Sunday 5th December 09.

Matfen Magic.

Just before we leave Belsay about 3 large groups of 'roadies' pass the layby we are parked in, most of the goups I recognise , Gosforth RC/ Cheviot RC and a select group of extra fast racing guys nicknamed the "blind" because they just follow each others wheels at speed ! Most of the rides shout hello to me and some make a joke about me getting fat - yes I am overweight again but I am fatboyreiver. The thing about cycling is not just speed, its to enjoy yourself and todays ride turns out to be a real joy.

The byeway and bridle through Bradford and South Bradford is very muddy and wet and last nights rain collects in large puddles, at Brandy Well Hall my feet are soaked. The next track takes the course of an old green lane and in Kirkheaton we head onto the Moatlaw Ridge with its splendid views acoss Roman Wall country. The wind turbines are down and the breeze whistles in the propellers. The ride along the ridge and the through the gravel pits are unknown territory to the Reivers - so its a green pen day (mark them up on the map to use another day). The blast down the tarmac into Matfen is magic and refeshments are taken in the village cafe.

 The ride back means linking bridles and footpaths(walking with bikes) back to Belsay - Fenwick, South Fens and Blackheadon to land back at the cars for 4pm + now thats magic, Matfen Magic.

Fatboyreiver 

Sunday 29th November 09.

St Cuthberts Cave.

The North East wind ensures this ride is cold wet and muddy and just hard work !!!!!!!! Leaving Belford at 10.20 am the decision is to follow the usual route anticlockwise. This means a sheltered ride out of Belford passing Westhall and Craggyhall, the rock scars of Craggyhall provides shelter from a harsh north east wind. At Swinehoe Farm the bridle across open fields to Detchant give a clear indication of how hard the ride will be going out over Heather Law and the turkey farm at Fenham Le moor. The cold blast along the coastal strip to Fenham is all head down and dig-in. At the railway line crossing we meet up with St Cuthberts Way and follow the markers all the way to St Cuthberts Cave, the wind is on the back and the very wet Dolly Gibson Lonnen is just ridable for Ian.

At the cave a good rest is taken in and a game of spotting dates that are carved into the rock formations ( 1801) takes place, confirming how long this place as been an attraction for walkers, horseriders and pilgrims. Today the Pilgrims ride out on the bridle back into Belford for 4 pm.

Fatboyreiver - 'not like all other turkeys, will the real fatboyturkey please stand up, please stand up' !!!!!!!!!!!!! ..... music fades