Autumn 2015 I was contacted by Sue Chance at Compton Hospice. She wanted me to plan and organise a sportive fundraiser for the charity. This was after riders from nearby Wombourne Fish Face Cycles had been impressed with the Tour sportive.
This led to a massive "Round the Wrekin" sportive with great support from cycling legend Hugh Porter.
Hugh, of course, is a 4 time World Pursuit Champion and for many years the voice of cycling commentary on the BBC. He fundraises for Compton Hospice.
I planned the route - taking Wolverhampton cyclists out to Shropshire and up the Burway. The 100 mile route was super-tough and super-spectacular - over the Long Mynd and then up and down Stiperstones to show participants a truly remote and high part of the West Midlands. Even the 100km option still have some difficult hills and both routes went up and over the Wrekin climb.
One unique aspect of the sportive is that it crosses the River Severn twice and that was quite tricky - the bridges tended to be bottle necks heavy with cars.
On the day we had 600 riders. The organisation was complex to say the least...
#itsallabouttheroute