Summer 2010 and we had decided to revisit Kielder to check out the improvements in the mountain biking since we were last here in 2005. It wasn't just the place that had changed, the kids had too, Ben is now taller and faster than me and Adam just can't wait to be able to say the same. On the last visit we camped and the rumours about the midges are not exaggerated which certainly ensured the tent erection was a fast and furious activity. This time round we decided to go up market and booked into Kielder yha for four nights where we made full use of the drying room and the great food which is served up every night on site.
We woke on Tuesday morning keen to get our first ride of the holidays under way. During the night it had rained, everything was wet and there was a fine drizzle falling - still it was warm and there didn't seem like any reason not to get going. We called in at the Bike Place to get some maps and the consensus seemed to be to start on the Lonesome Pine Trail with the option of expanding into the Bloody Bush Trail if and when we felt the need. We should have taken more notice of the warnings in the literature 'As with all trails in Kielder, please be fully prepared for riding in remote environments and come properly equipped. The weather can change rapidly and small equipment failures can quickly turn into a more serious situation. Always let somebody know where you are going and when you are due back.' ...
The weather didn't improve but the singletrack was simple flowing fun perfect for the conditions under wheel. Even the poor light couldn't disguise the beauty and remoteness of the surrounding countryside revealed once we'd climbed 'Stairway to heaven' and made it to the 'Lonesome Pine' section of the trail. The latter comprises one of the longest sections of Northshore in the UK. The boarding is two metres wide, not because cyclists can't steer very well this far north but because the trail is so exposed that in windy conditions nobody can steer very well!
The boys were keen to take a left turn at this point and explore the Bloody Bush Trail while I decided to stay with the Lonesome Pine Trail and hit the 'Purdom Plunge' with renewed vigour. Less than five minutes after we'd parted company the weather decided to up the anti big time. First came the rain, torrential seems like an accurate description, it was simply bouncing off the ground. The trail transformed into a river almost instantaneously. The temperature plummeted and the rain became hail which was thrown equally viciously from the leaden skies; my skull felt like it was being fast frozen in its helmet. There was thunder, lightening, the full works it was both scary and exhilarating and the fabulous descent down 'Bewshaugh' was a race against hypothermia. A slip, sliding, helter skelter of a ride where speed and the need for shelter pushed against the increasing likelihood of bike and person parting company. One part of my mind was completely engrossed in the ride while the other was praying that Mark had turned back and was hard on my heels with the kids.
Half an hour after I'd made it back to the yha I was starting to feel warm again but it had taken a long, long hot shower, dry clothes and a warm drink. Now I was fretting about the rest of my family. I knew they didn't have enough warm clothing to sustain an extended period in these conditions. Thankfully, three sodden figure appeared shortly, Ben wearing the only pair of waterproof trouser and Adam with a silver survival blanket wrapped round the inside of his waterproof jacket. Two minutes later and they were both in hot showers. Lesson learnt - despite being August we didn't venture out again without full waterproofs ...
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