Cannock Chase

coolboarder

Although its only 50 mins away I havent yet been to Cannock to ride on their purpose built trails :oops: Im thinking of going over on saturday with my wife and daughter. My wife and the little un wont ride very far so i guess we will just tootle on the family trail at first. But, once thats out their system im free to have a blast on my own. So how long would the main trail take to get aroung for a fairly fit average rider?

Whilst im blasting around is there anything else for wife and daughter to do around the centre?

Im really looking forward to it and hopefully will have most the day there. By the way im aware the new section isnt open yet and understand its a no no!

iain1775

Follow the Dog is about 45 minutes on average for regulars, bit more if you dont know the route, several sections are closed at the moment though with fireroad diversions so maybe get it done a bit quicker
there is a cafe, plenty of walks and Go Ape (may have to pre-book) amongst other things for the family

Not sure you could fill a full day, even with family rides all morning to be honest

Personally I would wait another week until the Monkey Trail opens on 17th April

borntobemild

If you feel like a longer more leisurely ride go on the blue route. Takes about 2 hours (at my speed). There's one two-mile gradual descent on which you can get up considerable speed.

Thewaylander

I went there last year, Did the FTD in about 45 minutes taking plenty of brakes and chilling.

If you get time go a bit further to north wales and ride some of the purpose built trails,.

.blitz

Most people get round Follow Yer Dad in 40-50 mins but there's a lot more to do if you don't mind venturing off-piste.

Head over to the SEA on the other side of the A460 for some more challenging terrain or try the downhill runs at Stile Cop (DH bike not required). Alternatively head North away from the Dog, through the Tackeroo campsite and just follow your nose. If it looks like singletrack, it is.

While you're away there's plenty to keep the family occupied at Birches Valley playground/cafe/Go Ape.

coolboarder

thanks guys. Weather is looking good for Saturday so should be good. I guess spending the whole day there would be a bit much really. I just want to have a couple hours with the family at their pace and then give one of the main tracks a blast.

@ thewaylander....im going over to Cannock because its only 40-50 mins from my house and never riden on their purpose built tracks yet. Yea of coarse theres Wales. Done Coed Ye Brenin years ago once when the centre was the other side the road but not been back since. Saturday at Cannock is just for starters, i intend doing a lot more where ever!

I have renewed interest in my mountain biking and fully intend using the centres around us aimed at the mountain biker. I commute on a bike every day but now feel the need again for some proper stuff

Rob.

macs

anyone know if the new route will be an extension to the FtD or if it is a new loop of its own?

And will it start at Birches Valley?

Fully

It'll be an optional detour off FTD (From section 8 i believe) and rejoins FTD a bit further round. So it's a more technical extention really.

coolboarder

Well, what a day. My wife and daughter were well happy doing the around the lakes route and after that i was free to ride ftd. FTD was awsome. When the new track is linked up to it next week, it wll be even better with it being 14 mile long Having only really riden xc im in need of more of this stuff.

Its a great facility you have over there and only 50 mins from home. Superb.

Im lovin it..............


Rob

.blitz

Glad you had a good day. Allegedly Oli Beckinsale opens the Monkey trail this Sat (I think the guys at Chasetrails are going to be busy this week) and there's stuff going on all day.

The new return route to Birches Valley is also well under way.