Pasture Lane. . .

I'd just driven up Pasture Lane when I took this shot.

It looks like any other country lane wandering peacefully off down into the Belvoir Vale, but anyone who has biked up it knows better, its a monster. Not just because of its steepness, it has a few other tricks to drain even the hardiest pedaler.

First you start up a gentle incline. . .
beautiful countryside around you what could be better?
soon it turns into a steady slope which goes on & on, twisting & turning. . .
after a couple of miles it gets nasty so head down you clear your mind and go for it. . .
at this point, with your stamina already tested. . .
you round yet another bend and see it. . .
stretched out in front of you, a gruelling climb to the top. . .
so its time to stand on your pedals and push. . . push. . . push. . .
eyes fixed on the ridge ahead. . .
moving swiftly through the gears you edge closer. . .
finally in the lowest gear known to man, lungs about to burst your there. . .
yes I did it!
sitting back down on the seat, the gasping starts to subside. . .
you turn the corner at the top to claim your reward. . .
but wait. . . now and only now the beast reveals it's final insult. . .
the real final stretch!
even steeper than before and straight as an arrow.

I'm not ashamed to admit I’ve never managed that final bit. One day I will . . .one day when I get a decent bike.

(a bad workman blames what?)