Bushcombe Lane Hill Climb, 23 Sep 2023

Last Saturday I went to race Bushcombe Lane Hill Climb organised by Cheltenham and County CC. It was a cold morning to start out with so the ride over to the event was not the most enjoyable. This wasn’t ideal as I was already considering whether or not I actually wanted to race. I had never been up Bushcombe Lane before but had heard lots of horror stories of the 25%+ gradients and I was genuinely worried I wasnt going to be able to make it up the hill as I hasn’t ridden it before and heard it was a ‘once a day’ kind of climb so not one to recce before.

The temptation to not ride it was pretty high as my training over summer has been nonexistent really, but I decided that I’d be more upset with myself if I backed out without even trying. After signing on at HQ I went to warm up and then it was my time on the start line. I was conscious to not go out too hard as I was very aware of the steep gradient to come and the fact that I went out far too hard at Streatley last week which came back to bite me.

I feel like I paced my effort well as I put in a good shift up the steep bit but still had enough gas in the tank to carry some pace over the last flatter section. The climb was incredibly tough but the closed road atmosphere was incredible and it was wonderful having so many people come out and support. Given up the steepest section I was doing a cadence of 45-50 rpm I can honestly say the crowd atmosphere is what kept me motivated.

Overall it was a great race and I am so proud of myself for coming away with a podium place on a hill I didn’t even think I would be able to get up. It was also a very cool experience racing Illi Gardner (current National Hill Climb champion) and seeing just how impressive female cyclists can be.

Maddie Angwin