Shropshire Hills Loops

[Scattamah]

Putting this out there for folks that might be interested. As per usual, west of the A49 (~2800m climbing) on the Saturday and east of the A49 (~700m climbing) on the Sunday for those that can be arsed after the Saturday run. In years gone by, the bailout option has been used which cuts 1000m of climbing off.

Proposing a start on the 21st July...but this could easily be moved to the weekend after or some time in August.

Greetz

S.

[Mike]

sorry pal would love to join ya but working weekends now for awhile and those im not ive rides booked in.

[benp1]

What sort of start and finish time for this were you thinking Scott?

[Scattamah]

@Mike - no worries fella. Sing out if you get an evening going and I'll get my skates on and drop over your way. That pub you keep mentioning sounds good.
@Ben - can start whenever, but it's sensible to get going by 10am to get the first loop in.

Greetz

S.

[middleagedmadness]

Not free till August mate or I'd join you

[benp1]

Very keen but need to confirm for sure, currently negotiating a pass. That sort of start time would be fine, I'd drive up early sat morning

[Scattamah]

No worries Stu. Let me know if you're up for that bivvy at White Ladies. :)

Ben...you can crash here the night before if that makes it easier.

Greetz

S.

[middleagedmadness]

I'll think about that one mate too many stories ,and the hangman's tree still there makes for a uncomfortable nights kip , just getting to work on your pedal , as long as no drivers come in with any defects should have it done tonight if not tomorrow mate

[Scattamah]

No hurry Stu. But that reminds me to pick up a fresh rebuild kit today, so thanks for the poke.

Greetz

S.

[benp1]

Thanks for the offer Scott, appreciated

Should be ok to head up first thing from here, roads should be quiet at that time

Chance of me coming up is looking good at the moment

[Scattamah]

No worries Ben. First rain in a while here this morning, so the trails should be back to their normal moist state. Might have to pull the Nanos if it goes back to normal for something with bite.

Greetz

S.

[benp1]

No worries Ben. First rain in a while here this morning, so the trails should be back to their normal moist state. Might have to pull the Nanos if it goes back to normal for something with bite.

Greetz

S.

Well that's a shame, it's been good down here for ages. Are you going rigid or front suss? Have the rigid fork on my bike at the mo but could switch it over easily enough.

[Scattamah]

Rigid. We'll not be banging down Motts.

Greetz

S.

[benp1]

Rigid. We'll not be banging down Motts.

Greetz

S.

Cool, so no shredding, gnarr, roosting, rad and all the other stuff I can't do. I'll leave the bike as it is!

[paramart]

scott where/what time are you meeting, I,m going to set off from here fri dinner time and head for church stretton for tea, then bivvy somewhere and meet you sat if it's ok

[Scattamah]

Sure thing Mart. I was thinking 9am at Mr Bun. Can get a cuppa and a nibble there. Stock up with some bits at the Co-op or Spar before the off.

Anyone who is interested in this ride, please PM me your email address so I can get the GPX files out to you.

Greetz

S.

[benp1]

I'm in for this ride. Will aim for 9am but may be a touch late as it's 3.5 hours from home

I'll drop you a PM with contact details, but a few quick questions

- Is there anywhere safe to leave the car for a couple of days?
- Are we planning to grab any meals from an eatery or sort our own food out? No drama either way, just need to know what to pack
- What is the situation like with streams etc for filling bottles en route?
- Do you know what the midge situation is like?

[Scattamah]

You should be fine on most quiet side streets in CS. At the top of the main street before the Burway starts to veer right, there's a little strip of grass with a cut through behind it. I've seen Boners park there, but be early for it.

Plenty of places to grab meals (Ragleth, Bridges, the pub at Picklescott that I don't remember the name of, Jemimas for brekky). But sensible to carry backup snacks.

You won't be far between pubs. The longest section is probably the Stiperstones/Eastridge/Port Way part, but you could top up water at the pub in Picklescott if you're bone dry.

Midge is usually minimal. But anything can happen.

Greetz

S.

[benp1]

Excellent, thanks Scott. I'll bring snacks but not meals then, and I'll bring 2 bottles rather than 1

PM inbound

[benp1]

Scott, if possible please can you ping me the GPX? Interested in seeing the route, I PMd you my email addy. No drama if you can’t though, i’ll be there anyhow

[Scattamah]

Yup...they're just about to go out to all concerned.

Greetz

S.

[benp1]

Got them, thanks Scott. Looks like fun. See you tomorrow morning!

[Scattamah]

Raining here just now...expect some moist trails and bring a jacket. Orpa might be slushy as per normal...was hoping this section would be dry. Ah well.

Greetz

S.

[Mounty]

Being a Shropshire lad, any chance I could take a look at your route and get a .copy of the gpx file?

[Bearlegged]

I'd be interested too, I've got family in that neck of the woods.