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MENDIP TIMES
To the top of Two Trees
SOME hill climbs are hard because they are long and wear you down gradually. Others start off gently but then have a very steep section that makes them tough. And, then there are those that are steep from the very start, intimidating any cyclist who may approach it. CYCLING A good example of the latter is Two with EDMUND LODITE Trees in the pretty village of Blagdon situated on the northern flank of the Mendip Hills. It’s made up of three different lanes, the last of which is Two Trees – an evocatively named, ruler-straight stretch of hill that takes you along the final kilometre to the top. It is one of those Mendip Hill climbs that more-or-less just tries to go straight uphill, unlike its neighbour at Burrington Combe which follows a longer, but on average less steep path made by nature. Both are featured regularly in the Junior Tour of the Mendips, a national race for Britain’s best young cyclists. The climb starts at the junction on the A368 by the Seymour Arms. Because you’re already nearly one third of the way up the Mendip Hills you will need to reach for the lowest gears from the start. Then what follows is a tough but terrific, breathless and beautiful ride towards the top of the Mendip Hills. The first section rises from the village centre along a lane flanked on both sides by pretty cottages. The 14% gradient gives you an immediate heart-pumping and breathless introduction to the climb ahead. As the houses spread out, the slope eases off a little until you approach a sign indicating bends in the road ahead for 400 yards. In this section along Rhodyate, the twists and turns on the lane expose the increasing gradient ahead of you. On one of those left-hand bends passing a green bench, just before the headquarters of Yeo Valley Organic, if you look backwards slightly you’re rewarded with fine views over Blagdon Lake. You’ll also see how high you have already climbed bringing some reward for your efforts so far. As the direction steadies the gradient eases and you go past the junction with Ellick Road on your right. Ahead is Two Trees the final section of this climb. The perfectly straight lane rises way into the distance bordered here and there by trees. I suppose at one time there were just two trees! This is the most deceptive part of the climb. Because the
Junior Tour of the Mendips
lane is straight it’s hard to judge how steep it is, appearing not to look too difficult. You could easily be mistaken for thinking that all the hard work had been done earlier. However, after a short distance your legs will kick in with a reality check as the gradient increases again. The end of the lane can be seen on the horizon, but at almost a kilometre long it doesn’t appear to get any closer despite your efforts. It is though a beautiful lane to cycle along, wide with very little traffic and fine views. Just as you approach the horizon there is one final steeper section that will remind you of how you started this hill climb. Breathless, you reach the end of the climb, where the lane levels off between two opposing field gates, about 100 metres before the junction with the road from Burrington Combe. Although this is a tough climb, I think it looks harder than it actually is and there’s a great sense of achievement from cycling it. The last long straight uphill section is unlike any other hill climb you will find on the Mendip Hills. For that reason alone, it makes Two Trees a standout classic amongst the hill climbs of Mendip. Climb Stats: Distance 1.6 km; Elevation Gain 151m, Average gradient 8.7%, Max gradient 17%
MAY CROSSWORD SOLUTION
ACROSS: 1. Engross 5. Rodwell 9. Sedge 10. Floorplan 11. Overheated 12. Scam 14. Antediluvian 18. Tytherington 21. Amen 22. Pencil case 25. Gastritis 26. Vegan 27. Radiate 28. Exactly. DOWN: 1. Easton 2. Godney 3. Open-handed 4. Sofia 5. Reopening 6. Dory 7. Eclectic 8. Landmine 13. Landmine 15. Epicentre 16. Stranger 17. Stressed 19. Maggot 20. Keenly 23. Caste 24. Urea PAGE 94 • MENDIP TIMES • MAY 2021
