CANNOCK CHASE SOCIAL RIDE
Hosted by awesome locals Phoebe and Bridget and SheRides Ambassador Ruth 🫶
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*PLEASE NOTE OUR MEETING POINT HAS CHANGED*
What to Expect:
This is a social ride for anyone above beginner level. In the morning we’ll head out on a scenic ride, approx 15km, with 200m (ish) of elevation. This part of the ride will be a scenic ride through the forest with some single track and really nice views. There will be the opportunities for some techier off-piste but everything will be rollable or have an alternative route.
We will have a lunch break in the middle of the day where we can grab some food from the onsite cafe or feel free to bring your own pack up.
After lunch we can decide if we want to keep riding, potentially exploring some more off piste options with session-able jumps, but this all depends on the groups ability. There’s no pressure to continue riding, you can always finish up whenever you need to.
It’s a super loose structure; we won’t be rushing to get done, we won’t be pushing to tick off features, and we won’t be forcing anyone to ride anything they aren’t comfortable with- the aim is to have fun and ride bikes!
No pressure, just good times!
Here is the link to the Cannock Chase Forest website:
https://www.forestryengland.uk/cannock-chase-forest
Where to Meet Us:
Ruth, Phoebe and Bridget will no longer be meeting at Birches Valley, at the benches next to Go Ape.
Due to the birches valley centre car park being closed on Saturday and not re-opening on Sunday until inspections have been completed we thought we'd move our meet point ahead of time so there's no ambiguity as to where we are meeting.
We are now meeting at at the benches by the toilets at Cannock Chase Visitor Centre WS12 4PW, parking available on Marquis Drive.
Ruth will be there wearing a black long-sleeve SheRides Ambassador jersey, so be sure to make yourself known.
You can contact our ambassadors via the event page on our facebook group (link at the top of this page). If you are running late, please let them know.
Potential closure due to storm: The trail centre is closed Sat 4th Oct due to the storm but there isn't any update on Sunday yet. If they close Sunday too I will send out emails to those who have signed up. If you don't here from us please assume the ride is still on. If it's cancelled I will also put an update on our social rides facebook group so if in doubt that an email might not have reached you please check on there too.
Facilities:
There are great facilities at this meet this spot:
Parking
Toilets
What Should you Bring?:
Equipment
It’s super important to note that we will not ride with anyone who is not wearing a helmet!
Other than that, the protective gear that you bring is up to you- we normally ride with knee / elbow pads and maybe gloves, depending on the conditions. You’ll also need a bike that is trail suitable, safe and in working order so we can avoid repairs at the start of the day.
It is possible to hire a bike from the Swinnerton Cycles Forest Centre bike shop, but we strongly recommend that you do it well in advance if that’s your plan.
Food
Make sure you bring plenty of water. Snacks are always a good shout to keep you fuelled for the ride and bring plenty of water. We’ll have a lunch stop at the on site cafe, or feel free to bring you’re own pack up.
What Will it Cost?
The ride itself is totally free, we won’t be charging you anything for our company.
The Cannock Chase carpark is a paid carpark, you can see prices on their website, (linked above).
We will be there all day, but it’s totally up to you how long you stay for; getting the full day means we don’t have time restraints and the money goes to maintaining the trails- it’s a win, win.
Important Info:
Photos:
Our ambassadors may take photos or videos during the ride to use on social media or in promotions. It’s a great way to show others what our rides are really like and help those who might be nervous feel more confident about joining next time.
If you'd prefer not to be included in any photos or videos, just let your ambassador know at the start of the ride — no problem at all!
Disclaimer:
This is NOT a guided ride and there will be no coaching, we’re simply meeting you at the trail head to make some friends, push each other as a group, and get women and girls on the trails. We do not accept any responsibility / liability for any accidents, and we will refuse to ride with anyone who arrives without the correct safety equipment or an unsafe bike. All riders must sign up in order to ride and in doing so you are agreeing to these terms. All riders must identify as a woman and be aged 18 or above.
Want to join us?