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Being competitive has it’s downsides too so when my friend Marcus (awesome cyclist) told me there were limited places available for the Rollapaluza Urban Hill Climb  I went clicky click click click and entered myself taking the last spot in the women’s race without a thought to the fact I’m not very good at going uphill on a bike. Down yes, flat yes, up, no. So it was with much dread that the Thursday evening in July arrived.

After registering (in the rain) I hooked the timing chip onto my Verenti Rhigos 4.0 and went over to do some practice runs on Swains Lane which is in North London and is a 20% 1.2km climb that cuts up the side of Highgate Cemetery. The event was being held over the steepest 800m section of the hill which starts out gradually and then bites you in the butt which it pitches up for the last part.

The event had attracted people from all different cycling cultures, including a guy on a Boris Bike who I had the upmost respect for. I ride one of those 10 minutes each way to and from my office on the flat and it is hard enough! There were loads of spectators out shouting loads of encouragement and adding to the atmosphere, almost made me feel like I was in the Tour de France!

I was one of the last female starters and made all the rookie mistakes, went out too fast, my gear was way too high and I didn’t leave anything in the tank for the final push at the end. I crossed the line and thankfully there were 2 guys waiting to catch riders who can’t get off their bikes, me being one of them. It really was the most painful 2.32 minutes of my life. Saying that I can’t wait for next year!

For those of you keen on climbing, this is the hill for you. No time to get over to France to test your legs on some of the famous climbs? Well, if you do Swains Lane 24 times it is the equivalent of climbing Mount Ventoux. The winner of the hill climb event did it is 1.26, something to aim for!

Thanks to Rollapaluza for putting on the event which is part of their commitment to provide a more diverse range of cycling events in London. Not only was it well run with chip timing, it was FREE for the 120 people who took part. Also thanks to Richard Tyler Media who put together this video on the event.

Happy training.

Cx