer who normally has his sheep gathered between the two gates at his back door ,no sign of him or his flock.We were travelling very well as a small group without any mechanicals or punctures so rather than finish with a lump of tarmac we headed for a small detour and picked up the old railway line which took us to Meldon.When out and about I love to try and incorporate a small piece of single-track from river green, we made our way there taking on the floods on the road.During day light hours I can never get past the farmhouse without John collaring us for a bit craik.The craik today was about how quick the river had risen which in turn led him to get the photo from last September when the river was touching the bottom of the bridge some 15 to 20 foot up .We made on our way when the questions were asked how long has he lived there and how long have you known him Willie the reply to both was all our lives.

Back home we washed down the bikes got changed and enjoyed a cuppa and a piece of cake to see the wind drop the rain stop and believe it or not the sun come out.

Thanks to all who turned out as they say there's no such thing as bad weather just inappropriate clothing.

Cheers Willie

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

MOUNTAIN BIKING IN NORTHUMBERLAND AND BEYOND

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