Black Canon Collective

Category: XC Ride Away

  • Following a dog while he chases a monkey…

    It’s that time again, our monthly XC Ride Away, and this month we’re off to Cannock Chase.

    We’ll be riding the following – (red graded trails):

    Follow the Dog –
    The Midlands first dedicated mountain bike trail. Follow the Dog is a red graded 7 mile intermediate mountain bike trail aimed at competent mountain bikers. Opened in 2005 the trail was completely designed and built by Chase Trails and more recently additional sections have been added including the all new Tackeroo descent which was built as part of the contractor works to the Monkey Trail and was opened in April 2010.

    The Monkey Trail
    Opened in April 2010 the Monkey Trail is an optional extension to Follow the Dog. Again it’s a red graded trail but this time it’s a far more technically challenging and demanding trail. It includes bigger climbs, more technical descents and optional black graded lines. The trail is intended for experienced and technically competent rider.
    The Monkey Trail can be ridden by starting Follow the Dog to approximately half way and then turning off to ride a further 7 mile trail before returning to complete Follow the Dog. A mix of machine built trail and handbuilt trails created by our volunteers, the Monkey Trail provides a superbly engaging ride.

    As always you will need a good quality, well maintained bike with plenty of brake pad material, a helmet and suitable clothing and spares i.e. – spare tubes, power links etc. There is a bike shop on site.

    **** The surface of the trail is buried pebbles, drains very well, but now that the weather has turn damp they are very slippery / greasy so anyone who has winter mud tyres on their bike will really need to change them to an all round use type of tyre. Please ask us if you have any questions.****

    The trail centre does have a café and a bike shop on site, however the café was very busy when we went last and the wait at lunchtime will likely be about 20-30mins, so we suggest everyone take something to eat and drink so we can get back out on the trails quickly.

    Departure time will be 7am Cheese & Grain, Frome, so we’ll meet at 6.45am to arrange bikes etc. We’ll car pool as much as possible to keep costs down, can anyone who can drive and take bikes and passengers please let us know.. the trails are a lot of fun you won’t be disappointed.

    Can’t wait…

  • XC y'all!

    Sunday October 10th Club Ride away
    Ok it’s 2-2.5 hour journey and although I fully accept I am a bit OCD about early starts, I think we need to leave the Cheese & Grain at 7am to get a chance for everyone to make the most of the day ( the nights are closing in ) and I’m pretty sure Glencorrwg is in a different time zone too!

    The trail is graded Red overall with an optional black section and some really sweet single track, boardwalks etc

    Trail map HERE

    Distance: 15km
    Climb: 400m
    Time: 1.5 – 3 hours
    Start: Glyncorrwg Mountain Bike Centre
    Overall grade: red/difficult

    This is the most technical of all the trails in Afan Forest Park and is 90% purpose built singletrack.

    A 6km sheep track climb gives fantastic views of Afan Forest Park, extreme exposure on tight singletrack means ultimate thrills and long, demanding descents with rocky steps to negotiate, all leading to one outrageous trail.

    If you are up for it try out the optional new Black Run, graded black/severe!

    As always you will need a good quality,well maintained bike with plenty of brake pad material, a helmet and suitable clothing and spares.
    Just to be a bit prescriptive about it try and bring:
    At least 2 tubes, patches, power-link or similar, a multi tool & pump & spare brake pads if yours are a bit dodgy.

    Warm and Waterproof clothing of every possible description ( it’s Wales !) trail food and plenty of liquids.

    We may go in two or more groups depending in what people want to do and how fit/delusional they feel on the day.

  • XC Ride Away – July

    Dan Hunter will be leading the XC Ride Away this July, here’s what he’s got in store:

    Hello I’ll be leading the July 11th XC ride away, across the Marlborough Downs and Ridgeway – so don your beards and prepare your retro steeds for a 17 mile trip across the neolithic landscape.

    The Route: Click here for a Goolge map of the route and parking location

    Difficulty: easy/moderate – highly recommend this ride for beginners who are comfortable riding the distance, but all are welcome.
    This route is largely open flint covered tracks so little technical skill is required. I would say half of this route involves climbing, but again this all non-technical. There is little in the way of singletrack but the open countryside and views are fantastic.

    Duration: 2:30 – 3:30 hours (Depending how long we stop for)

    Travelling: 1hour 10 mins drive from Frome.

    Ride start time: 10:15 – 10:25

    Food: There is a café half way round for food and drinks, but riders will need to bring enough while riding, as its not always open. If its hot ring plenty of fluids regardless.

    Clothing: Depends on the wether of course, but it is very exposed so bring a summer jacket or gilet if it looks chilly/wet or some sun tan lotion if it looking sunny.

    Meet up: The ride is open to all members & non members, please let us know who coming by the Friday evening so we can arrange lifts etc, we’ll be meeting in the Frome car park near the Cheese & Grain on Sunday around 8.30am to leave for 8.45am, although your welcome to make your own way to the parking spot near Marlborough if your coming from elsewhere.

    Check out the forum to arrange travel arrangements by clicking on the image below: