Long Route
79km | 1200m
Medium Route
53km | 800m
Ride Overview
The beautiful Cannock Chase is the backdrop for this glorious 80km & 50km 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 finish your 2023 gravel season and discover the glorious Staffordshire countryside.
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, fast sections & some short 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 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.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 50%
Distance:
79km
Elevation:
1200m
Difficulty:
3/5
Medium Route
The medium route follows the long route but chopping off the very top and bottom of the course including a pretty lumpy 20km section making this a considerably easier option than the long route.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 60%
Distance:
53km
Elevation:
800m
Difficulty:
2/5
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.