College Road challenge

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  • Stevo_666
    Stevo_666 Posts: 61,287
    cjcp wrote:
    First time up. Aborted the trip to Dulwich yesterday and went tonight instead. Ace decision in this weather...

    Anyhoo, eventually came across the toll gate. Is this gate usually up? I did it from a standing start from the bike lane after a Cherokee Jeep stopped to put his £1 in.

    I then got held by said Jeep because he slowed down for each of the humps! A JEEP!!! OVER BUMPS!! A JEEP!! FFS. Fairly sure I covered most of the expletives I know.

    The first kick came as a bit of a surprise, the second even more so. Cue more expletives.

    Sub-3 mins do-able, I think.

    Good little challenge this, chaps. :) Might be back for more once a month - nice way to measure progress.
    If you did a standing start and got held up by a Jeep (when going up hill :lol: ) then you could be a contenderfor the top spot. We might have to ban these SW London imposters!

    BTW the gate is usually down.
    "I spent most of my money on birds, booze and fast cars: the rest of it I just squandered." [George Best]
  • cjcp
    cjcp Posts: 13,345
    Canny Jock wrote:
    3.10 from a standing start, delayed by a car in crap weather? Not bad...

    Where's your time, sir? :)

    Oddly, the weather didn't feel a hindrance. There didn't seem to be a headwind, fortunately.

    Royally screwed up the second kick to the finish, though. Should have got out of the saddle, but decided to grind away.

    @Stevo - no chance of top spot; Mr Hammond is waaaaay quicker than me. As for the SW lot, no-one tell JG about this thread, right?

    Was thinking actually of an equivalent SC Climb in SWL. Richmond Hill, King's Road, Nightingale Lane and Star & Garter Hill are the obvious ones, I suppose. They're all shorter than College Road, though.
    FCN 2-4.

    "What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
    "It stays down, Daddy."
    "Exactly."
  • Canny Jock
    Canny Jock Posts: 1,051
    Haven't got round to it yet, maybe this weekend. If I get anywhere near 3.10 I'll be a happy bunny.
  • Stevo_666
    Stevo_666 Posts: 61,287
    cjcp wrote:
    Royally screwed up the second kick to the finish, though. Should have got out of the saddle, but decided to grind away.
    I was going to ask about that. I only got out of the saddle for the last steep bit up to the roundabout. Anyone else tried standing up on the lower slopes and found it worked?
    cjcp wrote:
    @Stevo - no chance of top spot; Mr Hammond is waaaaay quicker than me. As for the SW lot, no-one tell JG about this thread, right?
    You've blown it now....
    "I spent most of my money on birds, booze and fast cars: the rest of it I just squandered." [George Best]
  • cjcp
    cjcp Posts: 13,345
    Stevo 666 wrote:
    cjcp wrote:
    Royally screwed up the second kick to the finish, though. Should have got out of the saddle, but decided to grind away.
    I was going to ask about that. I only got out of the saddle for the last steep bit up to the roundabout. Anyone else tried standing up on the lower slopes and found it worked?

    Prefer in the saddle generally, more so when I've got a backpack - the legs start to suffer quicker with the extra weight.
    FCN 2-4.

    "What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
    "It stays down, Daddy."
    "Exactly."
  • Bassjunkieuk
    Bassjunkieuk Posts: 4,232
    cjcp wrote:
    Was thinking actually of an equivalent SC Climb in SWL. Richmond Hill, King's Road, Nightingale Lane and Star & Garter Hill are the obvious ones, I suppose. They're all shorter than College Road, though.

    Sounds like a good idea, although as you say they are shorter then College Road which will make the challenge different. CR is quite "fun" with its changing gradients and little kicks meaning you really have to be careful with the effort :-)

    Great time btw, I was expecting something good from you :-D
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  • bigmat
    bigmat Posts: 5,134
    Out of the saddle definitely quicker, especially for the two kicks at the top. When I get some form back (probably be in the spring now) aim will be to stay out of the saddle pretty much the whole way (save for the almost flat bits) but that is a long way off now. 4:07 last night - I need a holiday!

