Everything about Mountain Biking in the North East of England

Hi from a newbie

Just thought i would say Hi.... I'm based up in Morpeth but originally from Yarkshire. Been riding since 1985 but had a big break from '95 to 2005. Started again as i was getting a little podgie around the waist. Ride most weekends (when work and family allows) and a few evenings a week, usually around Thrunton or the North York Moors if I have more spare time. Staunch believer that steel is real and currently riding a 2009 Cotic Soul although I still have several old steeds from back in the day that get used regularly. Started commuting on the bike again to get the fitness back up by using a cobbled together with crap skip find singlespeeder with a big ratio that makes the hills a bastard but is helping my legs no end.
Looking to try out Chopwell for the first time next week- any route sugestions or anyone likely to be around on Tuesday night? Not wanting anything hardcore as i will be out on my 70's Klunker probably, so something XC with berms and smallish jumps would be cool.

Cheers
Si

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Permalink Reply by Crispy on July 10, 2009 at 11:47pm: Hi there Si, welcome to the site. There's quite a few members of NEFA who build the trails at Chopwell knocking around on here, and who are usually up for giving a guided tour so I'm sure someone will be along soon....; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by ray on July 18, 2009 at 2:44pm: Hi newbie welcome to mtb north east. I live near chopwell but like you had never rode there so psycho took me on a guided tour of all the best bits and some off piest action. It was great ride he is one of the main trailbuilders at chopwell and also gave me a history lesson on all the trails in and around chopwell. If you want a guided tour he is the man and he will be more than happy to show you some of his work. I work funny shifts but if you go for a tour with psycho and i am not at work give me a shout and i will join you no problems. see you are doing the october fest might see you then if i dont see you at chopwell before that ray.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Si on July 18, 2009 at 3:49pm: Cheers Guys. looking forward to going to Chopwell- heard good things about it. I met Bob this week who talked me into bringing my old Schwinn instead of the Cotic to give you guys something to laugh at. Also looking forwards the Octoberfest, should be pretty tough going on an older bike but I like a challenge every now and then. My aim is to not finish last. As long as the climbing is not too severe I should be OK.

What time/day do you guys meet up at Chopwell?? its usually 7:00/7:30 by the time I get out but thats still a few hours riding before last orders- speaking of which, any decent pubs near by?

Cheers
Si; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by arron mcgregor on July 19, 2009 at 11:47am: i was there today in the rain it was brilliant i fell off on the north shore as it was very slipy but i didnt come off to bad thankfully; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by nodrog2 on July 19, 2009 at 9:04pm: Welcome Si. Met you on saturday at the bike place. Already told you about chopwell tuesdays. Definitely get yourself along sometime as you'll be very welcome. Will find some kindred spirits in the love of steel HT's as well. Quite a few of us ride steel (i ride a MK 1 PA). Happy to come up and ride at Thrunton as well as there are some very good trails up there. Look forward to seeing you again soon.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Si on July 20, 2009 at 9:25am: Cheers guys. Probably won't make Chopwell this week as I have the 'Fleet of Old Shite' to fettle and fix for this weekends Retrofest down in yorkshire. Lots to do I'm affraid. Maybe the week after? would be good to meet up with some more of you guys.
Nice to meet Nodrog on Saturday- thanks for the Hopes, got them fitted and looking mighty fine.

Cheers
Si; ▶ Reply to This