Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cannock Chase?
Cannock Chase is in the West Midlands and triangulated by Cannock, Stafford and Rugeley and is quite clearly seen on the following Google Map - Google Map. It is easily accessible from Junctions 11, 12, 13 and 14 of the M6 and also sits right at the top of the M6 Toll. Rail travellers have the option of Rugeley Trent Valley, Rugeley Town, Cannock and Hednesford Stations. Local station pickup is available (subject to availability).
Can I see Chase Skills' Terms and Conditions?
Yes, our Terms and Conditions can be viewed by clicking HERE.
Where do the Chase Skills Activities start from?
Unless otherwise informed, all activites are based from the Birches Valley Forest Centre located on Cannock Chase. For SatNav purposes, the postcode is WS15 2UQ.
I don't drive, how can I get to Birches Valley?
Cannock Chase is served by 4 local stations, Rugeley Trent Valley, Rugeley Town, Cannock and Hednesford. We can offer a free pickup from these stations (subject to availability). Feeling fit? Both Rugeley stations are only a short bike ride away from Birches Valley.
Why should I book a Skills Course with Chase Skills?
We believe that our courses have been structured in a new way of learning. Our instructors have a wealth of experience and their technical approach to coaching is of a high standard and techniques are not only explained fully, but broken down into the physics behind them. The Courses are run over a full day (6 Hours!) with the exception of the Introduction to Mountain Biking Course, other companies/coaches offer only 3 or 4 hours. We believe that to maximise the amount of time spent in each area of technique, a full day is required. The Introduction to Mountain Biking course is aimed at newcomers to the sport, therefore, this is run as a half day (3.5 Hours) course which is ample to introduce the fundamental core techniques. Partcipant's approach and execution of each technique is photographed and detailed visual feedback is given to assist the participant mastering the technique. We also provide complimentary Tea and Coffee before and after each course which always goes down well!
Why do you only allow a maximum of 6 riders per Skills Course?
We keep the group size to a maximum of 6 riders to keep the course "personal" and maintain the full focus of the participants. This ensures that each participant has ample time to complete each section of the course. Larger groups with extra instructors does not resolve this issue and decreases the available time to each participant. We like to keep everyone focused on the content and small groups ensure this.
I have booked a course, when will I get the details such as meeting place and time?
We send out the final instructions 5 days before the date of the course. This enables us to get a more accurate weather prediction. Should you have any questions about the course you have booked, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Can my course be cancelled due to bad weather?
We try to run the courses in any weather, however, sometimes the courses can be cancelled due to severe weather. Due to safety reasons, we don't run any courses in the snow and ice. We constantly check the weather as far in advance as possible to ensure we give as much notice of cancellation as possible, however, sometimes a late call is required to cancel a course. If a course is cancelled due to bad weather, we will try and re-schedule your course for another day, you can also request a full refund.
Do you cancel courses due to low bookings?
If courses have bookings, even if it's only one person, then we usually do not cancel the course. However, if a course has no bookings with a one week remaining before the scheduled date, we often cancel these courses to make availability to private bookings.
Are there any age restrictions?
All of our courses are available for over 16s. We do allow children over 9 as long as they are accompanied by an adult (maximum 2 children per adult). We can allow younger children, but require a private booking (you only require 3 people) which can be the perfect family day out!
What if I need to cancel my course?
You are entitled to cancel your course, however, a 15% cancellation fee is deducted from your refund. All cancellations must be made no less than 24 hours from the start of your course. Should you wish to book another course, the cancellation fee will be waivered/deducted. Should a cancellation be made with less than 24 hours notice (or failure to attend), no refund or reschedule will be offered. You are entitled to allow another participant to take your place provided this is notified 24 hours before the course start time.
Is Lunch included with a full day course?
Due to people's different tastes/alergies, we don't include lunch in the cost. All full day courses make a lunch stop at the Cannock Chase Visitor Centre at Marquis Drive (this is different to the starting point at Birches Valley, so you will not be able to access your car!) where there is a Cafe available. Please feel free to bring a Packed Lunch instead. You may also wish to bring your favourite energy snack to eat during the day.
What am I expected to bring with me?
The following is a list of what you need to bring with you to the course;
» Mountain Bike - in a fit for purpose condition
» Helmet and gloves are required - Safety first.