    @ CJ, I saw someone in Kingston Wheelers shorts pass me down Denmark Hill around 7.30 last night - have you grown a beard?!
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/41991871@N ... otostream/
  • cjcp
    cjcp Posts: 13,345
    MatHammond wrote:
    will be to stay out of the saddle pretty much the whole way

    :o I can confidently say my legs would have given way if I'd tried that.
    @ CJ, I saw someone in Kingston Wheelers shorts pass me down Denmark Hill around 7.30 last night - have you grown a beard?!
    [/quote]

    Yep - see the SCR thread. :) If hairy legs are good for the wind tunnel numbers, surely a beard is too, right?
    FCN 2-4.

    "What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
    "It stays down, Daddy."
    "Exactly."
  • rjsterry
    rjsterry Posts: 29,475
    Bassjunkieuk wrote:
    cjcp wrote:
    Was thinking actually of an equivalent SC Climb in SWL. Richmond Hill, King's Road, Nightingale Lane and Star & Garter Hill are the obvious ones, I suppose. They're all shorter than College Road, though.

    Sounds like a good idea, although as you say they are shorter then College Road which will make the challenge different. CR is quite "fun" with its changing gradients and little kicks meaning you really have to be careful with the effort :-)

    Great time btw, I was expecting something good from you :-D

    Wimbledon Hill is quite fun for a short sharp burst, but could do with being longer. Copse Hill in West Wimbledon is a bit longer, but for some decent length, you need to head further South and East. The climb from Carshalton up to Woodmansterne (B278) is a reasonable one, but suffers from a double mini-ROB so best for an early morning. Nearby are the two climbs up to Smitham Downs from Coulsdon (A237 & B2030), but it's all a bit far out to include in an evening commute.
    1985 Mercian King of Mercia - work in progress (Hah! Who am I kidding?)
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    Part of the anti-growth coalition
  • Canny Jock
    Canny Jock Posts: 1,051
    I'm going to make you all do Shooters Hill one day - I'll report back once I've done College Hill but I reckon it's worse...
  • deptfordmarmoset
    deptfordmarmoset Posts: 3,118
    Canny Jock wrote:
    I'm going to make you all do Shooters Hill one day - I'll report back once I've done College Hill but I reckon it's worse...

    It's definitely worse, partly because you can see the whole hill looming up ahead of you whereas the College Road sort of comes in short stretches and you don't get a full view so it seems less daunting.

    The problem about Shooters Hill is it's a bit out of the way. There's a lovely fast descent on the Bexley side though - a long, straight run-off before you have to stop for lights.
    Looking for a cycling buddy?
  • cuthbertrogergaylord
    cuthbertrogergaylord Posts: 58
    The last time I did hill reps on college road I destroyed the toll barrier with my head on the way down. I'm too embarrassed to go back there now.
  • cjcp
    cjcp Posts: 13,345
    Highgate Hill wouldn't be very pleasant. Problem is that I think there are lights or junctions half way up (been a while since I was up there).
    FCN 2-4.

    "What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
    "It stays down, Daddy."
    "Exactly."
  • Stevo_666
    Stevo_666 Posts: 61,287
    cuthbertrogergaylord wrote:
    The last time I did hill reps on college road I destroyed the toll barrier with my head on the way down. I'm too embarrassed to go back there now.
    Bet that hurt :D

    Actually that's an idea for one competition I might stand a chance at - how quick you can get down College Road :idea:
    "I spent most of my money on birds, booze and fast cars: the rest of it I just squandered." [George Best]
  • benborp
    benborp Posts: 100
    Name Time Month Bike
    MatHammond 0:02:54 Sep Winter roadie, with bag
    benborp 0:02:57 Sep Fixed 48x16, with bag
    Bassjunkieuk 0:03:05 Sep SCR 3.0, with bag
    Fujimackers 0:03:07 September SS 48x16
    CJCP 0:03:10 September Commuter roadie with bag
    Ketsbaia 0:03:15 Sep Peugeot Team Festina replica with bag
    lms 0:03:16 Sep
    Wulfhound 0:03:18 Sep
    HamishD 0:03:23 Sep S1 with bag 39x23
    maddernj 0:03:31 Sep
    Harveytile 0:03:48 September Pearson Hanzo 48x17 (fixed)
    Stevo 666 0.03:45 Sep Boardman Hybrid
    maddernj 0:03:49 September


