The Stinger route can be described as a route of 3 sections, with the overall theme based on the Belgium classic of The Ronde van Vlaanderen, basically a clockwise loop of Worcestershire and parts of Herefordshire and Shropshire with a final section of short steep climbs which mirror the Flemish race route.

Section 1

Up to the first refreshment at 50km is pretty flat and picturesque through a mixture of lanes and B-roads. Nothing technical, no climbs of note after the drag out of Stourport over Hartlebury Common until the short hill up to the first feed station at Holt Heath from the river Severn, which is just enough to get the less fit out of breath! En route the course describes a clockwise arc through the heart of Worcestershire as it circumnavigates Droitwich Spa, passing the hamlets of Elmbridge, Himbleton, Crowle, Tibberton, Oddingley, and Ladywood; wonderful cycling country which allows riders to chat together and harbour their energy for the rigours to come in the latter stages.

Section 2

The route begins to get "interesting". The full Stinger heads south, still on flat roads until riders will get a nasty shock at 68km when they hit the foot of Ankerdine Hill. A famous climb known locally as the 'Wall of Worcestershire', it features in a number of races and has twice seen the Tour of Britain ascend it. At 17% average its steep and 1 km long. The Tour of Britain riders ascended it in around 3 minutes, local racers usually climb it in nearer 4 mins, how long will you take?, anything under 5 mins is good.
Riders are rewarded with a terrific view eastwards from the top followed by a fast descent to Martley village but the roads get harder from now on, following the Teme Valley, and past the Shelsleys they're pretty heavy going as you make your way towards Tenbury Wells. Winding through some beautiful North Worcestershire countryside, if you get chance, take in the scenery, its great. Just after Tenbury Riders begin climbing Clee Hill with the 2nd feed station half way up at Nash village hall, and its advised you take on a boat load of food here as it gets tough from now on. After the highest point at 379m there's a long descent off Clee Hill, turning into the lanes at Doddington and over cattle grids across Catherton Common, and on downwards to Oreton. A short steep drop follows and it's then east towards Wyre Forest itself. A further descent after Meaton on a narrow lane goes through the woods to Furnace Mill, then up a 10% drag to Far Forest. Across the main road and down again to start the notorious 'Stinger Section'.
Meanwhile those on the mini Stinger ride continue west after the first feed towards the low hills which culminate at Abberley with riders climbing up from Gt Witley then turning north towards Clows Top, their high point at 231m. Within a few km they take the last steep drop down to rejoin the full Stinger riders at the start of the Stinger section, as follows.

Section 3

The sign depicting the start of the Stinger Section is where the real work begins. Riders' technical skills will be called upon too. The Stinger section is quite brutal given how far it is into the ride, but remember this is just as it is in the Tour of Flanders. There are 11 numbered climbs in descending order, the first is Beach Hay at 20% comes with 40km still to cover, then 6 more in only 10km before the last feed station at Heightington. The bit between Rock village along The Greenway needs care due to the poor road surface and sharp descents. After Heightinton the remaining 4 climbs include the dreadful Winniats, 25% at Abberley, and the dark and slippery Noahs Ark, also 25%, which is followed by a very steep and dangerous twisting descent to Liveridge ford before the final climb of Horsehill, 17% with the end of the Stinger section leaving just 9km back to the HQ. The final part drops down to follow the Severn valley southward and then it's straight through Stourport town and the finish.

Below is a selection photos of some of the Stinger climbs.

Beach Hay @ 20%	It carries on round the corner!	The Big Dipper @ Buckridge
Deceptively Steep (Pound Bank)	It won't be Bliss when you get here	17% upto Rock
Some rough stuff on The Greenway	Up again (The Greenway)	Noahs Ark @ 25%
Down Liveridge is a real test of nerve	Then 17% straight up