Three times I've been to Cannock Chase now. Any more and I'll feel qualified to produce a 'Mountainboarders Guide to the Chase', or at very least a small pamphlet.....
That aside, here's that days write-up. If I get opportunity, I'll produce some maps as well, but only if I get a good opportunity or if someone asks for them in the meantime.
Showing posts with label cannock chase. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cannock chase. Show all posts
Monday, 22 November 2010
Monday, 15 November 2010
The Monday Papers....
(....because Sundays are for riding)
ATBA International Series Dates (and new pricing structure)
http://www.atbauk.org/internationalseries.html
...contains information about each of this years four competitions, namely Hales Superbole, The Edge, Out To Grass and Ironsides Court Farm.
Interestingly, there's been a big old shake-up to the entry fees with the price per competition per discipline being £10/£20 for members/non members accordingly and if you haven't competed before, then your first comp is free.
Lets hope for better weather next year and a good turn out.
A rumour doing the rounds is the possibility of a downhill comp sometime early next year at a presently undisclosed location. Watch this space, and of course the ATBA space for details.
The Return to the Chase - Maps and Videos coming soon
It was early morning and it was cold, and the effects of maybe a couple too many beers the night before were taking effect, but Mark, Clayton, Phill and myself managed to arrive at the right location at the right time for a further expedition into the wonders that Cannock Chase had to hold.
No harm to state once again how much there is to do here with tracks to be found round every corner, and yet on this, my third visit to the chase, how much there is left to discover.
We bumped into an interesting chap with several piercing and 4 large dogs with weird eyes who told us about 'Telegraph Hill', the highest point of the Chase. Perhaps worth a look at for next time....
Anyway, big cheers to those that turned up; was a cracking session! Phill took some footage on his Flip video so hopefully that'll turn up soon. I'm also using a combination of google maps and bing maps to work out where we've covered this time round so a separate combined post will hopefully emerge soon.
New Russian Video: Breath In
Vdoh from Daria Sherlaimova on Vimeo.
...is worth a viewing. With this and Inshredible doing the rounds right now, there's some great boarding action for your viewing pleasure for those night off.
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
Return to the Chase - The Return - Sunday 14th November
For the benefit of any readers that read this, but don't visit the Surfing Dirt forums, I'm trying to arrange a visit to the beautiful part of the world that is Cannock, just North of Birmingham this Sunday morning. More specifically we're looking at a carpark linked to here.
So far there is an interest from a handful of people, a few maybes and not so many flat no's. But if you can come along (and why not? it's probably an hours journey max from anywhere...!) then you're more than welcome.
To give you a bit of an idea of what to expect, there's a couple of write-ups here and here, and the previous forum discussions here and here.
The forum discussion is currently going on here. Don't like the way this plan is going? Then have your say!
In other business, not much has been posted because not much has been going on. Work is busy, which gets in the way, but beats being redundant. Hence the excitement regarding getting out this weekend. Been snowboarding quite a bit recently but putting it all into words is taking a bit of an effort.
Meanwhile, do you like reading the blog but hate typing in the notanothermiddlzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz ?? There's a poll going on to the right of this post. Have a click, change what is happening.
Till next time, ride more, then tell us all about it. Or even better, invite us along - it might be fun!
So far there is an interest from a handful of people, a few maybes and not so many flat no's. But if you can come along (and why not? it's probably an hours journey max from anywhere...!) then you're more than welcome.
To give you a bit of an idea of what to expect, there's a couple of write-ups here and here, and the previous forum discussions here and here.
The forum discussion is currently going on here. Don't like the way this plan is going? Then have your say!
In other business, not much has been posted because not much has been going on. Work is busy, which gets in the way, but beats being redundant. Hence the excitement regarding getting out this weekend. Been snowboarding quite a bit recently but putting it all into words is taking a bit of an effort.
Meanwhile, do you like reading the blog but hate typing in the notanothermiddlzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz ?? There's a poll going on to the right of this post. Have a click, change what is happening.
