Leith Hill

[Steppylud]

Finally plucked up the courage to give it a bash, I got up, slow but I did it

https://www.strava.com/activities/349293577/segments/8307070091

 

[Doobiesis]

Nice one, well done

 

[Ticktockmy]

I find it hard to understand what is special about Leith hill, having ridden around that area for some 40 years and never taken much notice of it. All of a sudden it seems to have become the latest challenge. Is it because it has become part of some of the major rides out of London. I can understand the Zig-Zag hill climb at Boxhill being attractive to riders but even that to a experience rider is not so bad. There are far more challenging climbs around the Dorking area if you know where to look for them.

 

[vickster]

The OP is doing ride London hence he wanted to give it a go before the day. I've done it once for the same reason, I'll do it again on 2 August and then I don't need to ever again as such long steepish climbs are crap for my knees! I got to within 100m of the top and had to rest for a minute or two before my lungs and legs exploded!!

Box hill and newlands corner reward you with nice views and cafes. Leith no such pleasures, just a mucky car park!

 

[Steppylud]

I find it hard to understand what is special about Leith hill, having ridden around that area for some 40 years and never taken much notice of it. All of a sudden it seems to have become the latest challenge. Is it because it has become part of some of the major rides out of London. I can understand the Zig-Zag hill climb at Boxhill being attractive to riders but even that to a experience rider is not so bad. There are far more challenging climbs around the Dorking area if you know where to look for them.

The fact that I have only really been cycling for the last 3 years. And really really started putting in the mileage in the last two months, the fact that I am 18 stone (Down from nearly 20 since easter), and as @vickster points out its on the ride london route so a reccy is clearly the sensible thing to do, all add up to yes, it is a challenge, yes it is the biggest 'hill' I have ever cycled up. I am happy to have done it. I am on a cycling journey and maybe one day Alpe D'huez will be calling, but Leith hill is a good start. Oh and I did Box hill a few weeks ago, it wasn't all that.....

 

[vickster]

Well done on making it to the top without stopping I was quicker than you on some of the segments though

I oddly enjoy box hill usually even though I go up slowly and am glad to get to the top!

All hills of note to hurt my leg so it's not that enjoyable!

 

[ayceejay]

There is more than one way up Leith Hill but anyone who doesn't find them hard is going up a secret way. Then to compare it to Box Hill in terms of a challenge is like comparing French fries to chips cooked in lard.

 

[Cuchilo]

I did both on Saturday but took another route up and then went around to get the bottom bit in https://www.strava.com/activities/348696677

 

[eevvee]

Doobiesis comments +1 - well done, keep up the good work.........