WHITE GATE

WEST HESLERTON, MALTON

I researched five climbs up this ridge, all of which leave the A64 heading south; Flixton Brow, Staxton Hill, Ganton Hill (see page 28), Sked Dale, and finally this one, White Gate. Of the five ridden I decided that three didn’t make the grade; Flixton was too monotonous, Staxton Hill far too busy, and Sked Dale not enough of a challenge. So I was left with the remaining two. White Gate begins to rise away from the A64 ever so slightly, becoming steeper as it leaves West Heslerton. It’s a very quiet road and the surface is good, so let rip up to some curves set in a large clearing. The slope picks up here, the road bending left then right and lined with chalky deposits. It then straightens up on the approach to the summit. Up ahead there are two signs: the first marks the top, but aim for the second. Put in the extra effort as this is how races are won, by pushing it that bit further!