Calderdale Road Climb 24

by andy.geall79

Posted on Mar 06, 2015 at 09:28 AM

Heptonstall Rd (Mytholm to Slack Top)

This climb leaves Hebden Bridge and heads up to Slack above Heptonstall. If you plan to attempt this climb consider which way you are travelling. If you are coming from Todmorden and travelling east you can simply turn left and begin the ascent, however turning right is a little more complicated at this signal controlled junction. You can either dismount and cross over on foot or follow the same route as vehicles and use the turning circle about a ¼ mile down the road. On to the climb the first section is the toughest with a maximum gradient of 16.1% before a brief descent, the road then gradually kicks up through Lee Wood as the road hugs the hillside. Overall the average gradient is 5.8%, climb status very hard (Black) and (Cat 4).

Very Hard – Black

Very Hard climbs will always feature a very steep gradient between 10 and 15% or feature technical terrain that requires a high level of skill to negotiate. This type of climb is a real challenge for anyone and a number of elements come into play on this type of climb. Having a bike that suits you with a good range of gears, health and general cycling fitness are all important to successfully complete a very hard – black climb.