Had a great day over the Cannock today...

[Motozulu]

Great to read a first timers view of Cannock! I've been riding it for 3 years now and you do get a bit blase. Some of the unofficial trails are even more fun IMO but that may be just because it's something different for me to do. Cannock is a great place to just take off and explore away from the Dog and Monkey.

Paul, Cubist, would love to meet up at Cannock for a bimble around with you - just shout up!

 

[Motozulu]

By the way doing the Dog and Monkey as one big trail is known as doing the 'Donkey' by the local yokels

 

[PaulSecteur]

... known as doing the 'Donkey' ...

In all the time I have been over there I have never heard it called that.

Although in some rural areas "doing the donkey" does have another, more literal, meaning!

 

[Motozulu]

Only in Walsall!

 

[Motozulu]

So Paul...doing the Donkey this weekend?

 

[PaulSecteur]

If it doesnt rain i might.

 

[Motozulu]

Forecast is good tomorrow - can't ride till Sunday though and will probably do the cheekies as the weekends just get too busy for the Donkey - let alone the fact there is a race on and a big part of the Dog is diverted.

 

[PaulSecteur]

Had a crap day yesterday.

With half the dog being shut due to a race I thought this would be the day for the monkey.

At the start of last week I had a bit of a stomach bug, and didn't really sleep well all week. I did the first few sections of the dog, then took the split off to the monkey. Up till then I had felt ok, but a bit uncoordinated. The lung buster finished me off. It felt like the beginning of what I think "proper bonking" would be like - arms and legs having a tremble, and just no energy. Not the usually cardiac hill feeling of "I have just used a lot of energy". Just nothing in the tank and the fumes weren't going to keep me going. I bravely decided to turn round and head for home. Kitbag hill took many stops, and zig-zak was very slow.

Not even one strava award, not that I was expecting any. Im going to stay off bikes for a few days, then try a local loop on the road bike.

 

[Motozulu]

Paul sometimes your body knows best and you have to listen to it. I didn't go out today either which means last ride I had was Tuesday gone - the longest this summer without a ride, but I just wasn't 'feeling it'.

Sometimes having a short break is good. I'll be out again probably tomorrow night after work if the weather isn't too bad and I'll be fresher for the break.

Like I said on another thread if you want company for your first go at the Monkey (advisable IMO) give me a shout and I'll come around with you. I'm no boy racer or Strava warrior and enjoy a sociable ride.