Sludging Around Salop

The Salop Sludger - The Clue is in the name - Salop being the old name for Shropshire, and Sludger... Well if you ride bikes in the winter you know all about it's definition.

100 riders of all ages congregated outside the Six Bells pub in Bishops Castle ready for the rider briefing from Pascoe (one half of Ill Equiped).

The week before the event we were given a series of grid references so we could plan our route, in my case marking the coordinates on a map ready for the main event.

After Pascoe gave us a few navigation pointers we were off on our circa-50km adventure. One of my favourite things about the Sludger is the fact there is no set route, people head off in seperate directions with there own clear goal in mind. Dave and Pascoe have created a unique event that isn't focused on time or speed, of course you always want to make it back before you friends; for braggers rights in the pub.

The clues led us all over the county... taking in Bury Ditches and the Longmynd, riddles and clues kept us guessing for hours as we weaved our way around the hills criss crossing our fellow comrades. With just over 1150M of climbing I was very happy to see refreshements were layed on by the legend that is Dusty Handlebar, filled with enthusiasm and a dash of qwerkiness, Dusty was ready to re-hydtrate us. We arrived at his tin shack only to be told we had to make, name and drink a cocktail before moving on. It's small detais like this that lie deep in the veins of the Salop Sludger.

The return leg back to the pub was fuelled by day dreams of warm soup and a beer... but not just any beer. The Ill Equipped boys recci'd their take on the route weeks before & forraged for food along the way, this was then infused into the beer by the good people at Wildernessbrew.co.ukand from it they made a fine pale all called 'Spruce Tip'.

I don't want to tell you to much more, as this is one you need to experience for yourself.

Great poeple make great things happen. Dave, Pascoe & their families put on a selfless event each year to raise money for Midlands Air Ambulance. We salute you!

Words: Sandy Plenty
Images: Geoff Waugh