Hill Climbs

It’s as simple as it sounds: ride as fast as you can uphill, from the start line to the finish line. Riders set off at one-minute intervals. The simplicity of the challenge is its very appeal.

There’s a variety of courses. Some, like Monsal Head, are short and hurt you quickly; others, like Long Hill out of Whaley Bridge, are long and grind you down.

Events are open to all ages and are sometimes on closed roads. Riding hill climbs is a really good way of trying some competitive riding in a safe and friendly environment (any pain is likely to be self-inflicted). You’re also guaranteed to earn the respect of your fellow competitors if you give it everything.

Am I fast enough / what equipment do I need?

Anyone can enter; you don’t have to be a specialist hill climber or need a special bike. Competitors often look to save weight and standard practice includes removing bottle cages, but more extreme measures are not unusual…

Don’t underestimate the power of adrenaline from pinning a number on your back and the extra power you’ll get from the vociferous support lining the road!

Where and when?

The club historically organised two events in the late summer on Pym Chair and the Cat and Fiddle. In 2020 this was expanded to an entire series to cover more terrain over 15 weeks and then to 16 consecutive Friday nights from 2022. There are other events organised by local clubs, a popular one being on the Brickworks, out of Pott Shrigley, organised by Manchester Wheelers. Events tend to be clustered in September and October, culminating in the National Hill Climb Championship at the end of October.

There are many open events organised via Cycling Time Trials within easy reach of Macclesfield, including Long Hill (Whaley Bridge), Peaslows (Chapel-en-le-Frith), Pearoyd Lane (Stocksbridge), Mam Nick (Edale), Riber and Bank Road (Matlock), Jackson Bridge (Holmfirth) and Macclesfield’s very own Cat and Fiddle.

Further information and advice

Hill climbs are becoming more and more popular and the club has a growing group of enthusiasts. If you would like any help or advice, please contact bhima.b@macclesfieldwheelers.org.uk

Photo credits: Ellen Isherwood, Pete Laud, Christian Fox, John Bunyan and Jill Wesley.

The Hillclimb Project

The club is very active on the hill climb scene. We run our own series throughout the summer which comprises of 16 events held on Friday evenings on all the classic local climbs.

Also there is now a Hillclimb Academy, where you are paced as a group, and hold on for as long as you can.

Click on the button below to go to the hillclimb microsite.