So, the first midweek ride of the year finally took place. In the interests of speed, convenience and available bodies it was Cramlington again as the starting point. J, J and T yet again, taking to the cycle paths once more in search of the sublime. It wasn't long before some undergrowth was spotted so in we went, as usual.   Bit rough this time as we were (as usual!) the first ever to cycle, or try to cycle through this small wood on the north western tip of the town. Here's John emerging the same way I did,   followed by Jason trying to ride out of it. He managed that, but his arms were covered in scars afterwards.

Some time later after a short road trek north-west, and trying to stay legal, we entered Plessey Woods Country Park at Hartford Village. With this place long being famous as biker-unfriendly, we stopped at the Visitor Centre to check on the legalities. Things have changed a little - bikes welcome "on the waymarked trails". Wow! Waymarked trails in the sanctum of the rambler - I think that's progress. Of course, the landowners have difficulty in separating little Jimmy and his parents on their tourers from us armour-clad heathens on six inch bouncers.

Anyway, off we went, gently weighing the place up and watching for horses and dogs. It was very peaceful, with only the squealing Hayes cable disc brakes on Golly's spare bike disturbing the peace. We found a trailside map and decided to aim for Stannington, on the A1 just south of Morpeth, as there seemed to be a trail going all the way off-road.   This was superb - not too many people walking, and all of them coming towards us, and loads of little off-shoots along the riverbank to enjoy. We didn't expect to have any fun down here, but we sure did.

Somewhere along the way we must have missed a turn, because what we ended up on, again following the edge of the riverbank, was extremely enjoyable.   This was like a miniature 7Stanes singletrack with overhanging branches, roots, ditches, step-downs, the odd drop-off and whoop-de-doos - one of which claimed Jason after a front-wheel landing! Hysterical.   On the odd occasion when we slowed down, you could hear the midges' wings flapping. Even Jay described it as "tranquil". So - he IS humanoid!

When we emerged at the end of this super little trail, however, the harsh light of day dawned on us - see picture ->   Yep, unfortunately, and (honest!) unwittingly, we had been on a "footpath". This sign was at the far end, and we DEFINITELY did not see one at the end we started from, otherwise as Good Bikers we would have avoided it. Mistakes are easily made but if we'd encountered any problems here (didn't see a soul for the last mile or more) then this is what gets bikers a bad name, and we don't want that. So Sorry, Mr Landowner - we won't do it again. Therefore I won't tell you exactly where this trail is - but here's a moody shot of it's tail end. 

Still a beautiful night, warm with no wind, this was on the run back towards Cramlington between Arcot Hall and the Garden Centre.    Another 19 miler provided a good bit of exercise that should make this weekend in the Seven Stanes that much easier, although Jason's latest idea is to do THREE centres in one day! Mad, mad, mad. By the way, the midges are definitely out now!

Have you Killed A BIKE THIEF TODAY?