The London Classic 2014: Slippery Cobbles & EVIL hills

Before yesterdays LBC Brighton Ride I wasn't sure I would attend The London Classic. But in having a good ride in Brighton and then talking with my LBC clan by the time I got home I decided that I would attend this bone shaking, lung busting event.

Our preparation for this ride would be to unload as much as possible so off my Carradice Super C  saddle bag & no Mini O Bag at the front. I would be carrying everything on me. Snacks & water I would get on route cause we was still in London even though its a Sunday quiet a few places are open.

It had been raining pretty hard that morning and on the drive to Gypsy Hill the starting point which had me wondering what the hell would I do as I packed ultra light. Luckily the weather improved and by the time I got me and BumbleB unpacked from the car the rain had basically stopped.

Managed to get to the start point of Gypsy Hill Tavern where I confirmed my entry and got myself the umber cool The London Classic Round 5 tshirt. Thought I'd get it from the start cause I had no idea if I would be coming back alive. With the others waiting to push off we didn't hang about and started off down Gypsy Hill.

I didn't get a chance to take any shots before the first major stop at "Look Mum, No Hands" as the cobbles where pretty rough & wet. Needed all my focus navigate those cobbles thats for sure

At "Look Mum, No Hands"

View of the Thames

After being by the Thames it was time to head into the evilness of the hills that will be the ultimate test of man and machine. Out of the 6 hills I managed 2 of them. Took my time with them but managed them. The others though where the most evillest hills I have ever had the misfortune to come across. If I was driving a car I still would be scared of those hills so can you imagine the fear I felt when I looked up and saw these things.

Short break at the top of a hill near Ladywell Railway Station

Another near Forest Hill Railway Station

Sydenham Wells Park

The last hill was Gypsy Hill where the start point of "Gypsy Hill Tavern" This one I killed, I may have been a little slow on it but I got in the right gear from the start, kept my cadence and breathing right and "killed it"

So that's 2 out of the 6 "Lung Busters" Hills killed. A year ago I would have walked up all, so slowly but surely I'm getting better at hill climbing.

We made it

I have to say to everyone that was at this event a big thank you for all the encouragement I got along the way, trust me it sure does help and I thank you all but especially my LBC buddies, Ann, David, Chris, Mark & ofcourse my cycling partner in crime OrangeBrompton.

Ride Data: The London Classic

See you at The London Classic 2015......