I like all aspects of cycling, but it’s climbing up hills which is probably my favourite aspect. Because I’ve climbed so many hills around the UK, I really enjoyed reading 100 Greatest hill climbs by Simon Warren- about some of the most testing hills for cycling in the UK. I asked the author, Simon Warren to answer a few questions about his book and the art of hill climbing. Simon is already researching the next 100 hills for volume two – sounds like the perfect job riding around the country looking for the hardest hills! I look forward to reading next volume to see what’s in there.
Q. What Inspired you to go out and find the 100 most testing hills in the UK?
S.W. I had the idea along time ago when I first started riding, I’d hear talk of crazy hills and set out on epic trips to find them. Then, when I started racing, I found yet more hills, famous roads such as The Rake, Carlton Bank etc. Before long I’d become obsessed with them and the idea came to me to compile a ‘Little Black Book of British Hills’. I never acted on it though, I just kept saying, one day, one day, then about three years ago, amazed that it still didn’t exist, I finally sat down and decided to realise my dream. I drew up a long list, narrowed it down to 100 then set off to revisit many of my favorite roads and discover many more I’d not visited before.
Winnats Pass, Castleton
Q. Do you have a favourite climb out of the 100?
I mention in the book that the climb up to Riber castle in Matlock is my favourite, I used to like racing it, but I don’t think I’d race it again, the memories although fond, are still very painful. In such a short distance it packs in so many corners, so much character and it’s so so steep, on any day it’s a challenge to ride.
Q. Are you tempted to go out and find another 100 hill climbs for a volume 2?
Well, volume two is already in production, I don’t want to devalue the first 100 and I’m happy with my first choice but there were so many great hills that I just had to make a second volume. I’ve had a great time researching it, found some awesome roads all over the country, and it will be in the shops May 2012.
Q. Do you have any tips for cycling up difficult climbs?
Don’t look too far ahead as you could easily lose heart, concentrate on where you are, take it a meter at a time and try and keep on top of your gear. When it gets stupidly steep, you have to learn how to read the surface, how to pick a path that will take an edge off the gradient. Another good tip is to ride wide round corners, it maybe the longer route but you will preserve precious momentum that you can carry into the next stretch. Apart from that, if you don’t need it, don’t carry it, keep yourself and the bike, lean, clean and mean.
Q. Do you hope the Urban Hill Climbs like the Rollapaluza hill climb on Swains lane might catch on to other parts of the country?
They already have, after last years event, Red Bull organised a very successful race in Bristol, there is an event in Norwich this year, and there has also been the Frome Cobble Wobble.
I hope the Urban Hill Climb becomes a permanent fixture and we can pack the road with spectators and also get enough riders each year to put on a great show for them.
A very British tradition – the lung bursting hill climb (photo B.Thompson)
Q. Can you explain the attraction of racing in a specific hill climb event?
I ride the Catford and Bec hill climbs each year regardless of how I feel, I’ll never win, and the older I get may never beat my PB, but at the top, the roads are lined three deep with screaming fans, where else can a normal club rider experience that atmosphere. The crowds drag you along, it’s such a buzz, and it isn’t just these two races. Climbs such as Monsal Head in the Peak District and especially the National Championships always have brilliant crowds too, something that’s pretty much unique to British amateur events.
Having read the book it’s an interesting read however as someone from the midlands i’m very disappointed in the Peak District Road Cycling Climbs as there are so many great options in the area aside of the main climbs like Winnats Pass.