IMBA-UK: “UNOFFICIAL record of the activities of IMBA-UK, an organisation set up in the UK to represent to interests of mountain bikers. IMBA UK promotes environmentally sound and socially responsible mountainbiking, and works to keep trails and public access open for mountain biking by encouraging responsible riding, supporting volunteer trail work and co-operating with trail user groups, land managers and public bodies.”
Monthly Archives: May 2004
Oh, it’s all gone quiet…
Very busy at work this week, so little web activity, or bike riding. I’ve a week off next week, and will be commuting by bike after that, including some long rides home, hopefully, so more updates soon. Bike Darlington’s other contributer will be returning from holiday soon.
Oh, I may soon be joining the singlespeed clique.
BBC NEWS | World | Americas | Bush bruised after bicycle bang
BBC NEWS | World | Americas | Bush bruised after bicycle bang: “George Bush fell off his mountain bike on Saturday, grazing his chin, upper lip, nose, both knees, and his right hand, a White House spokesman said.”
Oops. Snigger.
Singletrack – The Big Thrash
Singletrack – The Big Thrash: “On Friday, May 28th, a group of mountain bikers led by Andy Armstrong will set off from Edinburgh on a journey that will take them through the Scottish Borders, Northumberland and the Yorkshire Dales, finishing in Todmorden on the Yorkshire-Lancashire frontier seven days later. They are doing this for two reasons: to have a fantastic time, and to raise money for Epilepsy Scotland.”
Taking the long way home
After getting to the Dolphin Centre faster by bike than by car, I took slightly longer to get home. About 2 1/2 hours, in fact.
I left the town centre along Coniscliffe Road, to the Baydale Beck, where I took a bridleway north to Archdeacon Newton. From there I followed a set of three bridleways to Burtree Gate, followed by a quick spin along the dual carriageway to find the entrance to the bridleway starting near the roundabout (hint: enter the lay-by from the northern end, the other end is chocked with nettles), which I followed to Coatham Lane, before heading south down Patches Lane and then across to the A167. From the A167, I headed to Barmpton Village, via Ketton Farms, and from there home.
Lots more animal life was disturbed, including loads of butterflies who were sunning themselves on the trail (so, sorry for all the hurricanes).
Very roughly, I estimate I covered about 20 miles, in about 2 1/2 hours, mostly off road. All of it was rideable, though there was some very long grass to ride through in places.
During the ride, I saw way markers for three of Darlington’s way-marked trails: the Heighton Boot, Salters Circular and Catkill Trail. I’m going to call into a bike shop in town to see if I can get another copy of the leaflet detailing the rides, so I can attempt each of them as intended, then I might attempt a combination of all three.
This ride was brought to you in association with Benadryl Plus+, Taking the Long Way Home and sunny Sunday afternoons. I think I’ve found my summer homeward-bound commute.