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MTB Technique - Coaching - Holidays. Cannock Chase

Riding at Cannock Chase
Welcome to Chase Skills.

The most trusted provider of high quality Mountain Bike Skills Coaching, Guided Rides and Mountain Bike Holidays based at Cannock Chase. Safely assisting riders to gain confidence and skills since 2010.

 

Our Introduction to Mountain Bike Course is aimed at complete newcomers (or for riders wanting to go back to basics!) to the sport of Mountain Biking and provides a 3.5 hour session of the core techniques for only £35. Our full day Skills 'n' Thrills Course provides value for money at £50 for a full 6 hours providing riders that extra edge in their ability. For those looking to maximise their coaching experience we also have a 2 day Boot Camp that is available for private bookings. These are just three of the many courses we have available! Don't forget to come and join in on our various Free Social Rides.

We are constantly researching the world of MTB to maintain the highest possible standard in coaching and our Testimonials highlight this.

All activites are provided by a minimum MIAS Level 2 qualified Instructors/Guide with many years experience of riding and a great knowledge of the Cannock Chase area. The Instructors/Guides also have full HSE Outdoor First Aid certification and Association of British Cycling Coaches Membership with £5 Million Liability Cover. All routes are fully Risk Assessed to make sure things are running as safe as possible. Copies of the Risk Assessments are available on request. We have full backing and support from the Forestry Commission and our activities have their approval.

We have a keen interest in the development of Mountain Biking in the UK and are therefore an affiliated member of the International Mountain Bike Association (UK).

Meet our Instructors

alex2  
 

Alex Brown

Position: Chase Skills Owner / Skills Instructor / Holiday Guide
Qualifications: MAIS Level 4, Bikeability Instructor, Cytech Qualified Cycle Mechanic, MIAS Gears instructor
Current Bikes: Genesis Iod, Ventana ElCiclon, Lightspeed Capella, Dawes giro, Pashley Beach Cruiser, Trek Scratch 7, Look K531, DMR Sidekick, Orange Patriot.
Biography: Originally from Warwickshire, Alex grew into cycling from the age of 6, with his first bmx. Since then Alex has been riding anything with two wheels to feed his passion for the sport. From racing Criteriums to getting loose down the Megavalanche course, Alex brings this wealth of experience delivering courses in the unique Chase Skills style!

 

 
craig2

Craig Rogers

Position: Skills Instructor / Holiday Guide
Qualifications: MIAS Level 2, HSE 16 Hour First Aid
Current Bikes: Orange Alpine 160 (Freeride build), Orange 5, Scott Scale, Kona Blast
Biography: Craig has a passion for Mountain Biking and the desire to teach techniques to other riders with a different approach to coaching. Craig originally developed the Skills Courses from a mixture of natural ability, experience and little bit of physics thrown in.



 



What people say...
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Brilliant morning at the jumps 'n' drops course, then straight on the trails to put itinto practice! Thanks to Alex and the group!

J.Graham
Jumps N Drops
April 2013

 

Had a cracking (icy!) day with Alex today on the Skills and Thrills course! I can highly recommend Chase Skills to anyone looking to push their riding on to the next level, Alex is a great tutor and instantly puts you at ease. He takes his time to show you everything correctly before providing feedback on how you're progressing using video and photography, which makes it easy to see what you're doing right/wrong. Felt like a day out with your mates, rather than doing a course and all for a bargain price!! Cheers Alex!! ;-)

A.Ashcroft
Skills N Thrills
March 2013

 

17 minutes saved on Follow the dog thanks to Alex and his training! AWESOME!

A.Mackintosh

Private Skills N Thrills

April 2013


Thorough explanation provided by Craig as to the technique to be applied with regard to mastering jumps and drops. We were then able to practice these in a controlled environment and then when comfortable were able to move onto more 'testing' environments. If you were to show the participants of the course the jumps and drops that we were easily completing by the end of the day, I believe that not one of us would have said that we would have been doing them. Thanks Craig.

R. Fisher
Jumps 'n' Drops Session
October 2012


Whole day was great and really enjoyed it. Think you did a great job of progressing the jumps - from a little lump to the larger tabletop at the end. If we had gone straight to that one would have really put me off. Made my normal "fitness" loop around Clent yesterday so much more fun (as theres not much singletrack there), finding a load of little bumps and lumps to jump off of. Style of the course is great too, nice informal atmosphere helps, as opposed to a rigid structure. Would be keen to do it again in future

I. Redfern
Jumps 'n' Drops Session
October 2012


A great day out with excellent instruction from Alex. Highly recommended and well worth a 180 mile round trip!

