It is steep in Staffs!

Just back from weekend with the parents in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Took the bike and got out this morning for a ride. I had forgotten just how demanding the areas is for cycling, steep, poorly maintained 'heavy' roads together with rampant winds. I headed up to the top ridge near the Roaches outside Leek and was confronted by a hill with a 16% gradient!! Still made it up with no real issues, although it did affect my overall pace for a while after.

Now into last week before leaving for the Alps, so need to maintain some regular but not too strenuous rides over the next few days whilst getting all my kit ready. The final thing still waiting on from Wiggle is a pink! Giro D"Italia kit, which will be interesting particularly if I am climbing like a geriatric.