Hill Climbs

Couple of road climbs that haven't been mentioned so far:
Row Dow: https://www.strava.com/segments/19432926?hl=en-GB
Magpie Bottom: https://www.strava.com/segments/2500956?hl=en-GB
Fackenden Lane: https://www.strava.com/segments/646939?hl=en-GB
Vigo Hill: https://www.strava.com/segments/658753
Birling Hill: https://www.strava.com/segments/1068454

Tbh if you're serious about trying to improve your climbing I'd suggest trying to build your fitness through multiple reps of the same climb (most time efficient session vs travelling between climbs), and working on your technique when climbing the steepest stuff

Whiteleaf is lovely! Not far from where I grew up. My everesting all those years back was on Kop Hill Road, which is the steeper, less traffic way up that same hill.

I am pretty sure that I never did that service road while I was in London. For the steepest in London close to you I'd recommend Canonbury. I used to do a good little hills loop round Forest Hill that I could dig out for you if you'd like. Otherwise there's some fun stuff around swains lane. Again I could dig out a good loop if you'd like.

Steep but close to London you're looking at White Lane IMO. Hogtrough, Brasted and Sundridge hills are all okay, but as I recall not getting up to the 20%ish that you'll be wanting. Further afield slightly you've got York's Hill and maybe Cotman's Ash Road.

Most hills my advice is not to gear down, but stuff like Hardknott is the exception. It's both incredibly steep and incredibly long, so you really should consider gearing down. I think 34/32 as your lowest gives you a great chance of a performance you're proud of.

Also shout out to Hilltop Lane between Warwick Wold and Chaldon. I always willingly forget about that one. Horrible final corner.

So this is in the offing; taking in 7 of the climbs in one go in the Southwest.
Any route advice welcome as don’t know the area.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42960880

Went up the climb out of Downe for the first time in ages today. Only about 200m long but if it’s just technique you’re after it’s proper Hardknott steep.

Route above looks rad. There’s a HC up a private road around there that I’d love to have a crack at.

https://strava.app.link/Gn1TgthxXzb

Going down that road, is a toll but saves a few Km and looks lovely. Not sure I’ll fancy turning around mind.

Some cracking views on that route. Is Countisbury Hill not in the 100?

Dunno do you have a link?

https://veloviewer.com/segments/659038

One other guy was on a fixed when I rode up Draycott on a Sunday morning to Priddy village hall.

A truly hilarious climb. That hairpin and bit after are orrible.

Went out this morning to target York’s Hill, managed second fastest time this year overall. Pretty chuffed with that! Think that makes it my best performance on any of the 100.
Still not as quick as most of the whippets here mind.

TBF most of the top times will be racing in prime condition.

It’s was the 100 climb segment 🤫 not the HC one.
Need to get some miles in this week, as away the week after, then back for a week before the big one!

SE completed it mate.
Rode Steyning Bostal yesterday, quite enjoyed it, happy with my time given a fairly lumpy route there. I have now ticked off the 14 in the SE region and up to 16 overall :-)

It's in the second list I think. 110 https://cyclinguphill.com/100-climbs/countisbury-hill/

Looks pretty good but also that we’d have to do it as an out and back for another climb. Worth adding do you think?

You can always climb Countisbury, take the 1st lane on the right to Brendon and turn right over the medieval stone bridge to Rockford (good pub!). This will give you a bonus 25% climb out of Rockford and deliver you back to your original route. The views are magnificent.

But not on to the start of the Exmoor forest climb as far as I can see?

No, it doesn't. This is just a particularly beautiful loop which allows you to take in Countisbury without turning around and descending it (it isn't as nasty as Porlock). It would mean that you retraced a couple if miles of your original route. If you want to add Countisbury to your list, then the quicker way is up and straight back down.

Ok great thanks, I’ll put it to my ride partner.

So yesterday was equally awesome and horrific!
Porlock is very hard and a double decker bus route for added craziness!
I’d be curious to know how this holds up against other tough UK climbs for anyone who has ridden it.

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That toll road is ace! Would be a good hill climb

That's probably why it's been used as a hill climb a number of times.

Glad you 'enjoyed' Porlock, don't say you weren't warned. It doesn't get much harder anywhere in the UK. I should have told you to ride on the central line on the 2nd hairpin, but you probably worked that out! Back in the 80s I rode it on a steel road bike with 42:25, because that is all we had back then....

True and that’s some relief and I can’t even imagine 42:25.
Haha indeed, guess where I met the double decker bus!
Although relatively within the ride, I was more worried I’d not make it up Crowcome Combe!

Nasty, but easier than Porlock. Did you do Countisbury and take my little scenic diversion?