Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud

After a lay-off of three months we've finally managed a welcome return to the mud. Dalby Forest near Pickering have opened up two of their off-road cycling routes so I hastily arranged a S.O.C. outing. Picking up Margaret White and Rob Turnbull took a little longer than I anticipated and we were further delayed when Margaret looked over her shoulder to see the bikes hanging precariously off the back of my car. Len Pope and Alan Turner were there waiting when we arrived. Of course Alan, being the kind of guy he is, didn't make a single comment regarding my punctuality, more like half a dozen comments! We weren't last though with Rob Eveson arriving five minutes after us. Two Robs on one ride and both riding Scotts, very confusing. There were still another three due to arrive but half an hour later there was still no sign of them so we headed off into the trees.

We had been warned the Red Route was rather muddy so our plan was to do the easier Blue Route then after lunch tackle the muddy Red. The routes were clearly marked with "no entry" signs ensuring you didn't wander off into the no go areas, I wish navigation was this easy on all our rides. At one point Len and I did miss a right turn but this was because we were hurtling along at such an horrendous speed we couldn't stop in time to make the turn!

The Blue Route was fairly easy going, mainly comprising of the main firebreak routes, so it wasn't long before we found ourselves back at the start having covered a distance of 7.5 miles. Back at the Visitor's Centre, Alan started washing his muddy shoes in someone's washing-up bowl and whilst muttering something about "dear in the forest", insisted we did the same. Now I agree entry wasn't cheap at £1.50 a car but to take it out on the poor soul who happened to leave their washing-up bowl lying around was going a little far I thought.

There was no cafe as such but there was a kiosk selling a good selection of drinks, sandwiches, cakes etc. and as it was the warmest day of the year, we were quite happy eating them at the picnic tables provided. Sat basking in the sun, no one was too keen to make a move but we eventually remounted our bikes to tackle the muddy Red Route.

Although a few diversions had been put in place, the route was very good with quite a bit of single track. On one single track we had the novelty of roadwork signs, here we had to be wary of loose chippings! Half way along one of these tracks, Alan got a puncture. He could have now done with that washing-up bowl to find the leak. Despite my title and opening line to this article, there were only a couple of places where mud was a problem (sorry but I was short of ideas for a title). Overall the tracks were in good condition and the type you can enjoy at your own pace. With us not being used to the rigors of cycling off-road, coupled with the surprisingly warm weather, we were rather shattered on completion of the 12 mile long route. We made another raid on the refreshment kiosk. After another chat around the picnic table there was just time for a "99" before heading home.

Thanks very much to those who turned up, everyone appeared to enjoy the day.

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Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud

Dave Neesam