R4 BBR Hill Climb Series: Bridgnorth CC Five Chimneys Climb

Dave Scott set a new Course Record in Round 4 of the BBR Hill Climb Series promoted by Bridgnorth CC on one of Shropshire’s classic climbs. In use since at least the early 1960’s with its origins lost in the mists of time, the 0.9 mile ‘Five Chimneys’, Hughley climb averages 7.8% up the side of Wenlock Edge, but that belies it getting gradually steeper and tougher as it nears the top and passes the location of the long-demolished cottages that give this classic climb its name. Scott beat his 2023 time of 3 minutes 32.0 seconds with a fabulous effort of 3:27.1 on a personal favourite climb to narrow the gap to Series leader Tomos Hales, who finished runner-up on the night. Scott stated: “I paced it well and set a new Course Record, beating my own personal best by a few seconds. It is always a nice event, with local support from Bridgnorth CC riders appreciated. A great ride from Tomos making it a tight battle at the top!

This climb offers a different challenge to the ones used in Rounds 1-3, with a fairly constant gradient favouring those who prefer to put things in a comfortable gear and either grind or spin their way up the hill – but that gradual rather than noticeable change of steepness can catch some riders out, particularly as the finish line approaches. Hales has taken a little time to get used to the challenge presented; but recorded his fastest ever effort with a fine 3:37.7. He revealed: “I managed to get the tactic right on this climb for once, and finished strong up the long drag to the finish and managed a personal best. Well done to Dave Scott for the win and the Course Record; again, thanks to Bridgnorth CC and Tim Beardmore for hosting the event”. Hales now leads the Series by a reduced 10 point advantage for the rider in 3^rd spot on the night, Troy Rimell.

Whilst Hales got his tactics right, Rimell had a nightmare of a ride, but still recorded an excellent 3:46.0 to push out Bridgnorth CC roadman Tom Herbert by 1.9 seconds. His comments graphically show the penalty of getting it wrong in this format, where it is so easy to go into the red: “I just blew up massively. I’d missed my pedal at the start and then went out really hard and suffered. Once I’d got in I started absolutely smashing it trying to catch up the time I’d lost and then blew up. Coming over the line I’d absolutely gone, I was full of lactic acid”.   

One rider having a great hill climb season is Mid Shropshire Wheelers’ Will Witterick, who won his third climb from four in the Veterans Series; Witterick stopped the watch on 4:05.2 to take 5^th spot overall on a course that seems to have suited him well: “I was pleased to take the points here. I think that long, steady finishing ramp suited my more mountain bike style climbing. Not being cold on the start line was also a help”! Witterick beat Bridgnorth’s Paul Bailey, who is the only rider to break a straight run of wins. Here he was Veteran’s runner-up in 4:09.8 on a course he knows well, roared on by his club mates in the middle of their club run: “The steady gradient suited me. As part of the promoting club it was so great to have so much support roadside”.

Four females were in competition, but once again their was no stopping Hayley Wells as she made it the maximum possible 80 point tally from the four rounds with a great effort of 4:46.5. The nature of the course was definitely to her liking as she commented: “A climb which suits me more being a steady, continuous ramp. I got held up a little at the bottom but powered on to completely empty the tank – thanks to Bridgnorth CC”!

Result:

Veterans on Actual:

Females:

Juniors:

Cumulative standings after four rounds

Overall Top 10:

Veterans Top 10:

Female standings:

Junior standings: