It wasn't the nicest of days yesterday but I'm pleased to say we got some quality father and son time in and enjoyed some excellent off road cycling. First up we went to Fineshade woods. I've covered this before but for a reminder here's the link to their website http://www.forestry.gov.uk/toplodge. Run by the forestry commission, this excellent facility is about 15 minutes north of Corby. It's the perfect place to take kids cycling with well maintained tracks plus a number of 'skills loops,' for kids wanting more challenge. To be fair it's good fun for adults too. Here's a video.
The rain held off enough to enjoy a good ride, some traditional climbing and a well deserved hot chocolate. Sam rates the cafe at Fineshade as the best of all our Country Parks. I have to say the peanut butter brownie I had with my coffee was pretty special.
Great climbing area
Franz having a rest
Treehouse selfie
He's too cool for skool
The cyclist's reward
Because parts of Fineshade are under maintenance our ride was a little shorter than usual and we missed Sam's favourite skills loop with the rocks. So as we drove away I said to Sam: "shall we go over the road?" Apprehensive at first, Sam agreed to go for a look at the Scar Tree Trail at Wakerley Great Wood. It's about a minute drive from Fineshade or you could just ride from one to the other. We got there and Sam decided to give it a go.
The Scar Tree Trail is one of the best off road trails in the county. It's not Cannock Chase or anything particularly extreme but it is another step up for a 10 year old like Sam. At one point he missed a bend and had a nasty crash. He smashed his cadooberries into his handlebar stem and got thorns in his fingers. I thought 'uh-oh' that's the end of that then...but it wasn't. Sam had a drink, gathered himself and then got right back on it. I can't tell you how proud I was of him. Better still he was proud with himself too. This morning the first thing he asked was can we go back to Wakerley today? Sadly the answer to that is no but, we're definitely going again. Here's a link for the Scar Tree Trail http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/englandnorthamptonshirerockinghamforestwakerleygreatwoodwakerleywoodcarparkscartreetrail
Of all the cycling I do, nothing gives me greater pleasure than watching Sam progress. Long after we got home were still talking about our day and after a much needed bath he even picked out a cycling related t-shirt. Awesome little man!
Happy Pedaling!
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