This week we take on the Alpe du Upton Warren on a bespoke route where a lot of climbing has been deliberately avoided. Due to the big efforts that will be undertaken on the Saturday preceding, quite a few of the attendees will be using this as a recovery ride. I expect some others will look with glee at the ’10’ rating and ready their singlespeeds.  Although there are ‘fewer’ climbs/bumps/hills it doesn’t mean that they aren’t there. Nothing too crazy on this ride though. A gentle roll out from the club and out via Lincomb and Ombersley and then on quiet lanes through  Fernhill Heath and Oddingley as we loop around the far side of Droitwich.

The planned stop is at the Boat Shack at Upton Warren, hopefully in lovely sunshine with a view of the lake, cake and suitable beverage with staff in attendance.

The return leg features some modest gradients as we head north through the lanes around Chaddesley and back into Kidderminster and a run in down Wilden Lane to finish.

Caveat Corner: Some climbs but short ones. Some gradients but gentle rather than severe. Some sections of main road with a couple of crossings of others, kept minimal as possible. Maybe nice weather, maybe not, bring appropriate gear to suit, plus tube and tools as you see fit. Some parts of the route may have less than perfect surfaces. This is getting to be the norm rather than the exception.

https://www.strava.com/routes/2831861205847541842