The first mountain bike ride of the year took place at Cannock Chase on 11th February. There were just a few hardy souls had a go and they were rewarded with a great day out.
John Vallins wrote the report – if you want to read all about their exploits click here
Saturday 11th February 2006 saw five hardy souls turn out at 10 am at Cannock Chase for the first Kenilworth Wheelers mountain bike ride of the year. And, surprise surprise, it was snowing. The five were Chris May, James Webster, John Vallins, Justin and Sue.
The group was ready remarkably quickly and headed off from the Castle Ring car park into the depths of the Chase. The ride was lead by James who has a near encyclopaedic knowledge of the forest. Within a few hundred metres we were off the main tracks and onto some excellent frozen singletrack winding its way through the trees.
After a few miles riding through the forest the group arrived at the Cannock downhill track. The course is certainly of one the better purpose-built downhill tracks I’ve ridden – it flows nicely around a number of tight berms, jumps and drop offs. The course was safely navigated by all including two of the party riding ten year old bikes.
The remainder of the morning was spent riding singletrack and fire road through the Chase. Two of the group managed to part company with their bikes during the morning. James jumped off having caught his extra wide risers in a fence. John came off riding a near vertical scree slope which James had previously advised him “he wouldn’t manage”.
Lunch was taken in a cafe on the edge of the forest. The food was to be recommended although the service on the tuna melt baguettes left a little to be desired.
The return route took in many more excellent forest tracks through the Chase. The group returned to Castle Ring around 3pm having had a great day out and some excellent riding.
The next mountain bike ride is Saturday 11th March 2006 at Coed Y Brenin in Wales. Hopefully see a few more of you there. If you would like to go along on 11th March contact James or John for details.
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