Blanchland, North Pennines - 2nd November, 2008
Intro :: Details: Weather, etc :: Event Updates :: Make a weekend of it..
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It seems a long time ago that Open Adventure explored this part of the country - it was our 3rd ever event and this is our 24th! Many on that day remarked on what a great area this was and how little it had been explored. The moorland offers some fantastic views and the mountain biking is the real thing - don't expect any manicured tracks, but expect some fantastic riding. Registration and the start with be at the village hall on the road leading out of the village to Baybridge. Parking if the weather is dry will be on the sports field however if the weather has not been kind and the field is not suitable for vehicles - expect to park in the large village carpark (we like to keep these clear so visitors during the day can park).
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Details: Weather, etc
Weather :: BBC Bike Hire :: none found - please contact us if you can offer this service. Accomodation :: Visit Northumberland nearest bunkhouse try Holehousebunks at Eastgate call nick on 01388 517184 Entry List :: click here
Event Location
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[31/10] Entries have now closed, however you can still enter on the day (£30 each). If you intend to bring a minibus full please give us a call so we can make sure we have enough maps.
Bit of housekeeping, if you are entering this weekend - could you login to your profile and just double check your details are correct. Also can you make sure your emergency contact is not another racer in this event, certainly not your partner!
Lastly FYI there is no mobile phone coverage in the valley around Blanchland (mobile phone is still a requirement on the kit list as it works as soon as you get out of the valley).
See you Sunday, remember to bring some pennies for the bacon butties / teas and coffees put on by the local people of Blanchland.
[29/10] OK now back from the wilds of the Pennines and boy its been a little cold but the crisp mornings on the moors have been amazing. So what to report..
Parking, pretty sure that the playing field by the village hall is a no - no. The village is still recovering from flooding that it had earlier in the year and as such the ground is still water logged. So please use the large free carpark just north of the village. Please park efficiently and don't spread your kit out so others can't get in.
Food - the local village hall committee is providing food, so bring a few pennies for bacon butties before the event and baked spuds after.
Unless there is a sharp frost, the terrain is very mixed with everything from tarmac to very muddy tracks and steep hills. Avoid the semi - slick tyres unless you don't expect to go that far on the bike, and dig out the off road shoes if you plan to crank out a few miles on foot. Expect to get your feet wet :-)
Will be back with an update before the weekend. Should be a good one.
Well if you are heading from the south and you fancy a manicured MTB trail fix check out Hamsterely Forest - we ran a classic event from here a number of years ago, great location and views - must head back one day.
If you need to get the tourist fix then have a nosey at High Force in the middle of the Pennines, or if you are coming down from Bonny Scotland why not take a meander along Hadrians Wall.
The Village of Blanchland itself is worthy an afternoon, with a pleasent tea shop and the old priory to keep you amused, the cobbled square and old post office leave you thinking - people really do live like this!
The North Pennine website gives a few more tips and you can find them here