The Recce Ride is what you should do before you take a group out on a ride.
- Plan your route
- Ride the route with your assistant leader or by yourself
- Re-plan if the route is unsuitable for the group
- Ride the route with your group knowing what to expect around each corner.
Route Information
Below you can find the core route that we will follow (mostly). You will be given a Route Card to follow during the practical part of the course. Below you can pick up a few tips to make your leading section a bit easier.CLICK ON AN IMAGE TO ENLARGE IT
| SECTION | GRID REFERENCE | DESCRIPTION | IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SK 016 172 | JPAE The starting point for the course. | |
| 1 | SK 015 180 | Rugeley Quarry The bridleway runs alongside the quarry to the left of the main gate. This is a working quarry so keep everyone off the road and on the grass behind the metal barrier. |  |
| 1 | SK 000 185 | The route comes to a T-Junction and we will turn right. Down the right hand side of Abrahams Valley. |  |
| 1 | SK 004 197 | The trail now meets the main path that runs up Abrahams Valley. We will turn right and continue down the valley. This is the handover point and the end of section 1. |  |
| 2 | SK 004 212 | Meadow Lane Canal Bridge We have now left Cannock Chase and are heading onto the canal towards Shugborough. |  |
| 2 | SJ 995 225 | Essex Bridge Leaving the canal and using a Bridleway through the grounds of Shugborough Estate |  |
| 2 | SJ 980 210 | Reservoirs Hidden reservoirs on Cannock Chase, not many people know these even exist. This is the handover point for section 2 | No Image |
| 3 | SJ 972 211 | Milford Common 11Km into the ride and we have our first Coffee stop at Run and Ride on Milford Common |  |
| 3 | SJ 979 190 | Coppice Hill Car Park The top of the climb from Milford. As we approach the road our next trail is directly in front of us. The climb up is an old railway line that used to ferry troops and German POW to the camp that was at the top of the hill. |  |
| 3 | SJ 980 175 | Chase Road Corner Car Park A busy car park and the end of section 3. From here we turn left to the end of the car park and follow the right hand trail. |  |
| 4 | SJ 979 164 | Springslade Lodge Another potential coffee stop or lunch. We pass the cafe on our right |  |
| 4 | SJ 985 157 | German War Cemetery As we approach the wooden gate we turn left onto the tarmac track and pass the cemetery on our left. |  |
| 4 | SK 010 152 | RAF Hednesford Heading along Marquis Drive RAF Hednesford opens up on our right hand side. |  |
| 5 | SK 014 153 | Red Route FINALLY!!!! Some technical trails. Everyone thinks that this is what it is all about, however these types of trails are the easiest to lead on. That is way we will ride all the other types of trails......... experience |  |
| 5 | SK 001 164 | Tackaroo A basic campsite with no facilities, however the red route does pass straight through it so it has its advantages. From here it is the best part of the Red Route all the way to Birches Valley |  |
| 5 | SK 017 170 | Birches Valley | That is it, we are back to the start, another coffee anyone? |