Blunsdon hill. 12% where Sahel stands, 24% at the steepest point. continuing over the horizon at 18%. ( All figures approximate )
It should also be noted, this not the bottom of the hill. Due to a bend in the path, this was the lowest point where a clear view of the hill could be photographed.
Since the bye-pass was constructed, this is now a dead-end ** providing access to a few houses. It was originally a dual carriageway, the South-bound of which is now a segregated cycle path, with the North-bound reverting to two-way traffic. I should explain, it's hills like this that give me a problem, not so much the steepness but the length. I have greatly reduced circulation in my left lower leg which means, even though I can power a bike up a short steep slope the same as anybody else, on longer hills such as this, the lactic acid builds up in my left calf muscle, ultimately finishing up with cramps that bring everything to a stand-still.
** Correction: Apparently, the new cycle/bridalway goes underneath the new bypass at the very bottom. I did wonder why so much money had been spent for the benefit of a few houses and horse riders. I'm thinking it may link into an on-road part of the NCN routes.
Flicking Sahel into high assist, I started the assault in 6th gear. I had to drop three more gears when reaching the steepest section. Downward shifts are very quick, requiring only a brief pause on the pedals. I finally crested the summit in 6th gear, seriously out of puff, but no complaints from my dodgy leg. Even at the steepest part, the road speed never fell below 9 mph. Had I been riding one of my hub-motored bikes, I would have been off-it and walking long before reaching the summit.
I fully realise that some of you younger riders would have pounded up this hill with very little effort, but that doesn't dampen the satisfaction of my own performance, now in my 68th year, it's hardly likely to get any better. After popping into the electric bike shop in the area to scrounge a cup of tea, I returned to the hill to get a photo from the top. Due to the bend in the path, I had to ride about 200 metres down the hill to get a decent photo.
Once again, the camera has 'flattened' the hill, but note the angle of the gutter-line of the cottage on the right
I am absolutely delighted with the Kalkhoff Sahel Pro Disc. With the Panasonic center-drive providing the assistance, it really is a match made in heaven. ( Germany even )
Many thanks to 50cycles of Loughborough for a quick and easy transaction. SAHEL
A question I'm often ask: "Which of your machines is your favourite?". You may be surprised to learn the answer remains unchanged, none of them!. All of the machines fulfil the same basic function, they convey this ageing body to places where my legs or car could not. The bikes are in fact high-speed two-wheeled invalid carriages. It makes no difference if I ride one of my entry-level bikes, a mid-range or high-end machine such as Sahel. They all do it reliably and dependably, but of course differently. All of the machines have their individual quirks and bad habits, it's just a case of remembering the riding technique for whichever machine I choose for a ride. Oh!, one last thing, Sahel has one very bad habit, it constantly entices me to go pootling around the countyside when I should be attending to domestic chores.
All the best
Bob
It should also be noted, this not the bottom of the hill. Due to a bend in the path, this was the lowest point where a clear view of the hill could be photographed.
Since the bye-pass was constructed, this is now a dead-end ** providing access to a few houses. It was originally a dual carriageway, the South-bound of which is now a segregated cycle path, with the North-bound reverting to two-way traffic. I should explain, it's hills like this that give me a problem, not so much the steepness but the length. I have greatly reduced circulation in my left lower leg which means, even though I can power a bike up a short steep slope the same as anybody else, on longer hills such as this, the lactic acid builds up in my left calf muscle, ultimately finishing up with cramps that bring everything to a stand-still.
** Correction: Apparently, the new cycle/bridalway goes underneath the new bypass at the very bottom. I did wonder why so much money had been spent for the benefit of a few houses and horse riders. I'm thinking it may link into an on-road part of the NCN routes.
Flicking Sahel into high assist, I started the assault in 6th gear. I had to drop three more gears when reaching the steepest section. Downward shifts are very quick, requiring only a brief pause on the pedals. I finally crested the summit in 6th gear, seriously out of puff, but no complaints from my dodgy leg. Even at the steepest part, the road speed never fell below 9 mph. Had I been riding one of my hub-motored bikes, I would have been off-it and walking long before reaching the summit.
I fully realise that some of you younger riders would have pounded up this hill with very little effort, but that doesn't dampen the satisfaction of my own performance, now in my 68th year, it's hardly likely to get any better. After popping into the electric bike shop in the area to scrounge a cup of tea, I returned to the hill to get a photo from the top. Due to the bend in the path, I had to ride about 200 metres down the hill to get a decent photo.
Once again, the camera has 'flattened' the hill, but note the angle of the gutter-line of the cottage on the right
I am absolutely delighted with the Kalkhoff Sahel Pro Disc. With the Panasonic center-drive providing the assistance, it really is a match made in heaven. ( Germany even )
Many thanks to 50cycles of Loughborough for a quick and easy transaction. SAHEL
A question I'm often ask: "Which of your machines is your favourite?". You may be surprised to learn the answer remains unchanged, none of them!. All of the machines fulfil the same basic function, they convey this ageing body to places where my legs or car could not. The bikes are in fact high-speed two-wheeled invalid carriages. It makes no difference if I ride one of my entry-level bikes, a mid-range or high-end machine such as Sahel. They all do it reliably and dependably, but of course differently. All of the machines have their individual quirks and bad habits, it's just a case of remembering the riding technique for whichever machine I choose for a ride. Oh!, one last thing, Sahel has one very bad habit, it constantly entices me to go pootling around the countyside when I should be attending to domestic chores.
All the best
Bob
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