The Speedian (Ian A) writes his Thursday Thoughts for MidAirCrisis/NMBC:

Thursday September the 17th 2009

Keith

Chris D

Jon

Chris K

Jason

Ian A

Kev J

Ian B

Steve W2

Ian M

Matt

Terry H

James

Terry K

Mick

Stewart

Tim

Ainis

Arthur

Isobel

Alex

Prompt departure tonight as we headed to the Rising Sun. The usual melee ensued attempting to cross Holystone Way. Chris D somehow managed to lose the front end on the very first bend, fortunately no damage done. The trails through the trees were dry and the super fit youngsters just keep pressuring the club elders to pick up the speed which they try to the best of their abilities. (gollum adds - any excuse for Speedian to speed up!)

After crossing the Coast Road we skirted around the West of Wallsend Dene through a somewhat bramble strewn but very enjoyable single track. Down into Rosehill Dene then onto Hadrian Road before descending into the depths of the pedestrian tunnel at a less than pedestrian pace. South banks of the Tyne heading towards Gateshead and the Baltic saw the group splitting into two groups one taking the high road and one the low, eventually regrouping before the International Paints works.

No room at the Baltic due to the Great North Run marquees so break was taken 100 metres past the Piano bar. Ainis and Isobel were first to head for home from here, the rest still had the pleasures of Armstrong and Heaton parks before the sweet little downhill section in Jesmond Dene with a tricky little left hander over the bridge.

Now because we had plenty of time the off road track was the preferred route towards Gosforth, usually event free, but not tonight, halfway along the route there is a little drop from the bridge over some branches lying on the ground. Ian A some weeks ago ripped off a rear mech here so stopped adjacent to the offending debris to warn the following riders, all but one heeded the warning. The Gollum, being the wrong side of ancient, is obviously loosing his hearing and managed to remove his rear mech also! No messing about now - two spare mech hangers and a comprehensive toolkit soon had it fettled and the rest of the journey was completed single speed style, home once again via the Ministry bridle.

Jason was a Gnats whisker away from totalling either his bike or himself as he failed to see the additional wooden barriers placed to prevent cyclist’s shortcutting across the grass.

Home for 10:15 ish.

Twenty four to twenty eight miles depending on your starting point.