It's probably going to end for some TDF riders here:

[ColinJ]

The first time that I tried to ride up it, I failed miserably and had to start walking. Unfortunately, my Look cleats were skidding all over the place, so I ended up carrying my shoes and pushing the bike. My humiliation was complete when a family in a car overtook me incredibly slowly, with several kids leaning out of the windows and mocking me!

I climbed it when fit in 2007 and didn't have a problem with it. I did it again when half-fit in 2012 and managed to get up. but it was hard work!

 

[T4tomo]

Hmm narrow, bank one side, dry stone wall the other, large fast moving pelaton...... recipe for smash or two I would say

 

[nickyboy]

Road down there a couple of weeks ago, It's been resurfaced, but there is still a stream running across the tarmac just on the apex of that bend.

Despite my warning at the top of the hill @Steve H still managed to overcook it and end up in the woods

It's actually really difficult to scrub off enough speed to get around in one piece isn't it? By the time you hit the 20-25% before that bend it's too late. You have to brake on the 10% section before it but it's very tempting not to. It really isn't safe for a fast moving, unsuspecting peleton so I hope the DS have all briefed the riders.

 

[NorvernRob]

The climb on the other side of that descent is where we'll be watching, we should be able to see across to that hairpin too.

And as all have posted above, it's a nightmare to negotiate and everytime I go down it I think I've slowed ok, but end up with both hands on the brakes, just waiting to slow enough to be able to turn in! You daren't turn at any speed at all as you won't make it without coming off.

At the very least it will make for a very long string of riders heading into the next climb and a great view for us.

 

[Rykard]

Reeth on day 1 could be interesting too if it rains - twisty downhill into 90 left over a tight bridge

 

[Richard A Thackeray]

Yes, it's a bugger of a hill

The first time I tried it, I was geared at 42x21 bottom gear!!


I felt like I was breathing through other orifices....................

And to top it all, there is a picture in existence....................




EDIT @ 21:18

I might be down there the following weekend, for a fell-race; 'The Broomhead Chase'

It starts in the grounds of Broomhead Hall, crosses the beck between the reservoirs, climbs up to the Trig Point at the top of Ewden Heights (higher than the road) - see map in this link

http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/122732

And, then you plunge back down hill!!

3,5 miles & 800 feet of ascent. All barring about 50 foot of it, in just over a mile!!!
It's quite hard, as it took me 33:48 the first time I tried it (ie; my ParkRun PB, which is 3.1 miles = 21:10)

http://www.fellrunner.org.uk/races.php?id=3048