| 1. This is the 2nd half of the Chew Stoke Dads' Cycle Club annual 5 hills challenge, which involves 5 of the steepest hills up the Mendips. This is a serious ride and not for the feint hearted, the object is to get round without getting off your bike and without killing yourself.
Part 1 of the challenge was posted as "Chew Stoke to Rodney Stoke Part 1 of 5 Hills Challenge"
This second half starts in Rodney Stoke and heads back into Cheddar, on the A371. You then get to enjoy a ride back up the spectacular Cheddar Gorge, in the opposite direction to Part 1. It's a long hill, but only steep at the bottom, and after the first three hills in the challenge, this is comparatively easy. In fact, members have been known to race each other, at nearly 20mph, up the last third of the gorge. But if the wind is against, beware.
From the top of Cheddar Gorge head back along quiet country roads (but unfortunately still slightly uphill and often with a vicious wind. Don't do this on Boxing day - 2 members nearly didn't come home).
Head downhill to West Harptree and along to East Harptree before the final Hill back up to the top of the Mendips. This is still a steep hill (12-14%) and deceptive. Just when you think you have finished, you turn a bend and there is another climb ahead of you. At the top of the hill you come out opposite the Castle of Comfort pub - go on you deserve it after that ride.
ENJOY |