    Put my first timed try in. I've had a couple of goes since but each 13hr shift seems to add as many seconds. Fresh legs should show an improvement.
  • foresthill
    foresthill Posts: 77
    thanks john from the jolly woodman for the challenge...


    propping up the list with a 4.10.

    sept 30th 8.30pm

    Single speed Surly steamroller, bag and lunchtime pie on board.

    Will have a salad and try again

    https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key ... g74B#gid=0
  • MattK81
    MattK81 Posts: 7
    Hey guys, forum newbie here- interesting to read about this challenge evolving... I've only commuted a few times so far (Beckenham to Holborn), but I do 'enjoy' the ride up College Hill to the the top of Fountain Drive. Or rather- getting to the top and then bombing it down the other side...! I've not timed myself and I'm doubtful I'll get anywhere near 3 mins for a while, but I plan to give it a crack soon. I like this route due to the lack of traffic- much more pleasant ride.

    Speaking of which- don't know what route others take but heading into town I'll go up Sunray Avenue then down Denmark Hill, before turning left onto Camberwell New Road. That junction tends to be a bit of a mess (especially during tube strikes, gawd)- can anyone recommend a simple way of bypassing that junction, cutting the corner as it were?

    Also- out of interest, what sort of time in the evenings are people passing the toll booth? I see a few keen riders (as opposed to people on BSOs etc), and chatted to a guy in a RoadCyclingUK top a while ago, just wondering if we're all doing it at about the same time in the evening? I'd come through approx. 6.20 I think, not too sure come to think of it!
  • Bassjunkieuk
    Bassjunkieuk Posts: 4,232
    MattK81 wrote:
    Hey guys, forum newbie here- interesting to read about this challenge evolving... I've only commuted a few times so far (Beckenham to Holborn), but I do 'enjoy' the ride up College Hill to the the top of Fountain Drive. Or rather- getting to the top and then bombing it down the other side...! I've not timed myself and I'm doubtful I'll get anywhere near 3 mins for a while, but I plan to give it a crack soon. I like this route due to the lack of traffic- much more pleasant ride.

    Speaking of which- don't know what route others take but heading into town I'll go up Sunray Avenue then down Denmark Hill, before turning left onto Camberwell New Road. That junction tends to be a bit of a mess (especially during tube strikes, gawd)- can anyone recommend a simple way of bypassing that junction, cutting the corner as it were?

    Also- out of interest, what sort of time in the evenings are people passing the toll booth? I see a few keen riders (as opposed to people on BSOs etc), and chatted to a guy in a RoadCyclingUK top a while ago, just wondering if we're all doing it at about the same time in the evening? I'd come through approx. 6.20 I think, not too sure come to think of it!

    Welcome Matt! You time there is dangerously close to when I *could* be coming through. I'm normally home around 18:30ish when heading home that way so 5-10minutes to get along CP Parade, Church Street then blast down Grange Road sounds about right!

    I'm the one racing up, should be easy to spot, look for the (reflective) skull hanging off the backpack :-D Heading back that way this evening, will try and remember to do a actual time check as I pass the toll booth.
    Who's the daddy?
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  • wulfhound
    wulfhound Posts: 95
    Hi Matt,

    My preferred route is following London Cycle Network route 23 - coming in to town you take a right in the middle of Dulwich Village at the first lights after the roundabout (Carlton Avenue, I think), follow the road round to the left then take the shared use cycle/foot path up Green Dale to the top of Champion Hill. Bear right at the top, straight across the lights at the junction with Dog Kennel Hill, then down Camberwell Grove (another fun hill to race up on the return leg). From there you can follow the marked route along the back roads towards Elephant & Castle then over Southwark bridge.

