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

10 Muddybums (well actually they were clean at this stage but got very muddy soon after) met at a rather breazy seahore carpark at Seaton Sluice. The clear sky and bright, low winter sun had everyone eagerly anticipating the ride. But what sort of ride would it be ? This was very alien territory for most of us - but very familiar to Ian A who led off at speed.

So where were we going ? Thoughts of housing estates, busy roads, industrial decay and idle yoof (such as the C2C through Consett) were in some minds. But instead the route delivered a smorgesboard of delicious trails that linked together as if a pandora bracelet of various shapes and sizes that worked brilliantly together.

From the swooping trails along Holywell Dene, to the ancient waggonways, via bizarre landfill landscapes, past medieval peel towers, into the magic woodland of Gosfort Park and lunch at a MacDonalds ! All in all a very different set of ingredients that still baked a very satisfying cake.

At this point Gary and Mark peeled off to return via the Waggonways, Byways, Bridleways and Denes to Seaton Sluice. All others carried on and Ian reports as follows :

After our Maceedees we looped once round Havanna Country park before heading South through Jesmond Dene to the Tyne,a much appreciated tail wind assisted the remaining seven all the way home arriving back at Seaton Sluice at 5pm
Not sure on the mileage well over the thirty's

Out today Gavin D, Arthur (first third only) ,Simon, Ian, Amelia, Mark (first half only) ,Gary (first half only),Tom, Ian A and Alan - all sporting distinctly muddy bums by the end of this ride !

Fab day out and just perfect for the conditions.

Mark & Ian A