Till next time, ride more, then tell us all about it. Or even better, invite us along - it might be fun!
Monday, 1 March 2010
Cannock Chase, the official write-up...and more!
It seems to be these days that if you throw enough boarders together in one spot, that at least one of them will publish an on-line a write-up, pictures, a blog post, a forum post or facebook comment detailing all of the fun that took place that day.
After last months visit to Cannock chase, I did a quick write up of the event, but don't take my word for it - now Smilie has done the same but with more content, more pictures and with the bonus of an extra weekends write-up for the meet in Bradenham - sounds an excellent day was had by all. Read all about it here on the excellent Remolition website.
In other news, for those curious in regards to this years ATBA downhill event, the route is now to be found on Roger S' most excellent mountainboard trails map. Hint, it's near to Cheddar. If you're in the vicinity you can probably help out by clearing some of the alternative lines out prior to the event.
New blog of the week: Dirt doesn't Melt! - Original art and videos taken in the Derby area in the more popular areas used by mountain boarders.
After last months visit to Cannock chase, I did a quick write up of the event, but don't take my word for it - now Smilie has done the same but with more content, more pictures and with the bonus of an extra weekends write-up for the meet in Bradenham - sounds an excellent day was had by all. Read all about it here on the excellent Remolition website.
In other news, for those curious in regards to this years ATBA downhill event, the route is now to be found on Roger S' most excellent mountainboard trails map. Hint, it's near to Cheddar. If you're in the vicinity you can probably help out by clearing some of the alternative lines out prior to the event.
New blog of the week: Dirt doesn't Melt! - Original art and videos taken in the Derby area in the more popular areas used by mountain boarders.
Sunday, 7 February 2010
Return to the Chase, Freeride Meetup, a Write Up
6 confirmed guests on the Facebook page, 9.30am at designated carpark, 1 no-show, but Roger brought Jon straight from the pages of Remolition! That took us back up to 6: Clayton (MBS), Mark (MBS), Roger (Trampa), local lad Adam (MBS), Jon (noSno) and myself (MBS).
Can't do a full write up as I had to leave at midday, but at least I was the first to get a nice bath; Clayton and Mark had a drive back to Cheltenham; and Roger, Adam and Jon stayed longer to explore more of the Chase.
Great day out, we discovered a lot about each other and what we'd do for a chocolate biscuit.....as well as discover some epic riding spots!
Hmmm, not the best photos ever. I know Roger and Jon took some photos, fingers crossed they came out a bit better than mine did.
On a positive note, for my first serious session of the year it was good to get back on board. Other than today, I've only had chance for a couple of brief sessions this year - the first in the snow as detailed previously an the other a quick session in Allestree Woods. Found a new couple of lines so intend to write these up soon.
As per the Chase itself, it just goes to show that you can pick a different car park and have an entirely different days riding. I think when I previously tried to estimate the size of Cannock Chase, I was way, way off the mark. Cannock Chase is big. Like, really big. Like, massive! (100 square miles says Adam). Looks as though there are rich pickings to be found everywhere, though it certainly helped having the local knowledge to point us in the right direction. Was also nice that the local downhill bikers who's dedicated trails we were attempting to ride, were all pretty cool - the ones we met anyway!
Last thing of note was a couple on horses who stopped as we were changing in the car park. After the usual pleasantries and standard questions, they continued on with a definite feeling that what we were doing was a little on the unsafe side. Without hesitation, I can certainly say that I trust my board over a horse any day of the week!
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Return to the Chase, Freeride Meet - 7th February 2010
After last years successful freeride meet-up at Cannock Chase (read about it all here) there is a similar event happening in a couple of weeks time. Details are to be found either through facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=257889599900&index=1
Or through the Surfing Dirt forums:
http://www.surfingdirt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1448&highlight=cannock
Not sure if I can make it due to possible family commitments, but with Goofy Mark, Mutley and Roger already on the attendance list, it's sure to be a good'un! Plus it's close to Marks birthday - a good a reason as any to turn up!