I. Browning
Skills 'n' Thrills Course
September 2012


Great day, well organised, skill levels dramatically improved and demons conquered. I have recommended you to a number of friends and I would recommend you to many more in the future, hope to see you on future technical and non technical social rides.

N. Smith
Skills 'n' Thrills Course
September 2012


Thanks for a great day. Learnt loads and my confidence has taken a boost. Can't wait to get back out there. Cheers

R. Longstaff
Skills 'n' Thrills Course
September 2012


The Skills and Thrills was everything I'd hoped for and more. Craig did a great job of explaining and demonstrating techniques, as well as the physics behind why the bike responds as it does. There was never any rush - we were all encouraged to persevere with techniques until we felt we had a full understanding. By the time we were riding the last sections of Follow The Dog I'd never felt so in control on a trail and can't wait to get out on some single track and put the techniques learned into practice again.

R. Gamble
Skills 'n' Thrills Course
September 2012


Craig was very good at describing and demonstrating the skills in a way that was easy to understand. It was a lot simpler to do some of them that I thought it would be before undertaking the course. He was also very encouraging and gave helpful pointer around what you were doing right or wrong and was very approachable when it came to asking questions. It was also great they we were never made to feel rushed or that there was a time limit to each part of the course (no one even had a watch on). Overall, a great day!

J. Clapp
Skills 'n' Thrills Course
September 2012


Great session - really enjoyed it and learnt a huge amount (which I now have to teach hubby, or book him onto one of your courses when we move back up here). What really worked for me was the discussion of the physics and mechanics of why some things work and some things don't. V keen to now go out and play. Haven't taken bike out of car... Very many thanks - and have been telling everyone I work with how much I enjoyed it

J. Palmer
1-2-1 Half Day Session
September 2012


Thoroughly enjoyed the course, can't wait to do the skills n thrills on 23rd September.

N. Smith
Introduction to Mountain Biking Course
September 2012


The Skills 'n' Thrills course was excellent. Especially the afternoon session when we hit the single track to put our new found skills into practice. Everyone grew in confidence and became smoother and quicker on the trails.

J. Soden
Skills 'n' Thrills Course
August 2012


"Alex was superb, a great tutour and very knowledgeable. The day was at a pace suitable for all involved, spending the morning on technique and the afternoon ultilizing the chase to put those skills into practice... I can't thank you enough, not only for the skills I've learned but for instilling the confidence to use them!"

N. Stretton
Skills 'n' Thrills Course
August 2012


"I'd recommend either of the courses I've attended to anyone interested in developing their riding - Alex's tuition and the friendly atmosphere of the group made for a brilliant day"

J. King
Skills 'n' Thrills Course
August 2012


"A really great day, thanks!"

C. Danson
Skills 'n' Thrills Course
August 2012


"What is really obvious, is the passion and love you both have for mountain biking, and the willingness to impart your knowledge, experience and skills to people wishing to improve. Your patience and encouragement is wonderful, and allows a group of strangers to feel completely at ease with each other in order to gain the most out of a great day. I would highly recommend Chase Skills to others."

A. Strafford
Skills 'n' Thrills Course
July 2012


"I had a great day on the Skills and Thrills course. Great instructor and group. Really pleased that I finally did werewolf drops. Went and did it again today just to make sure that I can still do it!!"

D. Atkinson
Skills 'n' Thrills Course
July 2012


"Alex was great, patient and encouraging. Many thanks for a great day."

W. Hubbard
Skills 'n' Thrills Course
July 2012


"All good ! keep doing what your doing!"

P. Hawkes
Introduction to Mountain Biking Course
July 2012


"Such a great day-thanks to Alex for being such a great coach!great mixture of enthusiasm and technical knowledge, we both felt so much faster and stable by the end of the day, such a great attitude and demeanour"

I. Redfern
Skills 'n' Thrills Course
July 2012


"What an excellent day! Craig was a very good bloke and explained things in a way that was easy to put into practice. Next time I ride the chase I will be blitzing the jumps and the berms. The photos were great too."

