Thursday, 18th May

Jason had to take young Ross to his football practice and it ran on too late for him to join John and Terry on a mild, dry evening. We decided to discuss Life, The Universe and Mountain Bikes while we went for a genteel cruise around the local trails. This began at Holystone, then south through Scaffold Hill Farm to Hadrian Park, down the Silverlink trail to the Tyne Tunnel. Then west through Willington Quay into the Burn at Wallsend, north again up the bridleway to the old Quarantine Hospital on the New Coast Road (A1058), then through Battle Hill. We crossed through the Rising Sun Country Park to Kings Estate and Station Road, then south alongside Newcastle United's training grounds at Benton, along the old Tram Track to Benton Road, north through the Fairways Estate and home again along the Old Coast Road.

That little trip was a nice and gentle two hour ride and we managed to solve most of the major problems of the World, even as far as discussing John's next mountain bike, which he now has clearance to pursue from She Who Must Be Obeyed. We even talked about a good hardtail for a time, but my short experience on Peter's last Sunday left me in no doubt how bad hardtails are as regards comfort and traction. So now we're on the hunt for a half decent replacement for the Saracen Awol that's just about knackered now from proper Mountain Biking.

The other major decision made on this ride was to cash in our chips as far as dearly beloved cycle speedway is concerned. Lack of interest so far means that we're right out of enthusiasm to get anything new going.

Have you Killed A BIKE THIEF TODAY?