Mountain Bike Trail - Cannock Chase

[Zachlain]

Hi Guys,

This is my first post in 'Pedal Powered'.

Me and my friends were thinking of going on the cross-country trail at Cannock Chase in March, and are thinking of renting bikes from this place located near the park
http://www.bikechase.co.uk/index.php?pid=103

Have any of you guys ever ridden the cross-country trial at Cannock Chase and/or rented the bikes from the link above?

[Flippin' Kipper]

I've been there once, and it was decent but far to busy for my liking - if you can get there early or go on a weekday it would be much better.

depending on where you are, there is a whole plethora of other trail centers in Mid Wales such as Llandegla,Nant Yr Arian and Coed Y Brenin. The second of these being my favorite trail center, although they don't hire bikes there.

[XG332]

The forest of dean has very good trails and bike rental.

[Zachlain]

Flippin' Kipper said:

I've been there once, and it was decent but far to busy for my liking - if you can get there early or go on a weekday it would be much better.

depending on where you are, there is a whole plethora of other trail centers in Mid Wales such as Llandegla,Nant Yr Arian and Coed Y Brenin. The second of these being my favorite trail center, although they don't hire bikes there.

Thanks mate. I didnt think of the fact it could be busy! And we're thinking of going on Saturday too so likely to be lots of people there.

I am from the West Midlands, Bham to be precise. The places in Mid Wales sound pretty good, and we may even check them out in the summer. I wonder if there are any other trails in the West Midlands?

[cheeky_chops]

if your from Brum you can be there for 9am so no excuses - make sure you book well in advance, i was in the shop and a guy walked in asking about hiring 1 bike and was told no chance!

Whats your fitness/bike history? The Monkey trail is quite a skill and physical challenge.....

[Zachlain]

cheeky_chops said:

if your from Brum you can be there for 9am so no excuses - make sure you book well in advance, i was in the shop and a guy walked in asking about hiring 1 bike and was told no chance!

Whats your fitness/bike history? The Monkey trail is quite a skill and physical challenge.....

Hi mate,
Yes I would look to book this week for the 10th March.
My fitness is good, I run 6 miles a week and do 4 weight training sessions plus 2 hours of 5-a-side football too.

I had a hybrid bike which I used to commute from Bham to Dudley (and back) some while ago. I used the same bike (with MTB tyres) for the cannock chase trial in 2008 and I managed it ok.

I think to be honest, I wont have the technical skills for the Monkey trail, so may 'Follow the Dog'...but it all depends on my friends and what they think. My friends are experienced road cyclists and one has done off-road biking before (I think he has a Connor bike).

I am always up for a challenge and am willing to try the Monkey trial though.

[Mr Pies]

OP. My second time out ever on a mountain bike, I went round the Monkey. The only thing I struggled with was my fitness.

Technically a lot harder than the Dog, yes. But so much more fun. I'm going tomorrow as it happens, cannot wait.

[Huggy77]

I agree, Im going there Sunday and while it is popular, you can always find your own space on the trails so no problems there. Go for the full loop, just take it at your own pace and you will be fine.

[Digga]

Zachlain said:

Hi Guys,

This is my first post in 'Pedal Powered'.

Me and my friends were thinking of going on the cross-country trail at Cannock Chase in March, and are thinking of renting bikes from this place located near the park
http://www.bikechase.co.uk/index.php?pid=103

Have any of you guys ever ridden the cross-country trial at Cannock Chase and/or rented the bikes from the link above?

Was availing myself of Swinnerton's tea making facilities only last Sunday. The guys who run the shop are a good bunch, but obviously when things are busy (it does get chokka at weekends) then they only have so much time to spare with customers. if you don't like crowds, go mid week. Rental bikes are decent - I and my mates have used a few from time to time. Obviously it is highly advisable to book.

If you're new to mtbing, don't go on the Monkey Trail, you might be alright but there are a lot of people who get out there and struggle, because the harder bits are tucked away in the thick of it. Better to build up to it than to scare anyone daft or worse still have an off. All IMHO.

