That damned hill...

Zygite · May 2007

I hate Stowting Hill (Brabourne Lane). It's a slog up the south side of the North Downs south of Canterbury which goes up for a long 20+%, then 27% with a cheeky final tweak of 25% for good measure.

I completed my first Metric 100 (125km to be exact) recently, and hit this at around 95km into the ride. I confess that it won before I got to the last 100mtrs.

My pinarello-riding buddy, who I normally beat going up hills, even on long runs (and me on my sensible Ribble with mudguards and everything), e-mailed me today to say he's now visited this hill and done it twice, just to rub it in.

There are now only two things of any importance in my life. My bike, and the ambition to beat that damned hill.

Can anybody identify with that, or am I suffering from a delusional incline-related fixation?[:(!]

Cycle killer? Qu'est ce que c'est?

longers75 · May 2007

You'll have it next time, then wee on it!

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~
 i always wanted to cycle to work - now i want to live further away

blackhands · May 2007

Exactly where is this hill?

Unknown · May 2007

i might go find that tomorrow [:)]

Mleh Mleh Mleh

Zygite · May 2007

Should you wish to add to my shame, it's the road that links Brabourne Lees to Stone Street, without passing through Stowting.

Dirty rotten gloaters....

Cycle killer? Qu'est ce que c'est?

on the road · May 2007

Don't fight the hill [:)]

Tourist Tony · May 2007

I used to live just East of Canterbury, and I know that hill.....there are a few nasties like that around there.

If I had a stalker, I would hug it and kiss it and call it George...

freddered · May 2007

There's nothing approaching 25% in that area. Only single Chevron on OS Map. Unless you are talking about an off-road route.

I would be AMAZED if you could climb 27% on a road bike like a Pinarello without serious gearing modifications.

How do you calculate that it's 27%? That would be tough to walk up.

Maybe I'm looking at the wrong hill but are we talking about going north out of Brabourne towards Stowting common? If so, that's about 10% for half a mile. That IS quite steep but 27%??????

il_principe · May 2007

I'm with Freddered on this; 27% is awfully steep. There's a hill in Sussex I climb that gains 550 or so feet in 1.5 miles, it's steep in parts but still only averages 7% (according to the gurus in Know How)

My Best Bike

Garybee · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by on the road

Don't fight the hill [:)]
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Or...fight it and win.

Hypocrisy is only a bad thing in other people.

lardarse rider · May 2007

Whenever I have been beaten by a hill, I make a deliberate decision simply to never take that route again. However, somewhere in the dark recesses of my mind a little voice keeps saying 'Go on, give it another go, You know you want to'. I can only ignore this niggling little bugger for so long and eventually go back. The demon hill is never as bad as it was that first time even if it is bloody hard.

Please be upstanding for the Mayor of Simpleton

42 · May 2007

New Hill coming out of East Harting beat me a couple of weeks ago when I was out on a club run, I had to stop twice (no pushing)This weekend past had another crack at and beat it

Zygite · May 2007

I'm adding a disclaimer here - the %'s were measured by my friend's electronic brain mounted on his bike (when he did it - twice). I took it, perhaps unwisely, on face value. I'm going to try it again at the weekend - probably in the dark so that no-one can see me if I flunk it.

It's still bloomin' steep - honest....

Cycle killer? Qu'est ce que c'est?

nun · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by jashburnham

I'm with Freddered on this; 27% is awfully steep. There's a hill in Sussex I climb that gains 550 or so feet in 1.5 miles, it's steep in parts but still only averages 7% (according to the gurus in Know How)

My Best Bike
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

When I feel masochistis I ride up a hill that's a constant 10% for half a mile, that does me in, I do it in 26x34 gear at 5mph. I'm trying to do it faster.

If you want to check out the OPs hill why not map it on www.routeslip.com as that gives elevation data

Edit I just tried looking at the area in routeslip and it looks like there's no elevation data for the UK

Fab Foodie · May 2007

Let's face it....you've obviously not got what it takes to be a cyclist...only when you've done it 3 times in a row on a 93" fixed with wool shorts, tweed jacket a 7" beard,in the dark with an acetylene lamp will you be ready to join the fold.

Either that or get some decent gearing...[:D]

The pessimists of this world are rarely disappointed....
Fab's TCR1

freddered · May 2007

I HATE being beaten by hills. I have super-low gearing on my tourer so unladen it never happens (although 1:5 is the worst around Hants).

