MOW COP: THE KILLER MILE!! FULL GAS UP STEEP CLIMB!

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[@stuartpotter4923]

Well done! Absolutely brutal climb. First did it on club runs with Crewe Clarion back in the early 90s.... no one had wide range gears then. Think I did it on 42/21, thought my knees were going to explode the first time and watched a car in front of my burn it’s clutch out and roll down the hill. Still one of my most memorable climbs.

[@miguelsuarez1511]

The more I see your videos, the more I love the fact that you cannot hide how happy you seem when you accomplish something on a bike. It's so beautiful to watch. Thanks a lot for what you do. I am absolutely convinced that you, in your simple, honest and straight forward way have helped hundreds if not thousands of people all over the world. A huge cheers from Colombia. You should come here with your friends, which by the way, look like the kind of people that are fun to be around. You would love the many beautiful and challenging places we have to ride.

[@StaffordAV]

Well done Katie. I think that the worst thing about the Mow Cop climb is its reputation. Back in my 30s it used to be on my after-work, evening, route, so I used to ride up about 4 times per week. There was no gps or Strava back then, but my time from the railway line to the T junction at the top was around 8 mins (or a bit quicker if I tried) using a 42 x 21 ratio. The last time I went up was a couple of years ago at age 60, which I did in just over 10 mins using a 34 x 32 ratio. A couple of other climbs you might like (if you've not tried them), a bit closer to Manchester, are Toot Hill in the Macclesfield Forest, and Jenkin Chapel to Pym Chair.

[@paulgibbings9553]

Nice going. I live a couple of miles away and avoid it like the plague. First time I tried it I fell off. I've been up it once since, just to prove to myself that I can. I'm so impressed that you went back up several more times on the same day.

[@MrUltimateRS]

Well done. I ride Mow Cop's Killer Mile pretty regularly as it's on my doorstep. It's a tough one and very difficult to pace as you need to save something for the steep section at the top but there never seems to be much left by the time you get there!! The sportive you were wondering about is The Cheshire Cat, that has 3 decent climbs, this being the toughest. There is also Gun Hill and Wincle.

[@greghart6310]

That's one heck of a workout! Mad respect Katie - awesome! So refreshing to hear that a motorist stopped to let you come through, such a contrast to my daily commute - mad taxi driver cut me off without indicating, blocking the cycle lane 3 times yesterday then when I yelled at him to get out he ran me off the road, his doormen (they are minibus taxis with a sliding door) lent out the window, grabbed my helmet and threw me off my bike! Shoulder and ankle are well fooked right now - really sick of that lot - no regard for human safety nor any sense of civilised behaviour! Yeah, the new South Africa sucks eggs.

[@terrysires1778]

That's some serious wattage. Thanks for taking us along!

[@andrewbirch3033]

Great climb Katie. Chapeau. Lived in Alsager near the bottom for 10 yrs. In all the attempts (including Cheshire Cat Sportive) I never got to the top without stopping on the bike. 😟It’s a beast. (There are other routes up!!😆) Sad to see the pub has closed.

[@Jim-ub9qy]

Absolutely love the climb videos that you are posting. I have gone back and watched Winnats Pass and Holme Moss again because I was so captivated by your riding and commentary. I don't think you looked at all awkward in this ride...in fact, I think your riding style is quite good to the point of considering you a very accomplished cyclist. I don't pay attention to heart rate because I'm in tune enough with my body and effort that I know what is going on. Excellent video footage of a great ride and awesome cyclist. Well done Katie!

[@harrimi]

Fantastic effort Katie. Think you have a good idea doing these climbs. It should be very popular in the future.

[@troy45uk]

Great effort and enthusiasm Katie 👍 Last time out there I climbed up the back/reverse way to the radio mast from the traffic lights over the railway, that’s a toughie too. Couldn’t leave without having a go at the ramp too, it’s horrid steep but noticed the difference not having the rest of the climb in my legs first. Makes you realise how much the initial climbing takes out of your legs. Rode it in 26 degree sunshine back in August 🥵

[@malenurse51]

I died from cardiac arrest a couple of times just watching this on my recliner.

[@swiftnicknevison4848]

Did the climb for the first time today felt like my heart was going to explode on the steep section, feels almost like you're going downhill afterwards even though you're still doing about 12%, the relief is that great.

