I was feeling a bit guilty about not having been on a proper ride today, so I went for out for a little evening jaunt around Highgate. I decided to do every*hill once, and then went up Swains again at the end for a little treat.
The first time I was heading up Swains, there was a group of about twenty out on some kind of guided walk. As my heavy panting became audible, one woman turned around and shouted "Come on!" and all of a sudden all twenty of them were egging me on. It was one of the best things I have ever experienced on a bike.
Descending Highgate West fixed was worse than ever with the slipperiness and my way past acceptable front tyre. And I realised tonight that going up it is even worse, and something I'd never done before.
On the way home I remembered I'd never actually made it up Swains fixed before, my previous two attempts failed due to heavy panniers, and then the fact that I tried it after my first Intermediate session at Herne Hill.
Pretty rewarding all in all, I'm really glad I went out, and my tea smells amazing.
I've never tried Swains lane before .
I did get half way up highgate west hill in the summer on a fixed 46/16 Pomp.I was on my way to work and didnt really make the effort. I will attempt swains lane asap.
I'd never ridden up Swains until yesterday, when our pub ride went up it. I was riding fixed, 48/18 - had been apprehensive about it all week (having only ever ridden geared up Highgate & Highgate West) - loved it in the end. Painfully slow though...
On the last day of the Tour of Britain this year, a few of us rode out to Surrey to watch it go past at a couple of points. We rode up a few of the KoM hills, where there were already spectators ensconced, and they were cheering anyone going past. Great fun, and always inspired us to put a bit of a sprint in so as not to disappoint them.
I'd never ridden up Swains until yesterday, when our pub ride went up it. I was riding fixed, 48/18 - had been apprehensive about it all week (having only ever ridden geared up Highgate & Highgate West) - loved it in the end. Painfully slow though...
On the last day of the Tour of Britain this year, a few of us rode out to Surrey to watch it go past at a couple of points. We rode up a few of the KoM hills, where there were already spectators ensconced, and they were cheering anyone going past. Great fun, and always inspired us to put a bit of a sprint in so as not to disappoint them.