Wotton & Whitedown

mcvw

Hi,

I did my first attempt on Whitedown earlier today (via Westcott & Wotton) - and boy is Whitedown a tough nut to crack (especially after going up Wotton first)!

I don't think I did too bad, and I actually went past two other riders - although in fairness, they'd gotten off and were walking up - but it highlights that I need to do more hill work.

Other than getting out there again next week, what other prep/training should I be looking at (I was in my lowest gear and pretty sure it was only sheer determination that got me up and over)!

Cheers,


Mike

imposter2.0

If you're asking how you get better on hills(?) - the answer is usually get fitter and/or lighter and improve your sustainable power. Many threads on this topic, so worth doing a search...

ugo.santalucia

I never found Whitedown particularly hard... it's not long and it's not exceedingly steep... I think it gets to 18% for a very brief section... it's actually worse downhill as the bend is very sharp and at the steepest point... a bit of damp dirt and you can easily overcook it

mcvw

@imposter: The diet's already working (small hiccup over Xmas), so I'll investigate the sustainable power aspect.

@ugo.santalica: Not particularly hard! I bow to your prowess

wavefront

ugo.santalucia wrote:

I never found Whitedown particularly hard... it's not long and it's not exceedingly steep... I think it gets to 18% for a very brief section... it's actually worse downhill as the bend is very sharp and at the steepest point... a bit of damp dirt and you can easily overcook it

I also find it a nice climb when it's quiet, but it can be slippery on both the up and down. Definitely steep enough in parts to have your back wheel slipping when heading upwards.

Imposter is right, but I'd also ensure you learn to pace yourself. When I first started riding, hills in particular, I'd blast up the first bit then run out of steam. As this climb is only 6-8 mins long, take it easy on the shallower sections, reserving your power for where you need it. Control your breathing and take it steadily, even if it is just over walking pace. Now you know the climb you'll be able to pace yourself better - same with most hills.

t4tomo

You just need more hill practise, then you'll find it as easy as Ugo does! I did it once , 4th of 5 climbs on a 75 miler, Leith hill which was number 3 which was harder I recall, and box hill which was no 5 was definitely much easier.

mcvw

@wavefront: You're dead right on the pacing/approach aspect. I did exactly what you described and blasted the early section. Next time I'll be more tortoise-like than hare-like

@t4tomo: I've ridden Leith a few times, and the first time I found it tough - though from memory not as tough as whitedown. I also did Coomb (sp?) earlier in the week and that was super slippy going up, and I found the steep part pretty short compared to whitedown. I try to do box weekly, and today after wotton and whitedown I did my fastest time up it, so the practice is paying off

ugo.santalucia

The thing is none of the hills in the south east is particularly hard. Given the right gears, they are all very passable and you can rack up 7-8 of them in a ride.
Head north and things get a bit more complicated... 4 major climbs in Wales or Cumbria and it's a damn hard day on the bike...
or west... Exmoor... oh my lord... :shock: