TROOPER LANE

HALIFAX

I can best describe Trooper Lane as a cobbled rock face, one that rises from the industrial valley of Halifax to Bank Top in an unimaginably short distance. You begin on the large cobbles of Swan Bank Lane then take the near vertical, thankfully tarmac turn that ramps up dramatically in front of you. You’ll have to ride wide round the first bend as it’s a crazy 45% at the inner apex, so take care. Wind through the houses, right then left – all tarmac corners and all set close to 20% – before you line up for what you came for: the cobbles. The stones are neat and well set, but they are perilously steep, initially just 25% then hitting 30% as the road kinks left. By the time you get to the next left-hand bend under some trees and line up for the finish, it will simply be a matter of survival. Trooper Lane is insanity under your wheels, but it’ll have you grinning, maybe even laughing out loud, once you’ve crested the top.