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SCC ON THE PODIUM AT LANCASHIRE RC HILL CLIMB (THE RAKE) 16/10/11
After supporting John at the recent Fibrax event up the long, open and windswept Horseshoe Pass in Wales, today, by contrast, we were just spectating on Lancashire’s short, sharp and rather more urban Ramsbottom Rake Hill Climb. This clambers out of the town up the steep slopes of the Irwell valley and, enclosed between stone walls and buildings, could hardly be more different to the Horseshoe. Instead of broad, smooth “A” road the minor roads of the Rake feature more “characterful” tarmac seasoned for this event with a hint of residual damp from overnight rain and a strategic scattering of wet leaves to provide that little extra challenge for the riders. Again unlike the Horseshoe, the road was closed for the event which I believe has been run now for about 60 years.
SCC was represented by Jim Henderson and vital statistics for the climb are fully detailed on Jim’s webpage (Click here). For those lacking t’internet, or averse to it, the broad facts provided there by Jim are; length 875 metres, height gain 98 metres and max gradient approaching 25%. In summary, it’s ‘ard. Simon Warren, in his book “100 Greatest Cycling Climbs”, rates it as 8/10 for overall severity. For comparison, the Trough (Dunsop Bridge side) which most members will know well gets only a 4/10. The Rake is even equipped with a handrail to help spectators (or ordinary, mortal, cyclists) haul themselves up the steeper bits.
Apart from Seniors the field featured Juveniles, Juniors, Ladies, Vets and even tandems so was very inclusive and as several Policemen were riding, good sportsmanship was guaranteed. The confined nature of the climb ensured the crowds of spectators and supporters lining the route were really close to the anti-gravity spectacle and intensified what was already a great atmosphere. Whilst a few watchers had air horns and cowbells everyone had a voice and all were used!
We saw a fair bit of action including a catch and a couple of traction issues on the iffy surface and here the efforts of the organisers to keep the windblown leaves at bay via Man with Brush must be recognised and applauded. Whilst a few riders seemed to be labouring, perhaps overgeared (although many might say the gear to comfortably tame the Rake has yet to be invented) many flowed through nicely with, in a few cases, 2nd or even 3rd sprocket engaged. Whilst I’ve no idea what their actual gearing was, choosing not to select bottom gear for the top section of the Rake would indicate confidence and commitment although leaving the change too late i.e. until the 1 in 4’s already under the wheels, would almost certainly lock the rider into a gear not of his/her choosing and might be indicative of something else!
On the subject of gears the classic way of avoiding gearshift embarrassments is of course to ride fixed, which brings other benefits and some say is best for the Rake. We were a little late arriving but few seemed to have chosen the cog, the only riders we know to have ridden fixed being Dave Clarke (Endura Racing) and Jim who was riding 42 x 21 (about 52” I think) compared to 42 x 20 (about 55”) when he was riding 2-20’s in the past.
It seems the organiser had only lately managed to coax Jim from retirement and enter the event which meant he only had about 2 weeks for preparation. This had included riding Hunter’s Hill (familiar to some SCC Saturday club runners, but, guys, Jim was riding UP this, presumably several if not numerous times, and there’s no Fettlers at the top to aid recuperation), plus a long ride through the Trough. This limited amount of training might get most average bikies up the Rake but maybe not at race pace and in many cases perhaps not actually on the bike. This is where that handrail comes in useful. So I am told.
Jim, so far as is known, is also subject to the normal laws of time i.e. he’s a bit older than the last time he won the National Championship in 2003, having also won it on this same climb in 1999 – he provides an in depth account of this ride on his website.
So, perhaps a few less than favourable factors in play then for the SCC rider but Jim looked good as he powered past our vantage point (see video clip) - was it enough though?
Well, the commentator introduced Jim as “someone special” and his finishing position of second fastest overall speaks for itself – impressive isn’t the word.
The presentations were made by the Mayor of Bury, Cllr Yvonne Creswell, evidencing the importance the local community attach to this event and adding to the quality feel of a well organised competition on a classic and demanding climb. Well done to Lancashire Road Club for running it and well done also to the Finishers, especially the top three overall!
Next year’s National Championship will be run on the Rake. Got to be worth the ride over!
By the way, Jim was riding his 2006 Pete Matthews Antigra II bike equipped with an aluminium frame, carbon fork and, of course, Pete Matthews wheels. It weighs 12 lb (5.4 kg) and is not on his website yet but might be soon!
Key Results;
Overall;
1st – Jack Pullar (Vanilla Bikes) 2-30.7
2nd – Jim Henderson (Southport CC) 2-41.9
3rd – Matthew Pilkington (Progressive CCDS) 2-42.3
running it and well done also to the Finishers, especially the top three overall!