Bollihope Common – Simon Warren Cycling Climbs of the North East
- S/W Rating: 7/10
- Wheelygood Rating: Easy
- Length: 2.23 miles
- Avg. gradient: 6%
- Category: 3
- Strava Segment: https://www.strava.com/segments/19601432
Long and drawn out, that’s the simplest description of Bollihope Common. It’s only ‘little’ in the sense that it’s never particularly steep, but it’s a proper climb all the same. The steepest section, in fact, is the very first bend and, if you’ve come down from the top of Unthank Bank then you’ll probably have sufficient momentum to power your way up this bit. If you can, I would.
Once round the corner you can settle into the first part of the climb proper, which is a nice, steady, ‘drag’ in the alpine spirit, i.e. 6-7-8%. It’s very much a rhythm climb and one you can settle into, with one caveat. The wind. It’s very exposed up here and the prevailing wind is South-Westerly so there’s a good chance you’ll be battling it all the way to the top (and, on some days, all the way down the other side too.)
Assuming the wind isn’t so strong it either (a) prevents forward motion or (b) blows you straight off the side of the road1 then, technically, it’s a very straightforward climb. Winch your way up the first part, taking care that your doors remain on their hinges.
There’s a proper descent in the middle to break it up. Assuming you have the chance of some respite, take it – the second part of the climb is that bit longer and that bit steeper too. The very bottom is much like the section you’ve already completed, but it ramps up into the 10% region further up and stays there until you, finally, drag yourself over the crest.
Kudos for making it up this one, particularly if you’ve also had to fight the weather!
If there are any other road climbs you’d like me to take on, the more ridiculous the better, then please send me a message on my FaceBook page https://www.facebook.com/wheelygoodcycling/ or email me on wheelygoodmail@gmail.com and let me know…
I’ve seen this happen on a neighbouring hill during a sportive when one rider was blown across both sides of the road into the verge by a 70mph gust. It can be very, very windy up here ↩