Monday, 30 November 2009
Cannock Chase, Freeride Meetup Sunday 29th November - Write Up
Sunday 29th November 2009: A write-up of our free ride day in the West Midlands Cannock Chase featuring LeapB4ULook (LB4UL), Goofy Mark, Mutley and AdeMcC (me). Not done a meeting write-up before, so chronologically seems to make the most sense!
6.20am Alarm goes off. This is obviously far too early and I stay in bed another 10 minutes.
6.30am Get up, prepare sandwiches, drink coffee, pull out assorted items from the boardroom (cupboard for mountain board bits and bobs but boardroom sounds grander). Why didn't I sort all this out the night before?
7.00am Leave House. Its dark, cold and rainy. I wonder if many people will turn up.
7.50am Arrive at Coppice Hill carpark entrance. Amazing since I had to re-'repair' the satnav the night before with gaffa tape and I forgot to print off maps. No ones there, the gate to the car park is closed and its still raining. Do mountain boarders shit in the woods? Absolutely! Ooh, car turning up, trousers back on! (don't want to explain myself to local copper)
8.00am Goofy Mark and Mutley turn up. Introductions are made, we eye up each others toys, the rain gets heavier, we get back into the car. Where is LB4UL?? At this point would rather be in the car than out in the wet so maybe not a bad thing.
8.20am LB4UL turns up and suggests we try the next car park along. This sounds like (and turns out to be) a great idea. We pad-up, look happy and discover that LB4UL was late due to him losing his car key (it turned up on the length of string looped around his neck).
The next 5 hours or so consists of the following runs, all of which can be found on Rogers Run Guide here.
(1) Start from car park at top of hill. Can only see first 15 metres but on map appears to go right down into valley. Only way to find out - ride! Path feels more like river bed at times but beats walking and though shallow, gets us approximately 2/3rds of the way down before we lose momentum. Opposite side of valley looks like there are tracks everywhere.
(2) LB4UL spots tasty looking track to the right, short, not too steep, bit rutted, sharp right hanger at the bottom. Goes first and makes it looks easy. Everybody else ignores the bend and ends up in the soft bushes. For the first time, and for the rest of the day the rain stops. This is a good sign.
(3) Into the valley and spot track opposite, gravelly, well drained, potential to be fast. Is fast! Couple of escape routes left and right but otherwise on to the bottom with selection of river, bogs or raised bridge to choose to comically crash into. Once again LB4UL rides it clean, the rest of us less so, but we're all smiling so we keep on.
(4) Followed the valley North, turned right, crossed the river, travelled perpendicular to river to find grassy track to right with boggy central run with options left and right being bit dryer. Super slidey and rutted but not too much of an issue. The sun is shining now and it is actually looking like quite a nice day!
(5) Continued East and found two grass tracks that start and end at the same points. One straight and fast, the other, longer and twisty. We each ride each one in turn. LB4UL gets interest from couple of elderly dog walkers and complains that 'this always happens' and 'why can't the same thing happen with young ladies?' General consensus that not many young ladies visit Cannock Chase on wet Sunday mornings, and besides, we all stink and look a bit grubby by now. Mutley suggests naming the runs the 'pair of tits'. No one objects.
Mark reads the map and informs us that if we continue on this path, we are moving further away from the cars. A good way in the right sort of direction is back up the hill.
(6) Head right at the track at the top of the slope to find the road leads downwards again. Best strap in! Road disappears downwards but LB4UL assures us its ridable. Everyone rides it clean except for me who landed on my arse. Hooray for arse pads! Informed by LB4UL that I need more weight on front foot. Fair enough comment, just feels hard to fight when you can feel the rocks pinging off the front truck the whole way down! Wonder if I'll get another bruise for the wife to laugh at?
