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This reckons Liege-Bastogne-Liege is the oldest.. :P
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne_to_Warrnambool_Classic -
my pics from the Catford Hill Climb last year:
http://www.londoncyclesport.com/editorialgallery/gallery.asp?uegn=48
and from the Bec, also last year:
http://www.londoncyclesport.com/editorialgallery/gallery.asp?uegn=47
The weather will be better this year though.
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winston The weather will be better this year though.
Hope so. October 2006 was a good time to be having a baby instead, although it was like my wife was doing 2min hillclimbs every 5mins for about 48hrs :O
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You going with the camera again this year, Winston?
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I was just going to post about this :) as I got this e-mail today.
The classic CATFORD C.C. HILL CLIMB on Yorks Hill nr. Sevenoaks Kent , 11am Sunday 21st October 2007
The Oldest Cycle Race in the World still existing. It was first run on the then unmade road of Westerham Hill on August 20th 1887 and won by S.F.Edge Of the Anerley B.C. (later to join the Catford), riding a newfangled chain Driven ‘safety bicycle’. The only Old Ordinary (‘Penny Farthing’/High Bicycle) to finish came fourth and was a 54” wheel machine and therefore had A 54in gear. The lowest permitted gear was 52in. (presumably to stop the new Chain driven bicycles from having an unfair advantage, as there was a limit On the smallest size wheel that you could use on an Ordinary, due to leg Length). Three tricycles reached the top. The average weight of the Machines was about 37lbs.
The Modern Version has been held on Yorks Hill near Sevenoaks, Kent since 1939 and the event record of 1min. 47.6secs. Was set by Phil Mason (San Fairy Ann CC) in 1983. Last year’s event was won by William Bell (Gemini B.C.) in Imin. 52.3secs..
The Catford event is one of the events which form the week-end’s ‘Four Hill Climb’s Championship’. The winner of the £100 prize in 2006 was Nick Dawes (Farnborough & Camberley C.C./East St. Cycles).COME AND WATCH the oldest hill climb in the world – See the spectacle of Riders tackling the formidable Yorks Hill which averages 12.5% but has two Lung searing stretches of 1 in 4. You’ll be surprised just how fast the country’s leading cyclists launch themselves up this brutal ascent. Blood, Sweat and tears for all the competitors! This event has always been an annual re-union for club cyclists, a once a Year opportunity to re-new old acquaintances. Why not enjoy an autumn ride Through the beautiful Weald of Kent countryside (contact us and we’ll Suggest a scenic route) to Yorks Hill and afterwards have a lunchtime pint In one of the local hostelries.
COME AND COMPETE in the oldest hill climb in the world – Over £1,450 in prizes. If the winner breaks the event record he will walk away with a total of £710 in prizes Snr. Prizes 1st to 6th.- Prize for fastest - Woman; Veteran; Junior; Mountain Biker; All-comer Every one of the 12 cash prizes is matched by clothing donated by Rapha >Team prize donated by Vaz Finishers >Every finisher will be awarded a certificate recording their time. >Entries £6 close 12th October 2007. Forms can be downloaded from http://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk or http://www.catfordcc.co.uk
What gear are you riding BringmemyFix ? Matt has won it on a 54" before
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46x22 (55.2" or 56.5" if you use 27").
I've had a 5th in the Catford and 4th= in the Bec as a novice (51.5"), and then a rubbish year after that. Going pretty well at the moment in preparation (I don't do any other racing), and would quite like to dip under 2min in one of the climbs...
Are you riding them - with full mudguards, 3rd bottle cage, and cotton duck saddlebag :p
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Hah LOL not me, I've never got up Yorks on fixed yet, but then only ever tried on my 68" gear with cotton duck et al :),
When I route check my Grimpeur I can get up all of them except Yorks and One Tree Hill, I will try and get there to watch though.
I might nip over there one day and try it on a low fifties gear on a light bike;)
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I rode out there on Sunday to do a reccy, and was at the Bec start within 1h15 from Old St...
...however, that was on gears, and riding 20-odd miles on a 55" gear is not the kind of warm-up I'm after.In the past, I've got the train to Orpington and then ridden the rest, but this year I think I'm relying on automotive transportation from the club that are lending me team kit for the day.
The Rapha ride sounds alright though, and there's usually other groups making the pilgrimage. You've ridden down to Kent from Ealing before, init? Oh, and if you fancy a geared ride out that way one Sunday, let us know :)
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someone put it one the calender. I fancy poping down to have a look at this if I have the time.
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About
Spectating in Kent With Fixies Galore
Posted by
@BringMeMyFix
It's the 'oldest bicycle race in the world' on Sunday 21st October - the Catford CC Hillclimb. And there's even a mass ride to the event if you don't know the way.
If you feel like coming and watching (there's usually a lot of fixed competitors, me included this year (injury/illness permitting)), it's a good laugh and a great spectacle. What's more, you can ride along Pilgrims Way over to the Bec Hillclimb in the afternoon, an event that often attracts some big names, and is equally exciting.
Come on, feel the gurn...
