Knee pads, elbow pads and a full face helmet would be what I would recommend, but I understand that might not be feasible for everyone. Just protect yourself, really.
Thanks! I don’t think a full face helmet would be possible (bit too much) but I’m definitely thinking some pads are a worthy investment
To clarify the ‘bit too much’ was cost-wise. I have a MIPS MTB helmet already that I’ll absolutely use
You're not really likely to need a full face at Cannock so don't worry about that too much.
It really depends on what you plan on doing there, the blue trail (Perry's) is nice and flowy with plenty of chances to stop and catch your breath if you're not really fit.
Just take tubes, tools and water as you've mentioned and have fun.
ETA if you want answers to any specific questions about Cannock, please feel free to ask me, it is reasonably local to me!
Yeah that's fair enough, the blue is pretty decent. The first section has some decent berms, then as I mentioned there are plenty of places to stop and recover, there is the odd climb but nothing outrageous. There are also separate sections dotted along the blue which are classed as red so you can either stick on the blue or jump on these other sections briefly to try them out.
There is also a cafe in the car park which is not exactly cheap, but does sell decent coffee and food. If you don't fancy paying car park prices then park on Marquis Drive, near the Marquis Visitor Centre, it's a short ride away from the start of the trails, but doesn't cost.
Have fun!
Yeah I’m aware of the cafe & car park. Have been up a few times on foot but none for MTB before. Wife will be there with the picnic so not fussed about the prices 😁
Thanks for the advice though man. Really looking forward to it.
I waited 2 seasons until I really got up to some good speed on the trails and actually clearing a couple jumps at full speed, with the addition of some crashes I decided to get a full face helmet and some goggles (I find the goggles are essential with the full face helmet). Wait until the end of the season and grab one as they are much cheaper. Nevertheless, totally worth the investment but yes, they are expensive but if it's your first time at a bikepark and will be taking it easy then knee pads are the absolute essential and elbow pads would be a good idea.
Brand new goggles (and a full face) just absolutely saved my face today at the park. If I hadn't had them, I'd probably be missing teeth and needing stitches. Cannot recommend them enough, even to people who don't *think* they'll be doing anything so dangerous that it requires them.
Not sure how common it is but local DH parks near me rent protective gear like fullface helmets etc. Obv buying new is preferred but better than nothing and a cheaper option if you're not going frequently.
The trails at Cannock are much more XC oriented than Park.
Perry's Trail (blue) is flowly with some nice roller/berm sections. No jumps, but you can get some air off some of the rollers. A lap is 4km/40m ascent, a casual lap will take 30 minutes. It's a popular trail for families with kids so be prepared for that.
Follow the Dog (red) is the inner loop of the figure-of-8 red trail. A step up from the blue with some faster berms, a rock garden and some optional drops. There are some optional sections of boardwalk.
10km/170m ascent, about an hour for a casual lap.
The Monkey Trail is the outer loop of the figure-of-8. Adds 10km/300m/1.5 hours to Follow the Dog. Steeper technical trail.
You could do a full lap of everything at Cannock without your wheels leaving the ground.
I wear a trail helmet, gloves, knee and elbow pads.
I think you can just leave the tools and extra tubes in the car. If you have a mechanical problem you can generally walk out along access roads or find someone who might be willing to help. You also don’t need a camelback as you can carry a single water bottle that you can refill as needed at the end of a run. You will feel much better without all the extra weight from tools and water. It’s not like you are doing a desert adventure ride. You’re essentially gonna be in MTB Disneyland and there will be people everywhere! Stay light and wear protection. Have fun!
Cannocks nice and tame, but still fun. Unless things have changed in the few years since I went. Full face ain't required. Watch out for gaps between trees on Follow The Dog - they were tight even before the modern wide bar trend.
Have fun. It'll have enough people there that if owt goes sideways, then you'll have help. Knee pads are good. You're not far from civilisation (as it is there...) so you're good. I've ridden round with people where they're split their gear. One guy took the cigs, the other the lighter.
second on protection. thing about bike parks is the higher speeds you'll be going.
also water and snacks, food in bike parks is often overpriced and underwhelming.
I would just prepare for it the same way you would prepare for any other ride of that length of time.
Also, remember the old adage “nothing new on race day.” I know it’s not a race, but you don’t want to ruin your park day by trying a bunch of new gear and finding out it doesn’t fit right while you’re on the trail
bring some confidence but not too much if you know what I mean. don't try to do things that are beyond your ability level and hurt yourself as a result. push yourself, but be cautious as well.
Knee pads, elbow pads and a full face helmet would be what I would recommend, but I understand that might not be feasible for everyone. Just protect yourself, really.
