OUGHTIBRIDGE LANE

OUGHTIBRIDGE, SHEFFIELD

Forming a bridge between the Strines and the city of Sheffield, Oughtibridge Lane, also known as The Jawbone, kicks up from the centre of the village. The gradient increases steadily up to 15% as the road bends slightly left, funneling across a narrow stone bridge before continuing between high stone walls. Now, bending right, you head for a brow that looks like the top, yet once crossed reveals much more climbing ahead. You’re now into the last open country before you enter the city and the slope eases a little before ramping up to another false summit. On and on it climbs, weaving left and right towards the ridge on the horizon, before the finale: a sweeping right-hand bend that gets tougher as it straightens. With your legs in pieces comes the finish: a sharp 20% left-hand turn – the last obstacle before you roll down into the city.