Not a bad run, though went from sunny to terrified to stuck then ended up just wet.

Was sliding all over the place on the easy ones, then stupidly decided to go down a snotty bank with a ford at the bottom. The bank was hard packed with a thin covering of watery mud topped off with a coating of wet leaves. I got down %70 of it in what can only be described as an "uncontrolled decent" where I went through all the emotions and effects of a crash without actually having one. This didn't help as the short pain of an off was replaced by 10-15 seconds of sheer sliding terror. Only managed to stop as the bike went into a big rut and the sump,gear lever, toes etc slowed it down so I just hit the brakes. Got over the ford and had some tabs to stop the shakes, while the lads had a play in the water.

Did a couple of easy ones then got stuck in a field of grass going up a lil slope, though difficult to call it a slope, as was almost flat. Spin, spin, spin had to paddle for about 100 yards. Got through the gate then same thing in a rut, spin, paddle etc. Got to the end and to me lid off to let the steam out. Thought feck this and did an easy one throo the forest, then the rain came down so had a wet ride home.

Got home and decided those tyres just don't cut it at this time of year and I won't be trailing the Ten anymore, but the phone rang last night so I might be going out again on Saturday, but take the "Yooz go down there, I'll meet ya at other end" approach.

Kids and water.







The Bears bike gets zapped by the death ray from the Rambler Saucer.





Couple of views over the Tyne Valley







Tourances and this stuff don't mix.

Pete, Even the Enduro Comp III's don't react too well in this weather, You described my descent down Twotop hill (from Hartside Cafe) pefectly - I swear I was backwards at one point! That was Sunday, still a bit stiff today (tuesday).

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>-------<

Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

Full respect to you both ,im amazed what some of you get up to with this offrd

[quote= zapped by the death ray from the Rambler Saucer.




Very funny

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DickyC

Gun Metal Grey 2014 XT660Z
'Advice is sought by someone who knows the answer but doesn't like it'

'The adsence of alternatives clears the mind marvelously'

Nice piccies mate.

get some semi off road tyres like TKC's80 and it may handle a bit better but nothing will handle unless your on full on off roadys on a tenere and on that stuff.

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Plough on

Hi mate, where abouts was that please? Will have to check it out!
Cheers

I don't recognise the river crossing but one is off the Paise Dykes (Hexham to Allendale road) to Ellrington, one is from Langley Castle to the track above Haydon Bridge overlooking the Haydon Bridge bypass then Elrington again, am I right?.

Max got one of these for the snotty stuff....



It's geared right down with 'proper' tyres but has been neglected for far too long, and since I got the Ten hasn't had a lookin. I should get it Mot,tax etc and back on the road for the winta, leaving the Ten tucked up in bed (still resisting the urge to turn it into a dirt bike).

CW.. all are on the OS map as byways from Haydon Bridge west on both sides of the valley, easy to find and follow. Grumps is right.

Cool thanks! Sorry reply has been ages!!