Gravel, Gratitude, and a Cattle Escort: The First Ride Back
It’s been seven long weeks since that tumble, and if I’m honest, the sofa was starting to feel a bit too much like a permanent base of operations. Recovering from a rotator cuff injury is a test of patience as much as physical therapy, but this weekend, the wait finally ended. With the sun shining and the local Staffordshire trails calling, it was time to see how the shoulder would hold up.
From Towpath to Bridleways
Setting off from Rugeley, the plan was simple: enjoy the fresh air. I was joined by Ian and Richard, two of the best for a relaxed return to the trails. We started with the familiar hum of tyres on the canal towpath before branching off onto the local bridleways. As we entered one particular field, we were met by a local welcoming committee—a herd of cows that decided we were the most interesting thing they’d seen all week. They ran right up to us as we clicked through the gate and followed us closely all the way across the grass. It certainly kept the mind off the shoulder!
The Golden Rule: The Mid-Ride Refuel
After our close encounter with the herd, we made our way to the Canalside Farm Cafe near Great Haywood. There’s something about a British spring sun, a latte, and a toasted teacake that makes the struggle of getting back on the bike feel worth it. We sat outside, soaking up those clear blue skies, and just enjoyed the fact that we were outside in the sun and enjoying the ride.
Crossing the Chase
After the cafe, we headed back down the canal before climbing up onto the heart of Cannock Chase. The Chase is our crown jewel, and under a cloudless sky, it looked spectacular. The terrain was technical in places, but the joy was in the rhythm of the pedals and the stillness of the trees. By the time we rolled back into Rugeley, the shoulder was a bit sore, the bike was dusty, and the soul was well and truly recharged.
