Hardknott Pass, often hailed as one of the toughest and steepest climbs in the UK, boasts brutal 33% gradients, relentless switchbacks, and jaw-dropping Lake District scenery. In this video, I take on this legendary ascent with my newly built lightweight hill climb bike, aiming for a top-10 spot on the leaderboard. My target? Hold an average of 350 watts and conquer the 2.2 km climb in under 11 minutes.
However, the notorious Hardknott conditions didn't make it easy. Battling rain, slippery roads, and a pre-ride puncture, I pushed through to see just how close I could get to my goal. Think you know Hardknott? Wait until you see the terrifying descent I faced afterward.
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Chapters:
0:00 - About the Climb
0:53 - The Climb Begins: Passing the Iconic Red Phone Box
2:23 - Struggling on the Flat Section
2:48 - The Final Push: Into the Clouds
4:49 - Sketchy Descent: "This is Terrifying!"
5:36 - Post-Ride Analysis: Power Data & Strava Leaderboard
6:56- Closing Thoughts & Future Plans
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