Mow Cop is the dreaded "killer mile" challenge on the Cheshire Cat so in preparation for the Sunday event (March 24th) I've had a look:
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| You can see Mow Cop from far away - tends to get you thinking even before you've got near it |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| Once you are over the early, steep bit unfortunately you are greeted with the whole of the rest of the climb - there it is - mainly 10% but getting to 15% just before the ramp you can see at the end |
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| 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! |
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!