» Enough Drink for the entire course - A Camelbak (or similar) is highly recommended.
» Spare Inner Tube and Pump - Make sure you have the right valve.
» Relevant Clothing for the weather - No Jeans allowed and remember, there may be times that the group is stood around.
» Relevant Footwear - Cycling shoes or Trainers.
» Waterproof Jacket - Should rain be forecast, please check the weather.
» Dinner Money - The Full Day courses stop at the Cannock Chase Visitor Centre Cafe, where the cake is legendary!
» Optional: Packed Lunch - Feel free to bring a packed lunch instead!
» Optional: Energy Food - You may want to bring your favourite quick fix.
» Optional: Glasses - Not only protects your eyes, but it may even be sunny!
» Optional: Body Armour/Protection - If it makes you more confident, then bring it!
I don't normally ride with glasses on, do I have to wear them?
No, however, we strongly recommend that you wear glasses during some of the course.
If my bike is deemed unsafe to start the course, will I get a refund?
If Chase Skills deem that your bike is not in a safe condition to participate, then you will not be offered a refund. However, you will be allowed to attend another session in the future at no extra cost.
Can I attend a course on my Single Speed Bike?
YES! However, please be aware that some of the content of the courses explains gear selection which will obviously not be applicable to Single Speed bikes.
Will I find the course physically demanding?
Possibly! The courses are not designed to test physical fitness, however, new techniques and skills may involve upper-body movements that you may not be used to.
Will I be expected to ride outside my comfort zone during the course?
Some of the techniques might require you to ride outside your comfort zone and this is all part of learning. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that you don't over exceed your limits.
Will I be able to ride all the content, trail and features during my course?
It is your reposibility to assess whether you are confident in completing a section. We don't make any rider carry out any part of the course and we may advise if we feel something is above your level of ability. Please remember that this is a course to pick up new techniques and therefore we don't include the Black Graded sections of the Monkey Trail on the course. This is due to not being able to stop and coach on these sections and also feel that a fall on these sections could end up with you leaving with less confidence than you started with which is a waste of your money. The courses are designed for you to fine tune your techniques before trying them out on more demanding terrain in your own time.
Do Chase Skills carry out Risk Assesments?
YES! Every part of the route that is taken on any activity is thoroughly Risk Assessed. Full Risk Assessment documentation is available on request. All routes have emergency exits at various points.
Can I keep up to date with Chase Skills developments?
We strongly recommend becoming a fan of the Chase Skills Facebook Page. Here you can find future developments, photos from courses, discussions, our own product reviews and far more, including occasional discounts for Facebook Fans! You can also join our Mailing List for occasional discounts.
I have been lucky enough to receive a Chase Skills Gift Voucher, how do I spend it?
Select the course of your choice and click the Redeem Voucher link to start the process.
My Chase Skills Gift Voucher shows "Technique and Skills" or "Advanced Trail Riding" but I don't see these courses?
We have merged both courses into one course (Skills 'n' Thrills) which provides riders with more techniques being coached and in turn gives more value for money. Your voucher is still valid against the new Skills 'n' Thrills course.
Is there accommodation nearby?
There are numerous Hotels, B&Bs, Self-Catering and Campsites available not too far away. Willow End B&B is located in a lovely location within Cannock Chase and is only short ride/drive/walk to the Birches Valley Visitor Centre, making it the perfect location for Mountain Bikers. Take a look at their website, www.willow-end.com for details.
Does Chase Skills offer a Bike Hire service?
No, we cannot (at this time) offer hire bikes, however, Swinnerton Cycles (located at Birches Valley) do provide this service (complete with Helmet), but Chase Skills are in no way affiliated with them. You will need to book in advance! Please inform us if you are planning on bike hire as we will need to make sure that we get you back for the return time!
I've got a really old bike, is that ok?
Yes, providing it's a Mountain Bike in good condition with Off-Road tyres then that's fine. We do recommend that your bike is serviced before attending.
Are the routes used in the activities legal?
Yes, all the routes in the courses are carried out on Forest tracks and designated Mountain Bike Trails. If applicable, the routes have Forestry Commission approval.
What happens if my bike breaks during an activity?