(7) Another track that disappears round the corner. Mark and Mutley ride first. All we hear is a shout, then giggling from the bottom. Giggling is a good sign, so down I go, to be presented by a huge puddle and obvious escape route to the right. Escape route is a bog. "Lean back" shouts GM. I'm going to lean forward; I've got good momentum, its not too boggy and I need to commit more to these things. And end up face first in the bog. Hahaha, more giggles, the bogs claimed three victims so far. LB4UL pulls up short in a very calm and dignified manor. I suspect that he's done this kind of thing before.
Quite lost at this point. I suspect that if this whole thing had been a rouse to take advantage of me by three strangers in the middle of nowhere, then the plan had been highly elaborate and is therefore unlikely. I don't worry about this possibility for long...
(8) Similar track to last one except straight. Can see puddle at bottom so we all take it very easy! Bit too easy, not enough fun and holding back is daft really as I'm already half soaked.
(9) Can see starting point on other side of valley. Only way to go is down the grassy slope with nice steep middle section and run out onto grassy track which would have run further if not so soggy.
Walk up different track with definite possibility for riding down at later date. Back to car to expose ourselves to the amusement of walkers and bikers.
1.40pm All leave in one piece uninjured and boards working. Satnav in two parts. Bugger. I head roughly east, hit the A38 and head home.
In summary, Cannock Chase is a fantastic location for boarding. Yes, the day started out wet leading to the trails being a bit boggy and slidey in places but it certainly deterred the crowds that can get in the way of these things. In theory, We could return next weekend and the weekend after and still not see everything to do here, or come back in the summer and have a completely different riding experience. Grass, gravel, woods, short steep tracks, long gentle tracks, long steep tracks and everything in between - there is plenty to keep the average freerider happy. Consensus seems to be that we'll be back for more soon, so keep an eye out on the forums and next time, be involved!
Big cheers go out to LeapB4ULook, Goofy Mark and Mutley for sorting out the details and arranging for all this to take place, all I had to do was turn up.
6.20am Alarm goes off. This is obviously far too early and I stay in bed another 10 minutes.
6.30am Get up, prepare sandwiches, drink coffee, pull out assorted items from the boardroom (cupboard for mountain board bits and bobs but boardroom sounds grander). Why didn't I sort all this out the night before?
7.00am Leave House. Its dark, cold and rainy. I wonder if many people will turn up.
7.50am Arrive at Coppice Hill carpark entrance. Amazing since I had to re-'repair' the satnav the night before with gaffa tape and I forgot to print off maps. No ones there, the gate to the car park is closed and its still raining. Do mountain boarders shit in the woods? Absolutely! Ooh, car turning up, trousers back on! (don't want to explain myself to local copper)
8.00am Goofy Mark and Mutley turn up. Introductions are made, we eye up each others toys, the rain gets heavier, we get back into the car. Where is LB4UL?? At this point would rather be in the car than out in the wet so maybe not a bad thing.
8.20am LB4UL turns up and suggests we try the next car park along. This sounds like (and turns out to be) a great idea. We pad-up, look happy and discover that LB4UL was late due to him losing his car key (it turned up on the length of string looped around his neck).
The next 5 hours or so consists of the following runs, all of which can be found on Rogers Run Guide here.
(1) Start from car park at top of hill. Can only see first 15 metres but on map appears to go right down into valley. Only way to find out - ride! Path feels more like river bed at times but beats walking and though shallow, gets us approximately 2/3rds of the way down before we lose momentum. Opposite side of valley looks like there are tracks everywhere.
(2) LB4UL spots tasty looking track to the right, short, not too steep, bit rutted, sharp right hanger at the bottom. Goes first and makes it looks easy. Everybody else ignores the bend and ends up in the soft bushes. For the first time, and for the rest of the day the rain stops. This is a good sign.
(3) Into the valley and spot track opposite, gravelly, well drained, potential to be fast. Is fast! Couple of escape routes left and right but otherwise on to the bottom with selection of river, bogs or raised bridge to choose to comically crash into. Once again LB4UL rides it clean, the rest of us less so, but we're all smiling so we keep on.
