In mid November 2010, M Steels Cycles hosted a Specialized Demo Weekend with a difference. Very often a demo consists of an hour or two of bike riding with little opportunity to really get to know the bike you are trying. Steels recognise that to make an informed decision on a bike, you may want to spend a decent amount of time experimenting with the bike and riding it in a variety of situations. For this reason the shop decided to really push the boat out and host a full weekend of riding and testing in the Rothbury, one of the most picturesque villages in stunning Northumberland.

Steels partnered with newly opened Tomlinson’s guest house (www.tomlinsonsrothbury.co.uk) to offer test riders a full weekend of riding, cosy accommodation, and first class food, all for the bargain price of £30! This was refundable to anyone who purchased a 2011 Specialized bike or set of Lupine lights following the weekend. More importantly though, we all had an excuse to enjoy some top class bikes, great riding, and entertaining bike banter with like minded addicts! Most of our guests came from the long established Beamish Odd Sox mountain bike club (who proved great company throughout the weekend) and we were also joined by, amongst others, members of M Steels road racing team on the Sunday.

A warm welcome at Tomlinsons.

The test bike fleet comprised Epics, Stumpjumpers, Enduros and the all new trail orientated Cambers. This meant that there was something for everyone and people had the chance to try something completely different to their normal style of bike should they wish. Along with Lupine test lights there was also clothing to try from Altura and energy products from Powerbar.

Sorting the bikes.

So after some expert bike set up advice from Steels’ staff and a round or two of coffee and cakes from Tomlinsons we were all set to ride. Despite heavy recent rainfall, we couldn’t have asked for better weather: clear blue skies, no wind and ‘just right for riding’ temperatures. Riders were keen to roll….

All ready to go.

Rich Rothwell, local endurance mountain bike racer and new member of the M Steels race team was on hand for guiding duties and was keen to show the group some of his favourite Northumbrian trails. Just to blow the cobwebs away the group was led up a steep road climb to the back of Debdon woods. This would be the start of the days figure of eight loop but unfortunately resulted in the first mechanical of the day; a snapped chain. Too much sheer leg strength obviously! Fortunately M Steels expert mechanic Dave Buchan was on hand to sort things out and we were also joined by Joe Waugh who was passing through the area to say hello.

Expert mechanical service on hand!

Then the off road started proper. The hills around Rothbury are well served by trails for riders of all abilities and the Old Coach Road is a locals favourite not least because of the beautiful ancient woodland and stunning views. With its marble like loose surface it’s a deceptively challenging climb too…

Climbing out of Primrose Woods.

We moved on to a classic stretch of Rothbury singletrack…. and it was so good we rode it again…. and again!

Classic Northumbrian singletrack.

The rocky, twisty, and challenging nature of the trail allowed test riders to play with shock settings, tyre pressure, and general bike set up. Having the whole weekend to do this was a real plus as small adjustment can really make a big difference to how a full suspension bike handles. This meant that prospective customers could make an even more informed decision. Oh, and it allowed some time for just hanging around in the perfect afternoon sunlight!

Perfect blue sky. Perfect day.

After another cracking descent back into Rothbury and a quick lunch stop we headed off into the steeper and more challenging terrain of Simonside. The ground between the slick roots and wet rocks was very soft due to recent rainfall but this made the descents even more interesting! It also really gave people the chance to see how the bikes handled in some very tricky conditions. Oh, and one more thing; it was going dark! Time to fire up the brilliant white light shedding Lupines and hang on to the bars!

Into the night.

By the time we had reached the bottom, following technical chute after technical chute, we agreed that we had seen enough white knuckle action for one day and span back into Rothbury where, after a clean up, we were served a welcome and delicious evening meal at the bunkhouse. One of the best things about get wet, muddy and tired is a warm shower and a bit plate of spaghetti bolognaise in cosy surroundings, so if that sounds like your ideal weekend, then check out Tomlinsons! The evening was spent in the local pub with a couple of pints and a masterclass in wheel building from Dave Buchan, meaning we all exercised our brains as well as our legs!

Sunday dawned and brought a few weary bodies with it, but all were keen to ride some more and the consensus was that last nights techy trails minus the dark might be a good idea. It was a different world and we realised that NOT being able to see what we were riding down may have been a good thing!

All in all the weekend was a great success. It was social as well as providing some excellent riding and the opportunity to really get to know the 2011 Specialized range in a real world situation. The demo weekend format is one that M Steels are keen to run again in the near future with Orange and Trek bikes so watch out for announcements. Alternatively contact M Steels directly on 0191 2851251.

Thanks again to Specialized and Tomlinsons Bunkhouse.