They are bloody fantastic. Just had a great time there, the first time on a HT, and loved every minute of it.

It’s pretty rutted in places and the conditions are constantly changing which is good as it keeps you on your toes 🙂

Did you try over the Monkey side? I prefer it as the descents are well worth the effort for all the extra climbs.

Only been to Cannock a couple of times. On a HT the braking bumps are definitely something that keeps you on your toes. Some are unavoidable and you just need to hold on and grit your teeth, but a lot of the time some creative line choices take them out of the equation.

Either way, it’s all just riding a bike no?

slainte 😀 rob

To be honest I only rode the monkey. I much prefer it and the parking is easier in the evenings. I know some people moan about the monkey being loads of climbing for no reward. But as someone who hates climbing I really enjoy the climbs on the monkey, they are interesting and you have to think about what you are doing. Much better than the long steep fire road slogs, I hate them.

It was grinding paste over the weekend!

It still is. I was struggling to raise/lower my seatpost by the end because of all the grit.

Yes I’ve heard a few moans about the climbs, there not really climbs compared to some of the stuff up north.

wimps!

I just did the the Dog today. I am still getting back into riding after a 10 year break.

All I can say it how bloody slippy are the cobbles!!!

I had 2 off’s due to slip sliding about. Screwed my knee so shelved the monkey.

I just need to stop breathing out my bottom on the tiny climbs.

What cobbles? The only place I can think is the short steep climb just after the little bridge over the stream near the start.

Yup the short climp afer the start. Also the climp 2/3 of the way round.

I came a croper near the 3 or 4 jumpy type things. No idea where I was. Got a little too quick for my boots.

Any better tyres than conti explorers?

Just to mention I was on a 11 year old small santa cruz chameleon with rs psylo’s and origional XT disc brakes. I lost the front brake half way round. Might just need a bleed….

Larger FS on order!

Try a Maxxis High Roller on the front and a Larson TT on the back, both in 2.35 maxxpro. They work fantastically for me everywhere I have ridden.

By the jumpy things I am guessing you mean the twisty DH though the trees just after the fire road climb.

The Chameleon should be fine around the dog, no the most comfortable but definitely capable.