Ride of the Month — July 2026

July pick: Verderers + Downhill combo

July is probably the best month of the year to be at Cannop. The canopy is full, the trails are firm, and if you get there before 9am on a weekend you’ll have the place almost to yourself before the car park fills up.

This month’s pick isn’t a single trail — it’s a combination that makes the most of dry summer conditions.

Start with the Verderers (Blue). Do it clockwise, don’t rush the climb, and save your legs for the Dragon’s Tail at the end. In July, when it’s been dry for a few days, that descent runs fast — proper fast. It’s the best version of itself in summer.

Then head straight to the Downhill tracks. Legs are warm, confidence is up, and the top section of Launchpad in dry conditions is as good as it gets at this trail centre. Do three or four runs before it gets busy. If you’re comfortable on Launchpad, try Countdown — same character, slightly more commitment on the berms.

Skip Freeminers this month — it’s perfectly rideable in July, but the rooty sections lose some of their character when it’s bone dry and dusty. Save it for September when there’s just enough moisture to give the roots some grip and the whole trail comes alive.

Best time to go: Tuesday–Thursday mornings. Quieter than weekends, café is open, and you’ll get multiple laps of the DH tracks without queuing.