Most of the time breaks can be repaired during the activity, however, should a bike be irreparable, then depending on the activity we will put an action plan in place to recover you without too much interuption to the acvitity.
Is there a risk of injury?
As with any sport, the risk of injury exists. We cannot guarantee that you won't fall. If, during any activity, we feel that something is too high a risk for you to complete, we will strongly discourage you from that particular part. However, you must take responsibility for your own actions and decide if something is too far outside your abililty.
What if the rest of the group are stronger/faster than me?
Who is in a hurry? Every activity goes at the pace that it goes at, if that means faster people have to slow down, then that's the pace it will be.
What bike will be suitable for the Chase 2 Coast Holiday
As long as it's a Mountain Bike with Off-road tyres fitted, you'll be fine. At least front suspension is recommended, but a Full Suspension is not a requirement.
Is there a luggage restriction on Chase 2 Coast?
Without sounding too much like a budget airline company, there is a luggage restriction. This is down to space in the support vehicle. We expect riders to try to keep to a single bag along with a sleeping bag and any food and drink.
What happens if I need to stop during Chase 2 Coast due to fitness, injury or irrepairable bike?
Although out of sight, the support vehicle won't be too far away, in the event that you have to abort the days riding, we will arrange (the best we can) to get you to the support vehicle. You can then sit the rest of the day out and join back in the next day should you be able to.
What if I have to leave Chase 2 Coast?
We will always get you to the nights accommodation, by riding or in the support vehicle. Should you need to drop out of the holiday, you will need to arrange your own transportation back home. Unfortunatly, there is no refund available in the event a rider drops out.
What if the my bike breaks and cannot be repaired during Chase 2 Coast?
We will get you and the bike to the support vehicle, if your bike can be easily/quickly fixed at the support vehicle we will do this. However, due to time constraints we cannot spend a long time repairing bikes, in this instance you and the bike will stay with the support vehicle and you can either work on the bike yourself or wait until the evening where we will do our best to repair it. Should the bike become irrepairable, then you will have to leave the holiday and arrange for yourself and bike to be picked up. We will be carrying some spares and even a spare bike, however, please bear in mind that this is on a first come, first served basis.
What if I need to cancel my Chase 2 Coast booking?
Please refer to our specific Holiday Terms and Conditions for our cancellation policy.
Is all food included during Chase 2 Coast?
A Healthy Breakfast and Lunch is included, however, Evening Meals will have to be purchased. This maybe available at the accommodation or at a nearby Restaurant or Pub. You might not be able to hold the crave for a Full English on the final morning in the Town Centre of Aberystwyth though (not included in the cost).
What am I expected to bring with me to the Chase 2 Coast holiday?
All riders are required to bring the following;
» Mountain Bike - in a fit for purpose condition
» Helmet and gloves are required, glasses are optional - Safety First!
» Capacity to carry enough drink for each day - Refill is available at the lunch stop
» 2 Spare Inner Tube and Pump - Make sure you have the right valve.
» Spare brake pads for front and rear
» Spare Rear Drop-out Hanger
» SRAM Powerlink (or equivalent)
» Relevant Clothing for the weather - No Jeans allowed.
» Relevant Footwear - Cycling shoes or Trainers.
» Waterproof Jacket - You never know when a shower may hit!
» Energy Food - To keep you going!.
» Sleeping Bag - The accommodation is hostel style, therefore, bring a sleeping bag.
» Luggage - To be kept to one bag which will contain your clothing for the trip.
Can my family or friends come and meet me at Aberystwyth at the end of Chase 2 Coast?
Yes, of course, however, they must arrange their own transportation and accommodation. Should you wish to stay with them, a reduction of the Holiday cost is not available. This is due to prior booking of the rooms. Should you wish to travel back with them on the return, again, there is no reduction in Holiday cost.
What is the maximum group size for Chase 2 Coast?
The group is a maximum of 8 riders, however, due to overheads, the minimum group size is 6.
What if I have a special dietry requirement whilst on Chase 2 Coast?
The registration form includes a section for you to fill in these requirements so that we can cater for this.
Chase Skills - Mountain Bike Skills Courses & Holidays. Cannock Chase, West Midlands
Email: info@chaseskills.co.uk - Telephone: 01889 434682
© Chase Skills 2012