D. Green
Private Skills 'n' Thrills Course
July 2012


"Brilliant day, well coached and very approachable."

T. Beale
Private Skills 'n' Thrills Course
July 2012


"I had a fantastic time thanks. :) Craig was really supportive and gave clear instructions and demonstrations. I was sure that, being climbers, our arms/backs wouldn't ache as Craig had suggested they would but they really did! Jodie even bailed on climbing on Monday because of it! It just shows how much my posture on the bike must have improved as I've never ached like that before. Thanks for a great time."

V. Cox
Private Skills 'n' Thrills Course
July 2012


"I had a great time with Alex and the others on the Course, it was a perfect intro to basic skills for MTB and showed me areas where I was better than expected and then others where I wasn't due to my own lack of confidence. Alex was incredibly understanding and offered some really good insights for improving technique - but essentially it is about getting out there and applying those skills. Definitely recommend."

B. Odams
Introduction to Mountain Biking Course
June 2012


"Was an excellent intro and gave me more confidence to try out more trails and keep developing my ability. Would recommend the introductory course to anyone wishing to get into the sport or develop existing skills - can't wait for the full day course!"

J. King
Introduction to Mountain Biking Course
June 2012'


"You are never too old to learn new techniques. Now all we have to do is practice. Good bunch of guys on the day. Thanks Alex"

S. Hyslop
Skills 'n' Thrills Course
May 2012'


"Brilliant course and hopefully going to get myself booked on a jumps and drops course, just as soon as I'm fully competent with the skills gained on this course."

M. Flitcroft
Skills 'n' Thrills Course
May 2012'


"I would like to thank Alex for his patience with the slowest (me!) member of the group and his friendly, good humoured approach."

R. Smith
Skills 'n' Thrills Course
May 2012'


"Excellent course, covering both basic and more advanced 'must have' skills. By the end of the day the group was all riding a lot faster than when we started! Highly recommended to anyone who wants to become a better rider."

W. Hook
Skills 'n' Thrills Course
May 2012'


"Just to say thank you for a great day, can't believe what I was doing as the day progressed, would happily reccomend the course and already have done!!"

T. Mitchell
Skills 'n' Thrills Course
April 2012'


"Thanks Alex for a really great day. I really liked the personal attention when coaching through the day particularly when someone in the group needed more help; the use of pictures and correcting technique was great. I can see there are skills I really need to develop but mostly I gained more confidence to ride sections of trail I have previously avoided. I left the day excited about practicing and learning the skills really well and putting them into practice on the trail."

A. Liles
Skills 'n' Thrills Course
April 2012'


"I really enjoyed the day. Alex was very enthusiastic and supportive. I found some of the activities challenging but in most cases was encouraged to overcome my fears and to succeed in the activity. "

R. Wild
Skills 'n' Thrills Course
April 2012'


"Really enjoyed it, loved Craig's patience and positivity. Now feel really well prepared for tackling the sport as a newcomer. Really recommend that beginners tackle a course like this before getting stuck in so that they can ride safely and with confidence."

M. Leavesley
Introduction to Mountain Biking Course
April 2012'


"Craig is a great tutor, explaining all the techniques very thoroughly and dispelled alot of the urban myths on certain techniques. Should have done this many years ago..! Just need to get out there and practice. Thanks for a great day."

A. Hind
Skills 'n' Thrils Course
April 2012'


"This is a 'must do' course for anyone wanting to get the best out of their mountain bike experience be they beginners or more experienced. Craig is a brilliant instructor and gave clear instructions and demonstrations of the various skills which allowed us to pick them up. I would like to thank Craig for his time, enthusiasm and when I was lagging slightly up a long drag for dropping back and keeping me going."

A. Pyatt
Skills 'n' Thrils Course
April 2012'


"Having recently taken up mountain biking this has given me a huge amount of confidence to progress my skills on the trails, thanks again for a fantastic day"

A. Baxter
Skills 'n' Thrils Course
January 2012'


"The basic techniques were explained in a way that was easy to put into practice, great value for money, can't believe how much my upper body aches considering we didn't cover great distances, look forward to putting it all into practice, many thanks"

D. Lea
Skills 'n' Thrils Course
January 2012'


"A fantastic day, where Craig's clear instructions made everything feel so easy. Thank you for making me fly!"

