Yesterday Mark, Pete and I went to test / risk assess / enjoy the trails of Cannock Chase - Follow the Dog and Monkey - ahead of the ride away trip there on November 14th (see the forum for more details).
The two laps we completed had it all - climbing, sweating, smiling; rear wheel drift, front wheel drift, no grip at all; small rocks, big rocks, boulders; eating sandwiches, sipping coffee, tolerating energy bars; crashing, cursing, laughter, bruising (in that order); parts discussions, broken pedals, dragging brakes; sweeping singletrack, elevated wood rides, rock chutes; finally stretching, hydrating and gossiping.
Hope to see you there in a fortnight.
