Follow The Dog rockery
What do you think about the new rock sections on FtD? I must admit it gives the suspension a work out esp. with me on board and I can see someone ripping their mech off on the first bit but otherwise I think it's an entertaining addition. Note to self: keep it tight when riding on to the first boardwalk :twisted:
Nice work to all those involved 8)
Nice work to all those involved 8)
0
Posts
Yeah its open, here it is on the blog.
http://chasetrails.blogspot.com/2009/07 ... seway.html
The Professor
Cletus
I was there a couple of weeks ago and the old boardwalk/skinny was shut, and there was a diversion from the end of section 2, through a ford, to the fireroad climb before section 8.
Take some mudguards if you go, it's like a swamp in places.
It was really muddy on Sunday :shock:
I did FTD in a monsoon a few weeks ago and didn't find it very muddy, more wet sand and grit, very tough on drivetrain and brake pads.
Unfortunately people keep tearing the fencing down and riding it, because they're arseholes. This ends up encouraging more and more people to ride it, to the point where the signs and fencing informing of the closure get so damaged people aren't sure if it's open or not.
So again, I'd implore people not to ride closed trails - it just means that sections remain closed for longer, and time and resources are diverted away from installing awesome new features (like rocks!) and building the new trail.
Which reminds me, trailbuilding propaganda time - if people would like to help with the trails, there's trailbuilding/maintenance every Sunday from 10am, meeting at Swinnertons. Even the odd half an hour would be appreciated.
There are also Big Build Days which focus on the new trail (Phase II) that's being built, which normally has a BBQ and FABULOUS PRIZES! Next one is August 16th. It's a good chance to contribute to the trail, and see what's being planned - if you like the rockery on FtD, you'll like Phase II! :P
The Professor
Cletus
and can someone stuff a couple pics up so i can see?
&
Mrs.Toast's blog
The pictures don't do them justice. They are much bigger, gnarlier and burlier in real life
Moar rocks!
The rocks on Follow the Dog only make up a very small part of the trail, but they’re very welcome!
The Professor
Cletus
My critism of the trail when i was there was it tried to pack in two many twists and turns to make the most of the hills it had, and this stopped the flow of the trail for for me.
Still i did think people were trying to make the best of what they had to work with, and respect to that but it did make me feel very lyucky to live where i do.
The trailbuilders at Cannock have done a great job with the lack of elevation up there.
I think Cannock flows quite well, some of the sections are short, granted, but there is only 200m of elevation change at an absolute max over the Chase (And that is probably at opposite ends of the area).
Also, if you only rode FTD, then you were missing all of the best bits imo. FTD is an intro to the Chase at best. A lot of the other trails are located in much steeper terrain with bigger elevation changes, harder climbs and bigger rewards.
I'm just disappointed that phase 2 won't be finished for my only visit back to the UK this year
A Few Pics
I think the rockery, albeit short, is a good start. Not too difficult, good to see some step ups; I agree that the wrong line could take out your rear mech if you are unlucky, but actually mine got bashed towards the end of the route on one of the badly eroded sections.
Elsewhere, at the end of the switchback climb (section 26?) there's a little log-based drop that takes you unawares and has certainly grounded a few chainrings in the past - add mine to the list.
I spotted a photographer ready to pounce before the boardwalk on my way back - perhaps the boards are a little too wide to make it a challenge - feel free to ignore me.
All in all a nice challenge if you push the pace a bit and perfectly doable with a hardtail. A couple of the later sections need reinforcing but I'm sure thats in the plans. Well done to the trailbuilders, I'll certainly return to see the finished article.
I bombed quite badly at the end of the boardwalk after the rocks on my second run and bent my handlebars which was the end of my 'red route' cycling for the day. The bike is back in working order now with shiney new easton bars so will be building up to another trip soon.
I am contemplating putting suspension forks back on the bike as some of FTD was a little too harsh for my rigid bike. Was a brilliant workout for my upper body though
I was able to keep up with my brother and his mate on the downhills who both have suspension and go to the gym regularly, which I am very chuffed about
Not the first and I'm sure you won't be the last. At least the swamp is soft
I've been round a few times on my 50mm-travel Proflex and it takes my fillings out. The recent bad weather has really chewed it up and although FtD doesn't need a long-travel bike, a bit of suspension always helps.
It was drenched on Saturday and I had no issues with slippage either at the end of the rocks or the boardwalk, though there were skid marks on the exit of the rocks that others had made.
Was looking forward to the second boardwalk but it was closed off, though I am sure that I read on the forum that it was all open before going
I'll go even if the weathers censored , i'm not having a week off work without riding
Good fun though, and i got myself some nice new kit from the shop too
Meh, had a really bad day today - no confidence at all. I managed to clip my handlebars on a tree and came off on the first section, it was all downhill from there! :P Tried to do the rock exit something like 15 times, but I bottled it everytime. I can do the entrance into the next section, and the rocks after that, it's just those first set of rocks.
The Professor
Cletus
The rocks at the exit just look so narrow as im riding towards them, and i convince myself i cant make it. I'll have to keep trying them. I just don't have the confidence in my riding yet.
I just wondered if there was a map or something showing where Phase II is going to go? Down the Monkey, along the bottom and back up the valley? Or have I got it completely wrong :oops:
HAW HAW! You have left yourself open for TRAIL BUILDING PROPAGANDA!
Come along to the Big Build Day and have all of your Phase II queries answered! Get the latest scoop on trail development! Win fabulous prizes and snaffle a magnificent feast! See lizards!*
* Lizards not guaranteed, did see some little 'uns on Saturday though.
The Professor
Cletus