Visit the three county towns of Stafford (Staffordshire), Shrewsbury (Shropshire) and Chester (Cheshire) in one journey.
Designed as an early season event. The route stays away from any high ground (max elevation about 160m) and stays mainly away from too many lanes. The route skirts the edges of all the three county towns (to stay away from traffic and pedestrianised areas). All have plenty of alternative options for eating slightly off course, they all have a bike shop and a train station with a direct line to Crewe in the event of a mechanical difficulties. If you have the time and the inclination there is loads of historical interest to see slightly off course at each town.
The event starts at 08:30 from Crewe where Steve at Mini Beans opens the hall especially for us to serve free coffee or tea before you leave.
First to Stafford passing the pretty village of Maer, where Josiah Wedgewood lived and the church that Charles Darwin got married at. In Stafford the control is the wonderful AlbertÆs CafΘ situated in the lovely Victoria Park on the outskirts of the town (look out for the outdoor aviaries near to the cafΘ). Progress is assisted by using a good section of B roads to get to Shrewsbury passing Haughmond Abbey on the way (well worth stopping for a photo, but you'll need to keep you eye over your shoulder to see it). In Shrewsbury the route stays away from the river (as there is always the risk of floods) and the one-way system (which can get busy with traffic and pedestrians) so just find somewhere near the train station. The highlight of the next section is the pretty hamlets of Bettisfield and Hamner that are passed through to get to Chester. In Chester you ride along the riverside before a service station control to fuel up for the final 40km. The final 40km are on smaller roads than used in the first 160km. The arrive is the wonderful Crewe Market Hall which has loads of vendors selling all sorts of food, there is also the option of a celebratory beer from the craft beer tap vendor.

The route can be viewed here - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49379744