Glorious Gravel

Cannock Chase Gravel X

16th March 2024 | Rugeley

Long Route

74km | 1200m

Medium Route

43km | 600m

Ride Overview

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

Highlights

  • Stunning off:road forest sections through Cannock Chase
  • Free camping available on the Friday night at the lovely Tackeroo Campsite.
  • A nice early season mix of flat, some exciting sections & a few climbs to get you ready for bigger rides ahead in the gravel season.

Included in Entry

Fully Signed Route

Our team work tirelessly to create the best gravel routes in the UK. All courses are fully signed so you can just enjoy the ride.

Checkpoints with Proper Food

An epic ride deserves proper support. We have tea, coffee and cake at the first feed and sandwiches & crisps at the main feed. Checkpoints are approx every 30 - 35km

Accurate GPX Files

A few days before the ride, we will send GPX files for all of the route options so you can follow the course on your GPS as well as the signs.

Mechanics Available

At the rider village & at selected feed stops we have mechanics available to help with any bike issues. We also have spare inner tubes, CO2 & more .

Rider Support Vans

We are here to make sure you have a great day on the gravel. If you have any major mechanicals or need collecting, support vehicles are a phone call away.

Beer at Finish Line

You will be greeted at the finish line with a beer & food available from our food truck. Perfect to chat about your day with fellow riders.

Event Program

14th March: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.

 

16th March – 8.15am: Ride village at Tackeroo campsite opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.

 

16th March – 8.30am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.

 

16th March – 5.30pm: Rider village closes

 

16th March – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email

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: 65%

Distance:

74km

Elevation:

1200m

Difficulty:

3.5/5

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: 65%

Distance:

43km

Elevation:

600m

Difficulty:

2.5/5

Short Route

The short route follows the medium for the majority of the day but cuts off a section in the middle and near the end to make this nearly 20km shorter. With some nice variety on the off road sections & very little climbing, this is ideal for riders of all abilities.

Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%

Distance:

47km

Elevation:

350m

Difficulty:

1/5

Bike Selection & Packing List

Bike Choice: With some longer sections on back roads and most of the off road on smooth forest trails, this ride is ideal for gravel bikes. Mountain bikes will be fine but slower, road bikes are not allowed. E-bikes are allowed on all of our rides. 

 

Tyre Choice: We will send an update on conditions closer to the ride. The terrain holds up well to rain so a fast rolling or all rounder 35mm to 40mm tyre should be ideal.

 

Packing List: Bring equipment to be self sufficient on the route (inner tubes, sealant, multi-tool, pump or CO2 etc). We recommend a bell to warn walkers / runners of your presence.

 

Clothing: Likely to be fresh at this time of the year so layer up accordingly (arm & leg / knee warmers, gilet, waterproof jacket etc). Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.

FAQs

The ride starts and finishes at Tackeroo Campsite. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments. We will send the ride village address by email. 

Yes, e-bikes are allowed on all Glorious Gravel ride. These must comply with UK law.

We have first aiders & mechanics at the feed stops. There will be a phone number on the back of your ride number – call this if you need collecting.

Yes, we start between 8.30am and 9.30am and set people off in small groups so the off road sections are not too busy. Please come to the start line with anyone you want to ride with, we will give a short ride briefing and set you off.