The "Giant of Provence", Mont Ventoux, in the Central Massif, is an iconic mountain, with a huge cycling history. The Club des Cinglés du Mont-Ventoux is a club for cyclists that take on the challenge of climbing Mont Ventoux by its three main roads (Bédoin, Malaucène et Sault) on the same day (136 km and 4443m vertical metres). This is a tough challenge "Cinglés du Mont-Ventoux" translates as "Madmen of Mont-Ventoux".
The Octopus...
Closer to home, John Leitch, a member of Redhill Cycling Club has created the Leith Hill Octopus - a challenge to ascend the top of Leith Hill by 8 different routes, finishing at the top at the end of the 8th climb.
Leith Hill...
Leith Hill to the south west of Dorking, Surrey, England, reaches 294 metres (965 ft) above sea level, the second highest point in south-east England, after Walbury Hill near Hungerford, West Berkshire.
Leith Eleven...
So, inspired by both the above, I decided to have a go at the "Leith Eleven", ascending & descending Leith Hill eleven times by all eleven roads to/from the summit. There is some overlap at the top but these roads all start from the bottom and head to the top.
The Eleven ascents/descents are: 1. Coldharbour Lane; 2. Hollow Lane; 3. Abinger Road; 4. Sutton Lane; 5. Henhurst Cross Lane; 6. Sheephouse Lane; 7. Logmore Lane; 8. Abinger Lane; 9. Broomehall Road; 10. Pasture Wood Road; 11. Tanhouse Lane.
In total this amounts to approx 135km & 1,950m of climbing. Yes, all on one hill, all on one day, in Surrey. Madman, indeed.
Course: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=414015
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