    I tend to pass the toll booth quite late, close to 8 (work flexi hours, so like to avoid the school run - Dulwich is mums-in-SUV's hell on the way in) tho I'll probably be leaving earlier the next few weeks while getting home in the light is feasible.

    Cheers,
    WH.
  • ketsbaia
    ketsbaia Posts: 1,718
    cjcp wrote:
    Highgate Hill wouldn't be very pleasant. Problem is that I think there are lights or junctions half way up (been a while since I was up there).

    I'll tell you tomorrow. I'm heading that way after collecting a parcel in Kentish Town, so I thought I'd include a quick dig up there before heading home.
    One more gear

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  • pianoleo
    pianoleo Posts: 135
    And I'm another newbie. Must admit to a *little* lurking over the past few weeks, and seeing this thread I just couldn't resist.

    The top of Fountain Drive is less than 30 seconds freewheel from my front door, so I know that road (and obviously College Road) far too well. I have the joy of working in lots of different places, so if I'm coming from, say, Greenwich, I have Westwood Hill to contend with, which I *really* don't like.

    I'm not going to be posting a speed any time soon, but if you see a studenty type on a mud green b'twin hybrid (don't ask!) it's likely to be me.

    Talking of College Road, does anyone have any tips for triggering the traffic lights at the bottom end? I've been known to RLJ at 2am waiting to cross Dulwich Common, just because I can't get the red light to change.
  • ketsbaia
    ketsbaia Posts: 1,718
    Bah, useless UPS staff meant I ran out of time to do the Highgate Hill challenge.

    Back on the College Road route tomorrow, though.
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  • Bassjunkieuk
    Bassjunkieuk Posts: 4,232
    Checked the time yesterday, was there around 18:10, then promptly got rather annoyingly owned by someone on a blue Be-One SS. I lead most of the way but he pulled round me just before the turn-off for College Road (having been on my wheel the rest of the climb) then drew out a 10 yard lead. Once we got to the end of that little diversion he turned RIGHT to head back down the hill briefly before turning left with another rider. In the meantime I just about dragged myself to the top and have never been so happy to see a red light :oops:
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  • ketsbaia
    ketsbaia Posts: 1,718
    First time after a heinous bout of illness. Still carrying a cough. Much heavier, bulkier bag with more heavy stuff in it. Tricky headwind. Waterlogged shoes from this morning.

    Just about beat the four minute barrier. Woeful performance. :cry:

    E2a: If you're the driver of the dark blue Merc who beeped me because I wasn't in the cycle path, I do hope you heard me telling you to eff off, as I'm sure most of the neighbourhood did.
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  • cjcp
    cjcp Posts: 13,345
    ketsbaia wrote:
    I do hope you heard me telling you to eff off, as I'm sure most of the neighbourhood did.

    :mrgreen:
    FCN 2-4.

    "What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
    "It stays down, Daddy."
    "Exactly."
  • wulfhound
    wulfhound Posts: 95
    Didn't get to time it last night, six bikes heading away from South Circ lights so I didn't want to stop and muck about with my phone (hopefully some kind relative will buy me a bike computer for xmas...). Scalped the lot and three more before the top :lol: admittedly I was on the Scott tho ;)
  • ketsbaia
    ketsbaia Posts: 1,718
    I'll be there again this evening but I'm not expecting much. Still carrying the illness.
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  • cjcp
    cjcp Posts: 13,345
    ketsbaia wrote:
    Still carrying the illness.

    92_mr_t_snickers.jpg

    :twisted: :P
    FCN 2-4.

    "What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
    "It stays down, Daddy."
    "Exactly."
  • jonginge
    jonginge Posts: 5,945
    You aint getting me on no bike, fool!


    mwah-ha-ha-ha. I've noticed this thread now...
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  • Bassjunkieuk
    Bassjunkieuk Posts: 4,232
    JonGinge wrote:
    You aint getting me on no bike, fool!


    mwah-ha-ha-ha. I've noticed this thread now...

    3927802ecealong.jpg.jpg
    Who's the daddy?
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