(4) Followed the valley North, turned right, crossed the river, travelled perpendicular to river to find grassy track to right with boggy central run with options left and right being bit dryer. Super slidey and rutted but not too much of an issue. The sun is shining now and it is actually looking like quite a nice day!
(5) Continued East and found two grass tracks that start and end at the same points. One straight and fast, the other, longer and twisty. We each ride each one in turn. LB4UL gets interest from couple of elderly dog walkers and complains that 'this always happens' and 'why can't the same thing happen with young ladies?' General consensus that not many young ladies visit Cannock Chase on wet Sunday mornings, and besides, we all stink and look a bit grubby by now. Mutley suggests naming the runs the 'pair of tits'. No one objects.
Mark reads the map and informs us that if we continue on this path, we are moving further away from the cars. A good way in the right sort of direction is back up the hill.
(6) Head right at the track at the top of the slope to find the road leads downwards again. Best strap in! Road disappears downwards but LB4UL assures us its ridable. Everyone rides it clean except for me who landed on my arse. Hooray for arse pads! Informed by LB4UL that I need more weight on front foot. Fair enough comment, just feels hard to fight when you can feel the rocks pinging off the front truck the whole way down! Wonder if I'll get another bruise for the wife to laugh at?
(7) Another track that disappears round the corner. Mark and Mutley ride first. All we hear is a shout, then giggling from the bottom. Giggling is a good sign, so down I go, to be presented by a huge puddle and obvious escape route to the right. Escape route is a bog. "Lean back" shouts GM. I'm going to lean forward; I've got good momentum, its not too boggy and I need to commit more to these things. And end up face first in the bog. Hahaha, more giggles, the bogs claimed three victims so far. LB4UL pulls up short in a very calm and dignified manor. I suspect that he's done this kind of thing before.
Quite lost at this point. I suspect that if this whole thing had been a rouse to take advantage of me by three strangers in the middle of nowhere, then the plan had been highly elaborate and is therefore unlikely. I don't worry about this possibility for long...
(8) Similar track to last one except straight. Can see puddle at bottom so we all take it very easy! Bit too easy, not enough fun and holding back is daft really as I'm already half soaked.
(9) Can see starting point on other side of valley. Only way to go is down the grassy slope with nice steep middle section and run out onto grassy track which would have run further if not so soggy.
Walk up different track with definite possibility for riding down at later date. Back to car to expose ourselves to the amusement of walkers and bikers.
1.40pm All leave in one piece uninjured and boards working. Satnav in two parts. Bugger. I head roughly east, hit the A38 and head home.
In summary, Cannock Chase is a fantastic location for boarding. Yes, the day started out wet leading to the trails being a bit boggy and slidey in places but it certainly deterred the crowds that can get in the way of these things. In theory, We could return next weekend and the weekend after and still not see everything to do here, or come back in the summer and have a completely different riding experience. Grass, gravel, woods, short steep tracks, long gentle tracks, long steep tracks and everything in between - there is plenty to keep the average freerider happy. Consensus seems to be that we'll be back for more soon, so keep an eye out on the forums and next time, be involved!
Big cheers go out to LeapB4ULook, Goofy Mark and Mutley for sorting out the details and arranging for all this to take place, all I had to do was turn up.
Monday, 23 November 2009
Cannock Chase, Freeride Meetup Sunday 29th November
This weekend would have seen a large mountain board meet-up up in the Whinlatter forest, apparently the only mountainous forest in England. That is it would have, had the rains not left local town Keswick totally flooded.
Still, for those who can't wait for the next big thing, there another meet-up this Sunday 29th November 2009 at Cannock Chase* details through the facebook or Surfing Dirt links and with any luck photos to follow next week.
* - unless it floods of course :(
Still, for those who can't wait for the next big thing, there another meet-up this Sunday 29th November 2009 at Cannock Chase* details through the facebook or Surfing Dirt links and with any luck photos to follow next week.
* - unless it floods of course :(
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