Follow the Dog - Updates?

stu76

I'm thinking of doing FTD at Cannock tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday 20th August), does anyone have any up to date info on the route? I've read on previous posts that there have been some closures.

It's my first time at this route, does anyone have any tips etc? I'm a realtive noob, but managed the Black at Llandegla the other week without too many problems (albiet a bit slow!).

Also there seems to be some discrepancy over where to park/start etc. Do I just head for the Birches Valley Forest Centre as per the website?

Thanks in advance...

Stu

Mrs Toast

There's two places you can start from - Birches Valley, which has a very good café (although it sometimes stops serving food annoyingly early) and Swinnertons bike shop/hire. That's the generally accepted 'start'. Alternatively, you can park at Marquis Drive Visitor centre, and join the route and section 13. It's probably best to go to Birches Valley if you're unfamiliar with it, as it's better signposted.

Follow the Dog is generally regarded as being a fairly 'easy' red - I can do it, put it that way! :P There's nothing too tricky, main things I come a cropper on are hills with roots at the top. All the sections are open now, and in some cases there are different options. For example, on the one section there's an optional log-skinny, and the boardwalk can be avoided by going right down the 'easy' route - the boardwalk itself also splits into two, with a higher difficulty skinny bit. There's also two entirely different routes when you come to section 8 - a shorter descent with lots of berms, and the new section which is longer and a bit more technical. It has small ramp jump type things, but they can be rolled over.

Main things to look out for - when you're heading to the first section, watch out for muppets underneath the Go Ape course. Generally they're so busy looking up at family and friends on the course that they're completely oblivious to anything else! :P In general, be aware that there are connecting fireroad sections which are shared, so take it easy on those, and keep an eye out for other users - give way, be courteous, etc. On the trail itself, I'd just say take it easy on your first lap to get an idea of what it's like - there's actually a lot of variety in the different sections.

dodgyknees

Did 'Follow The Dog' for the first time yesterday afternoon and it was a great ride with a good mix of varied sections & no big climbs to negotiate. Not too technical & agree with Mrs Toast that it's probably an easy red, but still a very enjoyable ride.

Have ridden at CYB & Llandegla and FTD certainly puts a similar smile on your face, just without the lung busting.

stu76

Thanks for the info...I managed to find the place without too many problems thanks to your tips..

I went yesterday and had a great time even though it was raining and very muddy!
I managed it in around an hour which was perfect as I was a little pushed for time.

I was amazed at how tight the single track sections through the forest were, glad I removed my bar ends last week! My favorite bits were the downhill after the big pile of logs on the left (not sure what section) and the sandy section at the top of the gravel climb (except for the drop into a massive puddle at the bottom LOL).

I got back to the car covered in mud but with a big smile on my face. All in I think it's a great short route, perfect if you have an hour or so to spare or do a few laps with a bit more time.

All in it's a great route, I liked the way you felt as though you were always on a "trail" rather than on fire road for ages then back to a trail (if you know what I mean?!?). I'd like to go again with a little more time and perhaps in the dry to get the best from it.

Thanks again for your help.

Stu

Mrs Toast

Glad you enjoyed it! From your descriptions, the sections you're talking about are 13 & 14. It's definitely an interesting trail - generally I go a lot faster when it's dry, but there are certain sections I actually find easier with a bit of rain.

If you go onto the forums at www.chasetrails.co.uk, they often have group rides to other areas of the Chase, where there are hidden bits of singletrack, although they're generally more challenging than Follow the Dog. The chaps tend to be (understandably) protective of some of these trials, and will avoid taking large groups of people to certain trails in bad weather, so it's best to meet up with them when it's reasonably dry.

smitty

i know it was slippy saturday