The Reivers Mountain Bike club was first established in 1997 by David Howcroft (aka fatboyreiver) in Morpeth, Northumberland and he named it the Morpeth MBC. On the weekend 19th June 1998 David organised for the club a weekend away riding the new Sustrans C2C called
The Reivers' route 10. From this experience the Morpeth MBC decided to remane itself The Morpeth Reivers MBC and over time became known as the 'The Reivers'. The Reivers have been regularly riding off road since. The ethos and vision is "social" rather than "competitive" and to share collective knowledge of off road routes together with a deeper understanding of the countrysde.
Rides are every Sunday and have a starting time at 10.00am. Rides are listed on the website. The ride contact will have a route planned and a contact number for further information. The rides in winter are between 15-16 miles(4-5hrs) and in summer rides can be 25+miles(6-8hrs) depending on the terrain. In summer mid-week rides take place on an evening (2hrs duration) and these are posted on the website. Reivers rides are graded as:
Fun - ideal for beginners; not strenuous; easy day or winter ride when the weather is bad. Sport - moderate technical demands; ideal for those with off road experience; a good day out. Expert - for the fit or experienced rider; you will know you have been out.
Being a member of the Reivers could be your gateway to access the countryside. Having access to the countryside is important to the Reivers and the right of access brings responsibilities and the Countrysde Code is central to 'reivering'. www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk
- Be Safe, plan ahead and follow any signs.
- Leave gates as you find them.
- Take your litter home.
- Protect plants and animals.
- Consider other people.
- Use gates and stiles to cross boundaries.
- Give way to walkers and horse riders.
In support of the above points the Reivers have contributed to the English Northern Uplands Sense of Place Project (2006). Perceptions of cultural identity, sense of place and belonging are at the heart of the Reivers, we are more than just a mountain bike group.
- " more than just a mountain bike group"
- Sustrans National Cycle Network Launch events 22-25 June 2000. The Reviers organised a "Ride the Net" activity, following route 1 cycling along the coast from Morpeth to Warkworth.
- Festival of Cycling 16-24th June 2001. The Reivers organised a local mountain bke ride in the Morpeth area.
- The Longest Day Project 21st June 2003. The Reivers rode the Border County Ride in Northumberland. A 100 mile off road challenge in 24 hrs for Charity.
- La Pass Portes du Soliel a mountain bike marathon, Morzine in the French Alps.
- MBR magazine June 2003. The Reivers contribute to the "Killer Loop" series. Chect it out.
- MBR magazine August 2004. The Reivers test ride a range of mountain bikes and clothing for the magazine in Kielder Forest.
- Annual visits to the 3 Peaks Classic International cyclo cross in the Yorkshire Dales, Horton-in-Ribblesdale.
- Participate in Trail Quest events.
If you decide to ride with the Reivers then a membership form is available from dhowcroft@btinternet.com or fatboyreiver@hotmail.com 5£ for the year or £2.50 if you join after July. Riders can be a guest for 2 rides then you have the option to become a member. All our rides are for members and guests. Your membership allows access to:
- Affiliated membership of the Mountain Bothies Association (MBA). The Reivers group affiliation number and locations of North of England, Southern Scotland bothies. www.mountainbothies.org.uk
- Access to the club toolkit.
- Access to a file of route planners a maps.
- Access to Walkie-talkies (group communication)
- First Aid kit.
- Mobile phones.
- Survival bag.
Safety on the trails and in the hills is imprtant therefore we recommend that riders come prepared:
- Always carry food and water.
- Carry a basic toolkit with a spare inner tube.
- Wet weather gear, even in summer the weather can change.
- A flask with a hot drink or soup.
- Basic first aid kit.
- Always wear an helmet.
In his book 'Mountain biking Guide Northumberland' Derek Purdy recommends good maintance of your bike and careful consideration of your cycling clothing are essential to enhance your enjoyment of mountain biking. If we follow the above advise we can collectively provide for most eventualities.
Natural trails, rolling mazy single track, technical stuff and downhill are all part of the Reiver experience. Companionship and collective endeavour are the social and interlectual assets of being out with the Reivers. All are welcome, hopefully see you there!
If you decide to join us, use the links on this page or other contacts in this site.
Other Links:
www.mtbnorteast.ning.com/groups
www.gosforthroadclub.com
www.mountainbothies.org.uk
Reivers Glossary:
David Howcroft (01670) 511687
dhowcroft@btinternet.com or fatboyreiver@hotmail.com
Group Riding Rules & Recommendations.
- Regroup at all gates – unless we decide first one through shuts the gate.
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At the top of hills regroup – rest long enough for last rider to recover.
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When strung out along the trail, make sure you are aware of the rider behind you.
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If you are assigned last man – your responsibility is to act as anchor. Not all rides will have a last man.
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Keep your bike well serviced and trailworthy.
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A cycle helmet MUST always be worn.
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Follow the Country Code.
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Respect other land management activities.
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Keep erosion to a minimum, if off road.
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Be safe and self sufficient - always carry food, cycle repair kit/spares, map/compass, first aid kit, foul weather clothes and an personal emergency survival bag.
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Cycle within your capabilities. Match your speed to the surface and your skills.
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Personal third party indemnity insurance is recommended.
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If you decide to ride regularly then a yearly fee of £5, or £2.50 Summer(6months) is due.
For a registration form, please email: dhowcroft@btinternet.com
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