CANNOCK CHASE GRAVEL X-2ND APRIL, 2022

RIDE OVERVIEW

The beautiful Cannock Chase is the backdrop for this glorious 80km gravel sportive. Taking in a mix of smooth gravel trails through the forest and quiet backroads, this early season ride is suitable for riders of all abilities and is a perfect way to kick off the season and discover the glorious Staffordshire countryside.

DISTANCE: 80KM | ELEVATION: 1,000M

RIDE DIFFICULTY 2.5/5

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY 1/5

PERCENTAGE OF ROUTE OFF ROAD 60%

Terrain & Bike Choice: A quick 80km loop on a mix of smooth gravel tracks through the forest and quiet backroads. The off road sections hold up well to rain so in most conditions, fast rolling tyres on a gravel bike with 40mm tyres will be ideal for the ride. A mountain bike will be fine but slower on the tarmac sections. As on all our rides, we will send advice on preparing for the ride after our final recons.

RIDE HIGHLIGHTS

 – Forest sections through Cannock Chase

 – Fast off road sections on the Stafford to Newport Greenway

 – Perfect early season ride on quick 80km loop

 – Social drink at the finish village

THE ROUTE

Cannock Chase: 80km, 1,000m

The route starts in the heart of Cannock Chase for an action packed first 25km on the gravel. Riding through the woods, the trails are quick and smooth on rolling terrain including a couple of punchy climbs.

Out of the woods we head north to historic Stafford and ride around the outskirts of town before hitting the old railway line that now makes up the Stafford to Newport Greenway. The final 25km is quick before a final off road climb as we come back into Cannock Chase for a well earned beer & some food.

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: 2.5/5

FAQS

WHAT TYPE OF BIKE SHOULD I RIDE?

A mostly off road route on fast and flat forest tracks, this event is ideal for gravel bikes with 40mm all round tyres. A mountain bike will be fine but slower, road bikes are not suitable.

HOW DO I FIND OUT MY START TIME?

We will send you an email after you have booked to choose your start time between 8am and 10am, if you are riding with a friend you can choose to start with them.

WHERE IS THE START / FINISH?

The ride starts and finishes in the middle of Cannock Chase. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE A MECHANICAL / ACCIDENT?

We have first aiders & mechanics at all the feed stops and ride captains along the route to support.

WHAT SHALL I PACK WITH ME FOR THE RIDE?

You need to have a water bottle, basic kit to repair punctures, inner tubes & riding with a helmet is compulsory. Our feed stops have water, coke, cake, fruit & the best tasting sports nutrition bars & nut butters from Outdoor Provisions.

WHEN WILL I GET MY GPX FILE

Our local team do a final recon ride 1 week before the event and can make final tweeks then based on route conditions. We will then send out the route GPX within one week of the ride.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

ROUTE GPX

GPX sent to you a week before the ride with a full route description & packing list.

FEED STOPS

We have feed stops approx every 30kms with fruit, cakes, coke, water, hydration tabs & tasty ride nutrition from the experts at Outdoor Provisions.

FULLY MARKED ROUTE & TIMING CHIPS

Focus just the stunning views & thrilling ride. The route is marked out all the way & you can check your time for the route at the end.

RACE VILLAGE AT THE FINISH

After an epic ride, grab a pint, coffee or cake at the end. Free parking for the day, toilets & bike wash also included in your entry.

BIKE RENTAL & MECHANICS AVAILABLE

New to gravel riding? Hire a Pearson Off Grid gravel bike for the day. We also have mechanics on site to support with any issues before & during the ride.