A couple of weeks ago though, carrying full camping load, I was climbing out of Portesham in Dorset and, after grunting up a hill for ages finally got off and pushed it for the first time in decades (I had no idea when the torture was going to end).

I walked about 10 yards and there, around the bend, was the top of the hill !!!! We're talking about another minute of effort.

It's going to bug me forever that I didn't keep pedalling another few seconds.

Portesam climbs about 115metres in 1.3Km so it's about 9%, not extreme unless you're packing camping gear.

Tom Butcher · May 2007

I did the same with Winnats Pass - the top of the hill is just round a corner, if you know it's there it's so much easier.

Dave Hinde - probably the worst bike shop in the world.

nun · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by freddered

I HATE being beaten by hills. I have super-low gearing on my tourer so unladen it never happens (although 1:5 is the worst around Hants).

A couple of weeks ago though, carrying full camping load, I was climbing out of Portesham in Dorset and, after grunting up a hill for ages finally got off and pushed it for the first time in decades (I had no idea when the torture was going to end).

I walked about 10 yards and there, around the bend, was the top of the hill !!!! We're talking about another minute of effort.

It's going to bug me forever that I didn't keep pedalling another few seconds.

Portesam climbs about 115metres in 1.3Km so it's about 9%, not extreme unless you're packing camping gear.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

The thing I hate is when a hill gets the better of you and you have to rest and its hard to get the bike rolling again because of the gradient. No shame in walking for a bit though.

nun · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Zygite

I hate Stowting Hill (Brabourne Lane). It's a slog up the south side of the North Downs south of Canterbury which goes up for a long 20+%, then 27% with a cheeky final tweak of 25% for good measure.

I completed my first Metric 100 (125km to be exact) recently, and hit this at around 95km into the ride. I confess that it won before I got to the last 100mtrs.

My pinarello-riding buddy, who I normally beat going up hills, even on long runs (and me on my sensible Ribble with mudguards and everything), e-mailed me today to say he's now visited this hill and done it twice, just to rub it in.

There are now only two things of any importance in my life. My bike, and the ambition to beat that damned hill.

Can anybody identify with that, or am I suffering from a delusional incline-related fixation?[:(!]

Cycle killer? Qu'est ce que c'est?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

The hill you describe sounds vicious, what gear are you using? You might be suffering from the curse of the beginner and riding gearing more suitable to a competition cyclist.[;)]

PS you sound like a true cyclist, its the one's that find it tough but keep cycling that I admire.

PPS I just looked at the OS map of that region and there is a steep gradient as you leave Brabourne along Brabourne Lane heading towards Stone Street.It looks like you climb 65m in 500m so its about 13%, still pretty steep.[;)]

pw1brown · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">I did the same with Winnats Pass - the top of the hill is just round a corner, if you know it's there it's so much easier.

Tom Butcher
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

All big hills should have plenty of corners. It's the ones where you can see the top a mile away that I hate.

Zygite · May 2007

Re the gearing - I have a 50/34 compact on the front and ...er.... a ten speed 105 set at the back. Don't know what rings are on there. (How gauche of me, I know - but this is the 'beginners' forum after all...)I know that it's normally good enough to tweak the nose of most of the hills round here.

My favourite hill so far is Cap Blanc Nez from the South - it's near Calais (Escalles). 1.7km of climb up a series of hairpins, then a lovely 9km descent into Calais shouting 'Wheeeeeeeeeeeee...' in a French accent all the way down.

Cycle killer? Qu'est ce que c'est?

nun · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Zygite

Re the gearing - I have a 50/34 compact on the front and ...er.... a ten speed 105 set at the back. Don't know what rings are on there. (How gauche of me, I know - but this is the 'beginners' forum after all...)I know that it's normally good enough to tweak the nose of most of the hills round here.

My favourite hill so far is Cap Blanc Nez from the South - it's near Calais (Escalles). 1.7km of climb up a series of hairpins, then a lovely 9km descent into Calais shouting 'Wheeeeeeeeeeeee...' in a French accent all the way down.

Cycle killer? Qu'est ce que c'est?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

You might have a 25 or 27 on the back. As you already have a compact crank I'd just keep pegging away at that hill, you'll do it one day. You might consider a triple if you get frustrated and can deal with the jeers.

Wynne G Oldman · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Tom Butcher

I did the same with Winnats Pass - the top of the hill is just round a corner, if you know it's there it's so much easier.

Dave Hinde - probably the worst bike shop in the world.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I went up Winnat's a few weeks ago on my Dawes Super Galaxy, fully laden with camping gear. I had to stop about five times to catch my breath. I've only been riding seriously for three months. Do you know how steep it is? I had no problems getting over Snake pass, but Winnat's did for me proper!

