First Time Mountain Biking at Cannock Chase: A Father-Son Adventure

Saturday 25th January 2025.

Some trips just aren’t meant to be – but that doesn’t mean they don’t set the stage for even better adventures to come!

This weekend, the plan was for all of us to head to Cannock Chase for a mountain biking day. My husband had been invited by a friend, and we were all eager to tag along, especially with our eldest, S, keen to give mountain biking a proper go for the first time. But with our van still mid-conversion and only seating three, we’d have had to take two vehicles. That’s two lots of fuel for a two-hour round trip and, when I realised parking was £12 per car, it tipped the decision for us. I don’t begrudge paying for parking, knowing it helps maintain the trails, but £24 for two cars, it just wasn’t doable for our finances at this time.

So, the youngest and I reluctantly stayed behind, while Dad and S packed up the van – appreciating just how handy it is for transporting bikes! We consoled ourselves with the thought that next time, once the van is finished with proper seats, we’ll all be there. And we cannot wait!

S’s First Time on the Trails

The day wasn’t just about my husband getting out on the trails – it was S’s first ever mountain biking experience. And, judging by his excitement when he rang us from the van’s Bluetooth on the way home, it was a huge success.

For over 20 minutes, he barely stopped talking – buzzing about the trails, the adrenaline, the jumps, the turns, and of course, the all-important sausage roll and rocky road cake that topped off the adventure. Food always makes a good day even better!

Thrown in at the Deep End

Being S’s first go at mountain biking, we probably should have started him off gently – but no, due to attending with more experienced friends, he jumped straight onto the red trail! He learned a lot about handling his bike, testing his balance and reaction times on technical sections. There were a couple of minor misjudgements (one ending in a bush!), but nothing that dampened his spirits. In fact, he came home grinning from ear to ear and already planning his next ride.

Capturing the Adventure

For Christmas, we got S a budget-friendly action camera (a ‘faux GoPro’, as he calls it), and he was absolutely thrilled to record his ride. He eagerly showed us the footage when he got home, reliving every twist, turn, and near-miss in glorious shaky-cam detail.

A Sign of Things to Come?

I’ve got a feeling that once the van is done, biking might start to take over from walking! And honestly? Seeing how much fun S had, I can see C is dying to follow in his footsteps… Or tyre tracks. Cannock Chase, we’re coming for you – all of us next time!

Have you been mountain biking at Cannock Chase? Any tips for newbies (or parents)? Let me know in the comments!