RIPPONDEN BANK

RIPPONDEN

Ripponden Bank has been a popular hill climb course for many years, known to local cyclists and hill climb specialists as the V999. Its stinging 1.3 kilometres are a substantial challenge on a leisurely club run, nevermind at full race pace. Leaving the A58, swoop south on the B6113 and build up as much speed as you can; use that momentum to get as close as possible to the upcoming left-hand bend before you start to pedal. Once you’ve reached this bend, the steepest climbing is already behind you, just like that. Although you might not actually notice, this road is still very tough. Straightening up after the bend and then gradually kinking right, you inch past some houses and the tempting Fleece Inn on your left. Resisting the urge to sample its offerings, it’s on to the summit, past the junction with Stainland Road to the point where the climb levels out and your pounding heart can finally relax.