"on your bike" Norman Tebbit.

Anonymous · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Wynne G Oldman

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Tom Butcher

I did the same with Winnats Pass - the top of the hill is just round a corner, if you know it's there it's so much easier.

Dave Hinde - probably the worst bike shop in the world.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I went up Winnat's a few weeks ago on my Dawes Super Galaxy, fully laden with camping gear. I had to stop about five times to catch my breath. I've only been riding seriously for three months. Do you know how steep it is? I had no problems getting over Snake pass, but Winnat's did for me proper!

"on your bike" Norman Tebbit.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Winnats is 1km at 16% avg.....thats really bloody steep, considering there will be constant steeper ramps of 20+%...going to do if for the 1st time on this years Polkadot Challnge...can't wait...Up here in Scotland I think we have only 1 or 2 climbs 1:5 or 1:4...I think its easy to think your local hills are steep and you give it much exaggerated gradients....it's only when you see the climbs of the Lakes/Dales/North York Moors etc that you really know what a real 25% climb looks and feels like...

The Bosscp · May 2007

can anybody point out the steep bit of winnats pass on google maps (and which is the top end)? Going to have to have a go at this bad boy soon .

The Bosscp · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Zygite

My favourite hill so far is Cap Blanc Nez from the South - it's near Calais (Escalles). 1.7km of climb up a series of hairpins, then a lovely 9km descent into Calais shouting 'Wheeeeeeeeeeeee...' in a French accent all the way down.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
REally? YOu should have had a string of ognions round your neck and been shouting 'Oignognognognognon...'

Zygite · May 2007

Went out today in the pouring rain with my Pinarello mate...and we ended up at That Damned Hill. Despite hitting it in the wrong gear initially, and then suffering from wildly slipping rear wheel, I got it together and made it to the top.

I tweak the nose of Stowting Hill. Yes, I tweak your nose you puffed up slippery incline!

Next challenge? The 100 miler!!

Cycle killer? Qu'est ce que c'est?

Fab Foodie · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Zygite

Went out today in the pouring rain with my Pinarello mate...and we ended up at That Damned Hill. Despite hitting it in the wrong gear initially, and then suffering from wildly slipping rear wheel, I got it together and made it to the top.

I tweak the nose of Stowting Hill. Yes, I tweak your nose you puffed up slippery incline!

Next challenge? The 100 miler!!

Cycle killer? Qu'est ce que c'est?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Consider yourself a proper cyclist at last[:D](well, when you've bagged the 100).
Well done, the conditions seem pretty awful everywhere today, why did you make it in Kr@p conditions when you'd failed often before?
There could be a lesson here for others.

The pessimists of this world are rarely disappointed....
Fab's TCR1

Zygite · May 2007

It was just going to be a short trip out, but despite the weather we ended up further away than we'd intended. It was then that I said 'That Damned Hill is only four miles away, and we couldn't get any wetter...'

Two thing learned today -
1. Shame is a motivator. You can't give up if you're with a buddy who, despite being friendly and supportive will harbour a warm smugness which will be visible even to high altitude aircraft passing overhead.

2. When you're standing in the clips with your rear wheel spinning on a 26% hill (checked again today), it sometimes takes a mate to say 'If you stick your arse back on the saddle your wheels won't spin..'

To live is to learn, Grasshopper...

Cycle killer? Qu'est ce que c'est?

Unknown · June 2007

can safely vouch its steep [:D]

i kinda liked it.

Mleh Mleh Mleh

Got-to-get-fit · June 2007

i used to live in the lakes and at the end of my 10 mile commute was the mother of all hills as my company was set aloft the kind of ascent that would make Chris Bonnington wince. It was 1 solid mile at an incline that felt like about 45% and to cap it all it had a hidden double summit so just when you thought you had it licked, it spat in your face and shouted c'mon is that all you've got. Then i had to do an 8hr shift of fairly physical work just to take the urine a little more.
The only lovable thing about this hill was going home downhill, it felt like going down the cresta run on my mums tea tray and the G Force was like being strapped into a SCUD missile and fired over a mountainside.

I must also confess to my most shameful moment on a bike at this point... at the bottom of this very steep hill was a bus stop and yes you guessed it .....on occassion i have availed myself of our public transport system and cycled into work from the top of the hill looking as fresh as a daisy to the awe inspired looks of my colleagues.

my evil toad army will rule the world

That damned hill...

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