For a while I have been considering climbing Acklands Hill Road which is about an 8 percent climb out of Coromandel Valley to Cherry Gardens. Last time I cycled up this hill was 25 years ago when I was 20. Hard to believe it has been quarter of a century. Michael Warner mentioned it a few times and each time I was really did not want to try climbing it again as I know how tough it is to climb.

After hearing about Mark Fs successful ascent up the Corkscrew the thought of visiting…

Last night I was chasing a red tail light which belonged to another cyclist up towards the bollards on the Old Freeway. Normally when I climb in the dark I cant see too far in front and so just accept what ever comes and keep pedalling with the same intensity and cadence. Following a red tail red, I noted it started to climb in the distance, that I had to look up to see it. I was thinking, now this is going to hurt and was tempted to slow down when normally I wouldnt. The eyes send messages…

You may ask why am I writing about hillclimbing?



I am not an elite cyclist but someone that has ridden a bike around the place for a few years and have covered my fair share of kilometres. Even though I live on the flats, I manage to get up in the Adelaide Hills often. To be comfortable riding up hills you need to ride them, and do it often. Incorporate a few hills into your weekly riding schedule, and get into them.

Importantly I need to acknowledge my…