where's oily been ?: To the highest heights

Well it all started last week when I was talking to a chap about the planned 50 mile Peak District charity ride and the training rides up and down Hill Cliffe that I was doing.

He happened to say that I should try to cycle up Frodsham Hill and that I would never do it because its too steep. He tried it years ago when he was a young lad and collapsed with exhaustion.

So that was a new challange.

A challange that more than one said I wouldnt do.

Frodsham hills 12 miles away so I worked out a ride to there. Up the hill and back through Acton Bridge. Totalling 30 miles in all.

Shent was up for it so off we went.

To get to Frodsham in itself is quite a trek due to it being mostly uphill from Warrington anyway and after 11 miles and looking at the top of the Hill I wasnt very confident of succeeding, but off we set. Select the lowest gear ratio and just spin the pedals.

Half way up in the lowest gear set I was standing up and grinding away, legs burning up, lungs bursting heart racing. I came very close to giving in but I, or we, I should say (Shent too), made it up. My shirt was soaked with sweat, but the view was worth it.

Stunning view

Above.... At the top..... In the centre is the ICI Chemical works nestled between the river Mersey and the river Weaver. To the left is the runway of Liverpools John Lennon Airport and in the forground Shent gets a drink