South London hills

"The internet" is far more serious than those roads. Seriously.

I'm not saying they're massive hills, I just don't think it'd be enjoyable being stuck behind buses etc.

"The internet" is far more serious than those roads. Seriously.

I'd stick up that picture of srious white internet cat, but I can't be arsed to find it.

Ok Damo, got you. We can only try...

Cool.
I'm just conforming to "internet mum" stereotype, making sure it's all ok.

Ok.
Tonight Matthew, I did the Dulwich section of this. Canonbie Road, definitely not doable the 18% side (no suitable approach). Westwood Park will be included (both sides). As will Horniman Drive and (something) Rise.
I then headed back to Crystal Palace via Forest Hill and Sydenham. Sydenham Hill will be in there, as might Sydenham Rise. I'm still not a 100% on linking this up properly for Sunday. But as we'll be going up Sydenham Hill to CP, then down and back up again before getting into Auckland Road it won't matter will it?
I think I left about 7:30 from Streatham and I've just got back now about 9:50.

Nice. My legs are quivering in anticipation.

Fox hill was the last one and afterwards I just thought "fuck it, I'm going home now."

Annoyingly, there's a clunk with every pedal rotation from my bike.

I've a mild bit of bike grief also. I really should join in with only the one gear, but my fixed bike is starting to feel a little worn.

I'm looking forward to South London hills. They'll make a change from North London Hills. What time are people reckoning to head out? I'm up for whenever, early as you like.

I think 8.30 departure from CP. The roads were pretty quiet from 7.30am - 9ish (when I was last out in the am). We'll be done by 10:30ish. Coffee at CSG then home. I've got the inlaws coming over so being dumb as rock (or more so than normal) will be great.

Ok.
Tonight Matthew, I did the Dulwich section of this. Canonbie Road, definitely not doable the 18% side (no suitable approach). Westwood Park will be included (both sides). As will Horniman Drive and (something) Rise.
I then headed back to Crystal Palace via Forest Hill and Sydenham. Sydenham Hill will be in there, as might Sydenham Rise. I'm still not a 100% on linking this up properly for Sunday. But as we'll be going up Sydenham Hill to CP, then down and back up again before getting into Auckland Road it won't matter will it?
I think I left about 7:30 from Streatham and I've just got back now about 9:50.

Not Taymount Rise?

I'm moving there on Saturday,to the top as it happens.

Eliot Bank?

Ringmore Rise. That's the bugger.

Ok.
Tonight Matthew, I did the Dulwich section of this. Canonbie Road, definitely not doable the 18% side (no suitable approach).

I managed it last winter on 69" - it felt like I was going to pop out of my SPDs at the top of every stroke though!

I'm tempted to do the ride, but I'm also tempted to 'cross race in Waltham Abby. Hillsprints = concise training!

I'm going to have to put new cleats on the shoes if I'm going to get up anything =

Yeah. Seriously - I'd think about tightening pedals specially. Every pedal stroke up some of those steep buggers is like the first pedal stroke of a full on standing start, over and over again, not getting any easier with any momentum. Add to that a load of twisting around and weaving up the hill and its poppy poppy time for your pedals.

Something like Canobie you can't even get a run up to keep any momentum going.

It's all sounding the tiniest bit serious.

^85"?

Nothing else. Well, there's a 49 chainring lying around here, which would be neglible, and a 15/14t sprocket. but that's in the wrong direction.
I know I can do sustained 12-14% climbs on it (well, whatever Ditchling/Exedown/Whitedown is), and the odd 18% blip (well, whatever Swains is) so it should all be ok. Not too far to walk home if I break myself.

Slow, steady and sweary. It'll be ace.

Tom, I hope your knees are OK again ... last time you said they weren't right? Remember: Glucosamine, lower gears and stretches, or you end up a wreck like me.

This is beginning to look hurty. I'll backstop.

Eliot Bank, that might get a look in as well.

(Pointless bravado, it probably won't)

Why not? It's got the 'epic' bit of gravel/potholes/alpineroad at the top.

To be honest, there's more than enough to be going on with.
Canonbie road, down, Westwood Park (both sides), Ringmore Rise, bit of London Road and Sydenham Hill, Kirkdale gets a look in, Westwood Hill, Crystal Palace Park Road, Anerley Road (the last three will mean going up and down virtually the same bit), Milestone Road, Fox Hill, etc.

The good thing is, Crystal Palace Parade is a really nice smooth bit of tarmac.