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Swaledale Outdoor Club |
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Swaledale Outdoor Club |
| > Home > Newsletter > Mountain Biking > Tarmac, Fire Tracks and Mud |
Tarmac, Fire Tracks and MudThe third ride in as many weeks saw us venture once more into the North York Moors, this time via Osmotherly, on tracks finally cleared of F&M restrictions the day before. Making the most of the national cycle network the magnificent seven rode up the hill along route 65 to the foot of Black Hambleton and on down an excellent couple of miles of fire track through Stilton Woods. Several miles of tarmac later and with Pete complaining we hadn't seen any real mud we set off on an impromptu shortcut (well it looked OK on the map) between Kepwick and Cowesby which mostly involved walking up a muddy hill, along a muddy hill and down a muddy stream. Now muddy, and without further complaint from Pete, a few final miles of tarmac and the odd hill later saw us atop the moors for the first lunch stop. With the wind behind us and the rain holding off nicely we rolled along Hambleton Street and over the tumulus of Black Hambleton to the ripping downhill on the other side leaving us in need of a good sit down, a cup of tea and a bun in Chequers after the excitement of it all. To justify the second lunch stop of the day we managed the optional loop via sheep dip and with the sun trying to make a late appearance (apparently at Len's request) made a final descent into oblivion, sorry, Osmotherly for a grand day out total of 24 miles. Possibly the best ride from Osmotherly so far this year. Paul Curry |