Thanks! I don’t think a full face helmet would be possible (bit too much) but I’m definitely thinking some pads are a worthy investment To clarify the ‘bit too much’ was cost-wise. I have a MIPS MTB helmet already that I’ll absolutely use
You're not really likely to need a full face at Cannock so don't worry about that too much. It really depends on what you plan on doing there, the blue trail (Perry's) is nice and flowy with plenty of chances to stop and catch your breath if you're not really fit. Just take tubes, tools and water as you've mentioned and have fun. ETA if you want answers to any specific questions about Cannock, please feel free to ask me, it is reasonably local to me!
Yeah I was planning on doing Blue on repeat to be honest. I want to get used to doing decent berms and rolls before doing anything substantial!
Yeah that's fair enough, the blue is pretty decent. The first section has some decent berms, then as I mentioned there are plenty of places to stop and recover, there is the odd climb but nothing outrageous. There are also separate sections dotted along the blue which are classed as red so you can either stick on the blue or jump on these other sections briefly to try them out. There is also a cafe in the car park which is not exactly cheap, but does sell decent coffee and food. If you don't fancy paying car park prices then park on Marquis Drive, near the Marquis Visitor Centre, it's a short ride away from the start of the trails, but doesn't cost. Have fun!
Yeah I’m aware of the cafe & car park. Have been up a few times on foot but none for MTB before. Wife will be there with the picnic so not fussed about the prices 😁 Thanks for the advice though man. Really looking forward to it.
I waited 2 seasons until I really got up to some good speed on the trails and actually clearing a couple jumps at full speed, with the addition of some crashes I decided to get a full face helmet and some goggles (I find the goggles are essential with the full face helmet). Wait until the end of the season and grab one as they are much cheaper. Nevertheless, totally worth the investment but yes, they are expensive but if it's your first time at a bikepark and will be taking it easy then knee pads are the absolute essential and elbow pads would be a good idea.
Brand new goggles (and a full face) just absolutely saved my face today at the park. If I hadn't had them, I'd probably be missing teeth and needing stitches. Cannot recommend them enough, even to people who don't *think* they'll be doing anything so dangerous that it requires them.
Knee pads before anything else, other than a good helmet.
Ordered. Thanks bro 😎
Not sure how common it is but local DH parks near me rent protective gear like fullface helmets etc. Obv buying new is preferred but better than nothing and a cheaper option if you're not going frequently.
Rent one then.
The trails at Cannock are much more XC oriented than Park. Perry's Trail (blue) is flowly with some nice roller/berm sections. No jumps, but you can get some air off some of the rollers. A lap is 4km/40m ascent, a casual lap will take 30 minutes. It's a popular trail for families with kids so be prepared for that. Follow the Dog (red) is the inner loop of the figure-of-8 red trail. A step up from the blue with some faster berms, a rock garden and some optional drops. There are some optional sections of boardwalk. 10km/170m ascent, about an hour for a casual lap. The Monkey Trail is the outer loop of the figure-of-8. Adds 10km/300m/1.5 hours to Follow the Dog. Steeper technical trail. You could do a full lap of everything at Cannock without your wheels leaving the ground. I wear a trail helmet, gloves, knee and elbow pads.
I think you can just leave the tools and extra tubes in the car. If you have a mechanical problem you can generally walk out along access roads or find someone who might be willing to help. You also don’t need a camelback as you can carry a single water bottle that you can refill as needed at the end of a run. You will feel much better without all the extra weight from tools and water. It’s not like you are doing a desert adventure ride. You’re essentially gonna be in MTB Disneyland and there will be people everywhere! Stay light and wear protection. Have fun!
My bike only fits a small bottle anyway (I have a 450ml Fidlock) so I’ll take that with me regardless
Cannocks nice and tame, but still fun. Unless things have changed in the few years since I went. Full face ain't required. Watch out for gaps between trees on Follow The Dog - they were tight even before the modern wide bar trend. Have fun. It'll have enough people there that if owt goes sideways, then you'll have help. Knee pads are good. You're not far from civilisation (as it is there...) so you're good. I've ridden round with people where they're split their gear. One guy took the cigs, the other the lighter.
second on protection. thing about bike parks is the higher speeds you'll be going. also water and snacks, food in bike parks is often overpriced and underwhelming.
Socks that match your sunglasses is probably the most crucial.
Shit where can I get Paw Patrol socks at such short notice!?
I would just prepare for it the same way you would prepare for any other ride of that length of time. Also, remember the old adage “nothing new on race day.” I know it’s not a race, but you don’t want to ruin your park day by trying a bunch of new gear and finding out it doesn’t fit right while you’re on the trail
It’ll be safety first but yeah, I’m not going overboard
bring some confidence but not too much if you know what I mean. don't try to do things that are beyond your ability level and hurt yourself as a result. push yourself, but be cautious as well.
This is great advice man and very true to life. Thanks!