Hale lane (wendover to St Leonards)

garzar
garzar Posts: 11
edited August 2010 in Road beginners
It beat me Yesterday (had to walk last 20metres or so). It came at mile 32 of my first 50 and I just couldn't quite do it. I've done similiar gradients and length before so whether it was where i was in the overall ride i don't know. Anyone any experience of this particular hill or tips on how to complete such a climb, your advice welcome.

Comments

  • softlad
    softlad Posts: 3,513
    stronger legs, stronger lungs....
  • alan14
    alan14 Posts: 149
    The Hale has to be the toughest hill in the area. (Smalldean Lane near Walters Ash might be slightly steeper, but not as long IIRC). I've climbed it many times on my mountain bike (32 x 32, sometimes the granny ring), but only attempted it twice on my road bike (34 x 28 ), including the recent Horns ride.

    I would say get in your lowest gear near the bottom and sit on the saddle where you can and out of the saddle where necessary. There is an initial steep 'lip' near the bottom, followed by a slightly shallower 30 metres or so where you can 'recover', but from then on it is hard work!