You can see Mow Cop from far away - tends to get you thinking even before you've got near it |
Here's what I would say is the real start of the climb - by this old pub - and it's pretty gentle past here and straight up but then it goes right and gets really steep |
This is looking down the really steep bit - that's early on - and just here it is a messy road - mud, gravel and mini-pot holes |
Once you are over the early, steep bit unfortunately you are greeted with the whole of the rest of the climb - there is is - mainly 10% but getting to 15% just before the ramp you can see at the end |
And here's the tough bit - right by this pub is the 25% sign. About 200m of out of saddle climbing and you have done it! |
Notes: I rode up the whole way on a non-carbon bike with compact chain set (34 teeth) and 28 cog at the back. http://www.strava.com/activities/45198989
I'd say there were 4 sections:
1) Really easy bit at the start
2) An unexpected steep bit through overhanging trees with gravel and mini-pot holes
3) A dead straight drag up the hill - 10 to 15%
4) The 25% 200m final bit
There is a bit more climbing after that but its less steep.
If you conserve your legs and lungs all the way to the pub then you stand a good chance of climbing the last bit.
Good luck everyone!