Wiggle Motion in Mercia 2013

Wiggle Motion in Mercia is the big springtime midlands sportive set in the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. For the first ever Motion in Mercia sportive challenge the event filled to capacity with 800 riders and this year it looks set to break that record. We've got 2 exciting routes, slightly revised but we think significantly improved from last year. There’s 92 miles or 53 miles around South Staffordshire and Shropshire. Both routes depart from the prestigious Aldersley Leisure Village HQ and head off to the climb up to the tranquil forest of Cannock Chase. Then it's a gentle open descent and easy cruise to the feedstation via some of the quietest South Staffordshire Lanes. The 92 miles route takes riders 'all around the Wrekin' - the historic West Mercian beacon hill, then down to the Severn Valley and onto UNESCO world heritage site, Ironbridge. It was this place that got the modern industrial world in motion! Routes – Wiggle Motion in Mercia’s got two revised, exciting and challenging route options for 2013 of 92 miles and 53 miles. The routes sit within South Staffordshire and Shropshire. Both routes are not especially hilly although they climb to the forest of Cannock Chase quite early on. The 92 mile route does have a few sharp climbs but nothing you would call a mountain. 53 miles – (53 mile route) Due north out of the Aldersley Stadium and it’s not long before we’re out in the South Staffs lanes, crossing the Shropshire Canal and the Staffordshire and Shropshire Canal heading up to the dizzy heights of Cannock Chase – mainland Britain’s smallests designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Chase is noted for its herd of fallow deer and war memorials - as well as the heathland and forest of course. As you drop down of The Chase you encounter some of the quietest and flattest South Staffordshire lanes to our Feedstation, and beyond, at around 32 miles. To keep you fuelled all our feedstations are well stocked with appropriate food and drink – make sure you stock up on body-fuel! All our stations also have toilets, litter bins and mechanics. 92 miles – (92 mile route) 92 and 53 mile riders split after our 32 mile Feedstation with the longer option heading due west via ancient market town of Newport. The imposing beacon hill of The Wrekin now dominates the view over the left should for some time – do take glances to the right though over to the Shropshire Hills and further afield into Wales. Climb out of the Roden valley and descend into the valley of the great River Severn which we follow for some time – however, there’s a bit of a hilly divert after the second Feedstation up to Gleedon Hill near Much Wenlock. Back down into the valley and we find ourselves in UNESCO World Heritage sight of Ironbridge. It was here that the Industrial Age found its initial spark – the rest truly is history!