If you can't rent bikes there on the day, my LBS Mammoth Lifestyle also rent bikes, but they're at the othehr end of the Chase, so you'd have to lug them (it is easily rideable, within 20 to 30 mins each way if you can't drive with them) over to the FTD trail area: http://www.mammothlifestyle.co.uk/hire.htm

[Dunclane]

I'm from Brum and we get there for about 8:30am on a Sat and set off before 9:00am and its been fine, it gets really busy by the time we have finished.

[Digga]

Dunclane said:

I'm from Brum and we get there for about 8:30am on a Sat and set off before 9:00am and its been fine, it gets really busy by the time we have finished.

You're right, it gets to be a real bunfight later on Sats and even worse on Sundays. Even the sneaky, free parking near to the trails fills with bikers (the cars and vans are easy to spot) and there's also all the families with kids and/or dogs at Birches Valley.

We were out in that area last night and one of the lads I ride with has been night riding up there for 6 years now and reckons back when he started you never saw another bike. Now - last night - we saw about half a dozen other groups and that with us spending 90% of our time on unofficial singletrack too.

[h4muf]

Just beware of Cannocks famous braking bumps and the Werewolf Drop!

[anonymous-user]

Hi I live near Cannock and go up quite a few times.

Funny enough I hired a Trek 9 EX Fuel suspension last weekend just to give it a go. The service was very good. Bike was prepped well and very friendly. You pay a deposit of 100 pound for premium bikes.

There are lots of trails at Cannock chase, and the Dog and the monkey. The best is one I find is start at the fish bowl which is near Millford and have a route that has some of the dog and the fire trails. It is about 50/50 climbing and about 1.30 hours run with lots of side run offs.

The dog is in a very bumpy state and no as much fun as it used to be..

[Engineer1]

Monkey is intimidating I still st myself on the 3 "rock gardens" and end up walking those sections the rest are relatively easy. The Dog is easier werewolf is a matter of getting the line right or better yet just hitting it without knowing you are there.
A bunch of us from work go up and do the Monkey every Sunday morning and now the mornings are lighter even at 8 there are a few people about.

[Zachlain]

Thanks for all the replies guys.
I Genuinely appreciate it

Me and two friends will book the bikes from Swinnerton on Monday and then enjoy the trails on Saturday (most likely follow the Dog). Dont want to break any bones before the start of my summer activities season!

[Digga]

Zachlain, the advice you had was good. Do FTD for a while, then progress to the Monkey, and then...

Cannock Chase mtb trails. Also available in 'king steep.



Mick's Drop on the Balboa trail, Stile Cop: http://www.racersguild.co.uk/Cannock/Maps/Stile%20...

[996 sps]

Mr Pies said:

OP. My second time out ever on a mountain bike, I went round the Monkey. The only thing I struggled with was my fitness.

Technically a lot harder than the Dog, yes. But so much more fun. I'm going tomorrow as it happens, cannot wait.

Mr Pies same boat as you my second time on a mountain bike was Cannock Chase, I went over the handlebars once due to novice error but had a great day.

[Engineer1]

Of the lads from work most hadn't done much mountain biking before hitting the monkey trail, one went to Halfords on Saturday and had is bike out on the trail on Sunday, so it is possible, hell they are all more confident and faster riders than me and I'd ridden the dog a fair few times before. The fact the guy who did the halfords trip has motorbike riding experience probably helps.

[Mr Pies]

I spoke too soon lads. Had my first 'off' yesterday.

I didn't listen to my more experienced mountain biking mate, and pumped my tires up to 45psi instead of leaving them at 30.

The first set of rocks on the monkey, (where you first see a black run sign) I went down fine, second set, front tire just went from underneath me.
I went off the side of the rocks and slid down a bank and hit a tree.

Not sure what happened next as I was a bit dazed, but my arm and hand are cut, scratched my handlebars, brake lever and worst of all, my 2 day old fox 32's.

Gotta be honest, it really knocked the wind out of my sails and I really held back the rest of the ride.

Next purchases are elbow and knee pads.

[h4muf]

I had a comedy off second time i went.It put me right off TBH.

You've just got to man up and get back on it!