CANNOCK CHASE GRAVEL X

The beautiful Cannock Chase is the backdrop for this glorious 74km & 43km gravel sportive.

Taking in a mix of gravel trails through the forest and quiet backroads, this early season ride is suitable for riders of all abilities and is a lovely route with a mix of flat, fast sections, some exciting bits and a few climbs to wake up the legs ready for the bigger rides ahead in the season

RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:

Stunning off:road forest sections through Cannock Chase.
Camping available on Friday & Saturday night under the stars in Tackeroo (limited availability, book your spot in the checkout)
Stunning off:road forest sections through Cannock Chase.

WHAT TO EXPECT
The ride starts in the middle of Cannock Chase at Tackeroo Campsite. 80% of the medium route is on gravel & 70% of the long route is off road. Other than a 20km section in the middle, there is quite a lot of climbing but it is a stunning route in one of the most picturesque spots in the Midlands.

RIDE DIFFICULTY
Neither route is overly long but both the medium & long routes involve a number of off road climbs. This ride is suitable for cyclists of all abilities.
Long Route ***
Medium Route **

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
Conditions in Cannock Chase can vary a lot based on weather. When dry, the course is fast rolling on gravel & hard packed mud. In the wet, it will be slippy in places & muddy with some deep puddles. There are some tougher sections particularly on the long route with tree roots on the tracks.
Long Route ***
Medium Route ***

TYRE & BIKE RECOMMENDATIONS
This route is designed for gravel bikes but you will be fine on a hardtail MTB. We do send out tyre recommendations closer to the time. If dry, a standard all-rounder gravel tyre (35-45mm) will be ideal. In the wet, you will want wider and knobbly tyres to get some grip in the muddy stuff.

EVENT PROGRAM
6th March: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.

8th March: 7.45am: Ride village at Tackeroo. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.

8th March: 8am to 8,45amm: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.

8th March: 6pm: Rider village closes.

8th March: 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.

ROUTE DETAILS
LONG ROUTE
The route starts with a few kms of great meandering trails in the forest before gaining momentum on some quiet back lanes on the way to the first feed stop.

After the first feed stop, the route takes more back lanes and farm tracks before climbing back into Cannock Chase.

The second feed stop provides a chance to refuel before tackling some more classic Cannock forest trails and gravel roads. Feed well as the second half of the ride has a few climbs along the way!
Percentage of Route Off Road: 70%
Distance: 74km
Elevation: 1,150m

MEDIUM ROUTE
The medium route follows the long route but chops off the final lumpy 30km. This makes the medium a great option for new gravel riders or those looking for a quick route to do in the morning. But be warned, all the climbing is at the end of the route!
Percentage of Route Off Road: 80%
Distance: 44km
Elevation: 550m

MEDIUM ROUTE
The medium route follows the long route but chops off the final lumpy 30km. This makes the medium a great option for new gravel riders or those looking for a quick route to do in the morning. But be warned, all the climbing is at the end of the route!
Percentage of Route Off Road: 80%
Distance: 44km
Elevation: 550m