Selsley Hill is the shorter but by far the most brutal. I was surprised to discover that it was only one mile long. I could have sworn it was at least five.
This ride is a 35 mile loop starting in Malmesbury and winding through the Tetbury and Avening before descending into Stroud. There is little warning before you are suddenly climbing a 10%+ grade up Selsley Hill. About one third of the way up and every part of your body is in pain when off to the left is a welcoming flat entrance to the Bell pub. That is usually a good place to collapse and think about ditching the bike, having a pint and calling the wife to come pick you up.
The climb continues up steeply to a cattle grid after which it levels out at about 6% for another half mile.
On this occasion I was in extreme agony by the time the pub came into view. As it was only 10am stopping here was not an option so I continued on while begging my heart to pump more blood through those sclerotic arteries furred up by years of chip butties and cheese burgers wrapped in bacon. It would not oblige and I was forced to pull over to the side of the road just short of the cattle grid.
Bent over wheezing and gasping I tried to pretend to passing drivers that I could have made it up but there was something very pressing I had to attend to concerning my wheels.
Trying to ride up Selsley Hill is a great way to get you to question your abilities. Obviously if I could not make it up a one mile hill, steep as it is, I was not going to make it up the Tormalet in the middle of a 200K ride in 35 degree weather. I have been here before though and after 4 months of riding I was able to sail up this hill. Ok, not exactly sail, more pitch and list.
My target is to do hill repeats on Selsley Hill by March.
Ride Stats: 32.43 miles in 2:06:12 - http://runkeeper.com/user/351292518/activity/61694130
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