February 2022 Segment of the Month
February sees us move out of Winchester, to tackle one of the many short climbs that surround the Kilmeston and Beauworth area.
February sees us move out of Winchester, still in familiar territory for many club riders, to tackle one of the many short climbs that surround the Kilmeston and Beauworth area.
An arrow straight ascent from Lane End to the Longwood junction, you approach the segment from the South East having travelled down Millbarrows Road.
The segment begins just before a wooden footpath sign on your right, with the road stretching out gently in front of you to begin with, only starting to ramp up properly as you emerge from the trees and see the junction and post box on your left.
From here the gradient pitches up nicely to between 6 and 8 percent as the open fields, first on your left and then also on your right, border your ascent of the worst this segment has to offer.
Brief respite comes with a temporary reduction in the gradient as you crest the main hill. This marks the point you check your energy levels, before contemplating the all-out sprint to the end, characterised with a nasty ramp to catch you out in the final run-in to the finish line which sits a safe distance from the junction.
Close to two thirds of a mile in length, with nearly 400 feet of climbing, this segment requires a solid grind from any rider hoping to land a spot on the February leader board.
As always, please follow the rules of the road, along with any social distancing requirements that may be in place at the time.
The link to the segment is here!