Motion in Mercia - hill recon no.1

In preparation for this Sunday's Motion in Mercia sportive I've been out yesterday to recon the 2 steep hills that are towards the end of the long course.

Here's the first one - Gleedon Hill - and tomorrow I'll post about the 2nd challenge: the climb out of the Ironbridge Gorge. 

Gleedon Hill comes after Cressage, and at 65miles on the long course - 15%.  There is a bit of climbing before this hill (which you might mistake for it) and then a couple of km of flat before you get to it. 

The proper hill starts at the 15% sign (left) and snakes up towards the farmhouse in the far distance.

Past the gradient sign and the cottage on the left the road is already 8% and gets to 10 by the first corner, then continues 10% for the next short straight.

 

 

 

 

Round the next corner it goes up to 15% and keeps that gradient to the farmhouse on the left - probably just 100m or so.  By the farm things seem to relax quickly and the rest is pretty easy.

 

 

Notes - road in good condition, just one rough bit after the farm.  As of Wed 3rd April still plenty of snow around in these Shropshire hills.  No snow on the road.

 

All photos and gradient notes taken whilst actually climbing the hill.

 

 

Overall - Gleedon Hill should present a brief challenge towards the end of the Motion in Mercia - its followed by a lengthy descent down to Buildwas with spectacular views towards the Wrekin. 

 

Remember to save a bit for the next climb at 75 miles - more details tomorrow...

Cressage to top of Gleedon Hill - courtesy of  BikerouteToaster - the "proper"
climb is 5km after Cressage