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Dalbeattie and Mabie
June 07, MTB...ing

Dear all,

Just back from a great weekend MounTain Biking in Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland. Expertly organised by Paul Crane, Mountain Bike Section leader for Clifton Cycling Club.

The plan was to stay at Mathrown, a bunk house in the middle of Mabie forest, this we did on Saturday but as Friday night was full, a local pub B&B had to do!

Mathrown of Mabie was a fantastic place full of character, we could have stayed in Teepee's and/or in mud huts! We did however make good use of the hot tub!

Saturday: We all met in the carpark at Dalbeattie, Steph P, and I had travelled up that morning. All itching to get those wheels turning, we set off, with eager anticipation of the route ahead. The great slab, was on our minds, was it as bad as bike mags suggested!?! Would we be able to cycle this great lump of granite!?!




<-- Me on the pre-qualifier for The Slab.

The reality is that Dalbeattie is not just about the slab, Yes the slab is difficult but there is lots of things that are technically harder. The good thing about Dalbeattie is that whatever level you are cycling there is a challange for you.


Dalbeattie is rocky - fast and dry - with rocks and more rocks! The technical element is a couple of steps above what you'll find above Dalby, all had chicken runs, but we still found ourselves dreaming of body armour.  The trails went on and on and the fantastic weather kept us going (we heard it tipped down all weekend in York). After a long doy in the saddle it was back to the bunkhouse then on to the pub for fish and chips and chips and chips.



<-- ooh, looks dodgy does that


The next day we were up bright and early and with the trailhead out the back door we were off! Another scorching day on empty trails. Not as technical as Dalbeattie, Mabie reminded me of the old red route in Dalby but with less mud!

<-- hmm, they used to make trees wider than this... don't you know that's going to hurt...





Steph F. enjoying the sun at Mabie -->








<above> Me on the final decent at Mabie
 <above> Seb showing us how its done


At Mabie it was possible to finish the day in the cafe, before heading up to the bunkhouse to pack and head home.

All in all, an excellent weekend, great company, great trails, great cycling.

Looking forward to a return trip already,

Simon
Chairman: York Mountaineering Club