M. Hamer
Skills 'n' Thrils Course
January 2012'


"Great course, before the training I was happy that I could get down most sections of any trail centre. Now I have the skills to RIDE any section. Craig's teaching technique is easy to follow, informative and relaxed."

S. Jennings
Advanced Trail Riding Course
July 2011'


"Had an awesome day with Chase Skills, could feel my confidence growing all day from some well explained, fun and thought through tuition from Craig. Would recomend this course to anyone who wants to improve whilst riding some quality trails."

S. Wilson
Advanced Trail Riding Course
July 2011'


"What can I say, had an awesome day round the Chase, picked up loads of things to work on and your tuition was excellent. Was well worth every penny and would recommend to anyone."

A. Stott
Advanced Trail Riding Course
July 2011'


"A very well co-ordianated course with excellent training instructors. I had an awsome day with great advice and support to improve my skills. I was taken out of my comfort zone safely with encouragement and the skills needed to progress."

K. Kilford
Technique and Skills Course
July 2011'


"I thought Craig was an excellent coach. His clear explanations and obvious knowledge and passion for mountain biking made it a really worthwhile and enjoyable course. I would definitely recommend chase skills to others and I look forward to doing more of the courses."

E. Haynes
Intro to Mountain Biking
July 2011'


"Excellent instructor & course, I really enjoyed the day & learned a lot. Very relaxed atmosphere throughout the day. Thanks to all concerned."

M. McGowan
Technique and Skills Course
June 2011'


"I really enjoyed the course. I learnt quite a lot. The course did take me out of my comfort zone, and it was good that Alex didn't make any of us do anything we didn't want to. I thought the pace was good. An excellent course all round. Well done!!"

K. Ashley
Technique and Skills Course
June 2011'


"Well pitched content & teaching style, made everything easy to follow"

I. Ford
Group Booking Skills Course
April 2011'


"Fantastic! Excellently explained techniques for a beginner like me. Would certainly recommend and atted further courses."

A. Evitts
Group Booking Skills Course
April 2011'


"Excellent day out. Has been a massive help to my riding. Cheers!

P. Shakespeare
Group Booking Skills Course
April 2011'


"Amazing, gained so much confidence. Thanks"

N. Tiley
1-2-1 Session
April 2011'


"Really great day, feel confident to go out and practice skills taught. A great place to start for anyone interested in starting out"

J. Fisher
Introduction to Mountain Biking Course
March 2011'


"Excellent course, I learnt loads of stuff to improve my riding. Recommended!"

C. Mason
1-2-2 Skills Session
January 2011'


"I am nowhere near the complete rider, but I do feel much more confident and continue to improve. Brilliant!"

N. Ward
1-2-2 Skills Session
January 2011'


"Craig is friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and patient. A very enjoyable day. Will definitely do the Advanced Course."

M. Driscoll
Technique and Skills Course
January 2011'


"Great day, even if muddy, made all the better by Craig."

J. Driscoll
Technique and Skills Course
January 2011'


"Good encouragement to help improve confidence. I've found my Mojo!"

J. Hands
Introduction to Mountain Biking Course
January 2011'


"Very informative content, good feedback.

M. Eccleston
1-2-2 Session
January 2011'


"Fantastic course for learning the skills of Mountain Biking - Now I just need to practice it all! Thanks Craig."

R Donn
Introduction to Mountain Biking Course
November 2010 '


"Excellent core skills explainations. The course provides a great reference for any novice MTB riders."

T. Tang
Introduction to Mountain Biking Course
November 2010'


"Had a great half day Craig, thoroughly enjoyed it! Looking forward to putting new skills into practice before doing the next course! Cheers!"

J. Eadie
Introduction to Mountain Biking Course
November 2010'


"Awesome day on the trails and woodland. Loved it and found it invaluable!"

P. Dodsworth
Technique and Skills Course
November 2010'


"Communication and preparation are excellent. Clear and logical explanation of techniques and helpful answers to questions. Great use of photos as feedback. Provided hot drinks most definitely welcome in the cold!"

D. Ip
1-2-1 Session
November 2010'


"Excellent course, learnt lots and was great fun with nice people."

S. Lea
Advanced Trail Riding Course
November 2010'


"Fantastic day! Great tutor, really knows his stuff and how to teach. One of the best days me and my lad have had together, looking forward to putting new skills into practice and then the next course. Thanks!"

