Five seasoned Balsam Bashers met up with Peter from York Greenways to tackle the Himalayan Balsam along the York to Selby cycletrack. Balsam bashing is a popular activity with GoodGym Yorkies but lockdown has stopped us doing community missions till now . A gentle pull lifts plant with roots and all but the task was made more difficult as the balsam was hiding amongst beds of nettles and thistles . Thick gloves and clothing proved essential . After a good hour of enjoyable labour we had cleared a satisfying amount and left secure in the knowledge that there's plenty more bashing to come.