Beat it!

Been a while since I last posted — life has been busy, but that's not to say I've been idle. Since my last update, I've completed two gravel events: the Out of the Ditch (which I believe was the 2024 route, one I'd ridden before) and the Cannock Chaser last weekend.

Phantom joined me for Out of the Ditch but peeled off at around the halfway point — he was short on time and had a dinner date to keep. I pushed on and completed the full event, and I remain absolutely chuffed with my aged gravel bike and her new funky fatter tyres (aka 11).

The Cannock Chaser was a cracking route. I headed out from the ridiculously priced (£12.50) car park, crossed the road, and immediately faced the draggy opening climb up Penkridge Bank. From the summit, crossed the road and dropped down to Abrahams Valley before heading west across the Chase towards the outskirts of Brocton. From there it went south along a series of bridleways and singletrack to the first refreshment stop of the day at Springslade Lodge. This was closed on both my out and back trip because I started the event super early. I started early to avoid the heat of the day and to hang out with SJ in the afternoon. Turns out she was sick and I could have been more leisurely after all.

I then take a loop off the Chase via Bednall, Shoal Hill, and Huntingdon before looping back to Springslade Lodge for a second 'no joy of refreshments', then back onto the Chase proper. A circuit of Sherbrook Valley showcased the Chase at its very best, followed by a run south through Brindley Heath Country Park and Hednesford, taking in a punchy loop skirting the golf course and a dash through Beaudesert Old Park.

Back into the heart of the Chase, I picked up the classic Marquis Drive and enjoyed a teasing descent that brought me almost back to the start — almost. A final ascent past Fairoak Pools was there to drain what was left in my tank.

Going back to the Phantom — I coached him into walking the Tree of Destiny near Coughton Court. He's now one of only four individuals to have completed this feat: him, me, and the dogs, Ernie and Fredster. I was quietly hoping he'd fall. I wasn't disappointed that he didn't. Much.

Uncle Jim, SJ, Uncle Oscar

SJ, Moo, Doo, Spoon

On the family front, SJ, the girls, and I spent some time visiting Uncle Oscar and Uncle Jim — a lovely catch-up. We also took in the Michael Jackass film while we were at it. It's remarkable how different family members can be. Good news on Tex (sister's husband) — he's on the mend after having a tumour removed, shedding over 10kg in the process, and is looking brilliant for it.

Before...

...and after!

I also went a bit mad on eBay and sold a couple of sleeping bags and my Alpkit hammock. The proceeds went towards a rather fancy underquilt for my new hammock — a Wooki, no less. All of this is prep for the Solstice Sprint bikepacking adventure with Jamie (and pending hammock / wild camp adventures), which is now less than three weeks away.

Arghhhh. Adventure awaits!