P. Lomax
Introduction to Mountain Biking course
October 2010'


"Craig explained everything really well, was very patient with everyone on the course. Brilliant!!"

K. Upton
Introduction to Mountain Biking Course
October 2010'


"Great day out, learned loads. Really enjoyed it. Looking forward to Advanced Trail Riding"

S. Conlon
Technique and Skills Course
October 2010'


"Learned general techniques that I didn't know how to practice properly."

C. Chester
Technique and Skills Course
October 2010'


"Learned a lot regarding line choice and cornering"

P. Lester
Technique and Skills Course
October 2010'


"Really enjoyed it. Clear explanation & demonstration was given. Craig was very patient. The welcome drinks are a nice touch."

S. Eaton
Ladies Only Technique and Skills Course
October 2010'


"Very good experience. Will take everything onboard n' defo practice what I've been taught!!"

K. Price
Ladies Only Technique and Skills Course
October 2010'


"I am now 180% more awesome"

L. Graham
Ladies Only Technique and Skills Course
October 2010'

"Thank you very much - it was fun & useful!"

A. Feilbach
Ladies Only Technique and Skills Course
October 2010'


"All superb and excellent. Learnt tonnes to help me - I'd defo recommend the course to everyone. Many many thanks."

L. Hughes
1-2-1 Session
September 2010'


"Just what I was after. Certainly worth the money."

T. Quarendon
1-2-1 Session
September 2010'


"I learned more about technique in six hours on your course than I did in six months of trial and error."

M. Thompson
Technique and Skills Course
September 2010'


"Excellent course, really enjoyable for someone who has only been riding 2 months. Has given me a lot of confidence to do more off-road stuff. Thanks."

M. Plant
Technique and Skills Course
September 2010'


"I think I learned a great deal today and my confidence has grown enormously. Craig taught in an open and friendly manner which got the best from all of us."

J. Lund
Advanced Trail Riding Course
August 2010'


"Great day, got some new skills and a bit more air. Thanks."

S. Holden
Advanced Trail Riding Course
August 2010'


"The Werewolf's bark is worse than it's bite."

A. Naylor
Advanced Trail Riding Course
August 2010'


"Very enjoyable day with clear, confidence inspiring explanations of the techniques. I would definately do another course in the future."

D. Horn
Technique and Skills Course
August 2010'


"Excellent. Grown in confidence and looking forward to Advanced Trail Riding Course. Bring on the Black Rocks."

L. Seymour
Technique and Skills Course
August 2010'


"All very good, skills really come together at the end of the day. Explanations were nice and clear."

S. Wright
Technique and Skills Course
August 2010'


"Fantastic day, covered everything I needed. Will be back after some practice for Advanced Trail Riding."

R. Huggins
Technique and Skills Course
August 2010.'


"Really appreciate the level this course was pitched at. Excellent, lots of info and sound principles."

P. Shelton
Introduction to Mountain Biking Course
August 2010'


"Great teaching style. Very friendly and approachable.Ties a wicked sling ;)"

S. Andrews
Advanced Trail Riding Course
August 2010'


"Exactly what was required thanks!"

P. Yates
1-2-2 Booking
July 2010'


"Fantastic day was had and came away with bags of confidence.

Thanks a lot"

S. Barrs
Techniqe and Skills Course
July 2010'


"Thanks Craig, the course has improved my understanding of bike skills and given me the confidence to use those skills."

N. Parkes
Technique and Skills Course
July 2010'


"This course had helped me understand many things I have always taken for granted. Hopefully I will rectify a few bad habits too. Thanks"

A. Parry
Technique and Skills Course
July 2010'


"Thoroughly enjoyable day, learning was a pleasure. My riding and confidence has stepped up a level."

N. Coward
Technique and Skills Course
July 2010'


"I have gotten everything out of the course that I wanted. The way skills were built up was very logical & easy to follow. My MTB riding will be so much more pleasurable as a result. Great job!"

A. Evans
Technique and Skills Course
July 2010'


"This course has covered everything I said I either couldnt do, or struggled with in my email. I can now do all of the things and more importantly, understand how! Thanks very much!"

P. Hancock
Technique and Skills Course
July 2010'


"Thank you I enjoyed it"

C. Pearson
Introduction to Mountain Biking Course
July 2010'


"Brill! It was great! I loved the course that we did"

J. Pearson
Introduction to Mountain Biking Course
July 2010'

 

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