A quick review of route 2.
http://gb.mapometer.com/cycling/route_1817376.html
The first 6 miles are easy on the legs. From the turn on to the B940 it’s a steady, but not steep, more of a drag up towards Peat Inn (approx 10 mile point). Cracking run downhill to Pitscottie. Short climb from the Pitscottie crossroads out towards Cupar. Long steady descent down into the Cupar, the road surface is a little bumpy from repairs.
Once through the traffic lights the road between Cupar and the A92 is a little more challenging one short steep section (
10% 1:10) the rest is fast descents and steady climbs. Middle ring territory. Caution crossing the A92. The traffic from your left and right is fast moving.
From the A92 the road climbs steadily towards Hazelton Walls. Again not overly steep just a case of keeping calm and spinning on. The road from Hazelton Walls to Newburgh is one of my favourite training roads, cracking view over the Tay, steady drop on a good surface. Never fails to lift my spirits. The first feed station is in Newburgh.
The road from Newburgh to Auchtermuchty has a 1.5 mile climb with an average of 3.5% interesting but not devastating difficult. 'Muchty to Falkland is a very,very gentle climb on a good quality road. The route between Falkland and the turn just before entering Cupar is mostly flat and a fairly busy road for traffic.
The climb up the A916 (known locally as the Gallie Bank) is 1.6 miles with an average of 3.8%. This hill looks more challenging than it really is. The climb is steady, no sudden ramps, one to be climbed at a steady tempo with the knowledge that the second feed station is just over the top.
Out of the feed station at Hill of Tarvit, short drop into Craigrothie and a moderate but short climb to the junction. Turn left for brisk run back to Pitscottie. The road surface when travelling through Ceres is not good at all. Caution is recommended.
On entering Pitscottie a quick left and right onto the Kemback / Dura Den road. Fast run down to the bridge. Be aware that one or two of the bends can catch you out speed wise. This road requires a little respect if it is to be ridden safely. (IMO of course and I commute on it every day)
Over the bridge (caution look left for vehicles coming over the bridge they cannot see you approaching) short flat section and on to the hill known as Knockhill of Nydie. Save a bit for this climb 1.4 miles with an average of 4.3%. Coming at the 60 mile point IMO this is the one that will cause most anguish.
I have a love-hate relationship with this climb; do it most days on my commute. Some say climbing never gets easier you just get faster. Not on this beast you don’t! The hill crests by the caravan park and then its 5 miles downhill to the finish for tea and buns .