[@nickantrobus6607]

My departed Grandma lives at Mow Cop. Happy memories. I was shocked when your HR started at the bottom 3% at 173 but that proves how deceptive HRM is because yours barely wavers from that starting point until the really steep section. Testament to the fitness you’ve built. I use HRM simply because I’m too skint to buy a decent power meter😴 Brilliant!

[@steveharper6828]

I rode this about 15 years ago, as part of the Cheshire Cat - it's sufficiently brutal, they gave out medals for getting up it without putting a foot down! Great video.

[@paulmcelroy547]

That looks great! Have you ever heard, or cycled, Ardbhair Brae in the North of Scotland? Not as long as that segment, maybe about 0.3 of a mile but mid to high 20s gradient most of the climb. It's on the B869 Lochinver/Clachtoll/Drumbeg Road, on the NC500, just outside a small village called Nedd. Great cycling road.

[@markfeldman6509]

What an awesome accomplishment. You must be very proud. Keeping your heart rate up that high for 8 plus minutes is a tribute to your amazing fitness. Congrats and thanks for sharing. That is some very serious stretch of road.

[@chrisdagnall8666]

Recently discovered your channel and am enjoying your videos, I do like the climbing videos and makes me want to try some of them. I stared mountain biking 25 years ago so steep climbs and the front wheel lifting is a way of life. I have been up Mow Cop 4 times twice on the road bike with 60 miles in the legs first and twice the running road race, strangely enjoyed each one !?!? Keep up the great videos.👍

[@estebana.miralles3619]

Phenomenal job!! That hill is a killer and you conquered. Well done!!

[@Pstaines439]

Loved this video. My ancestors come from Mow Cop and I LOVE climbing steep hills. Maybe it’s in my genes!!!

[@paulwynne1811]

Highly recommend Bwlch Penbarras in North Wales. It climbs up moel famau out of ruthin. Views are amazing. Only a few miles from this climb is the old horse shoe pass rd. Its the old Rd that never gets used any more but so steep

[@jaykeiscool]

Another great video! Regularly riding 40km now. Only stacked it trying to unclip once (gracefully on the drive as I arrived home). And your book has been very helpful!! Keep em coming.

[@rck812]

What a great effort. Chapeau. You are a climbing beast. Also, the greenery, hedges, trees, and shrubs at the bottom third of the climb were beautiful

[@zyphod]

Nice one Katie! Pretty impressive when you look back to the start of it all all those years ago..... Now look at you!!

[@cocorocks88]

When it ramps up to the 25% section the views behind you were stunning! Does seem it's often the way on a good climb, the glorious views are behind you whilst you're staring at the tarmac 6ft in front of you, legs burning, lungs screaming... great fun though! :D

[@leqin]

Well done Katie and Hammish W's got you the correct way to say mOW Cop and yes its one of the prettiest parts of Cheshire for sure. I live not that far away and the Cop is a regular visit - worth it just for the stunning views over the Cheshire plain and beyond.

[@Timeo_Danaos_Et_Dona_Ferentes]

Ну ты просто герой!!! Молодец!!!👍🏻

[@andyl9700]

Hey Katie. For uphill climbs while standing, you can unclip during the right leg upswing and the left leg will be in the down position and all you have to do is step down.

[@Justablokeonaboat]

Wow! I struggle on a 9% incline …you are incredible and such an inspiration to me Katie. Recently bought a second hand road bike and taken up cycling to help me get some fitness and lose weight. Love you r videos and the journey you’re on.

[@kevinwilleford7876]

Holy crap Katie that is one STEEP hill! That last bit at ~20% would be a real kick in the teeth to most of us! Well done.

[@matt-f1c]

Yep I live on that hill and iv been doing it's since I was a lad .. Running, biking and dog waking and I just live it .. Great Time also by the way .

[@mattsidebottom7603]

Did you see me come past today 😂

[@andrewturnock7200]

Enjoyed that Katie ❤️; loved the “always keeping it classy” 🤣🤣

[@andrewainsworth8716]

Well done Katie,I live in stoke which is just round the corner and I've had some sleepless nights over that climb it's that brutal well done once again

[@apv1]

At 7:45 I can hear what sounds like spokes flexing? Can you clarify what that was because it sounds like what happens to the spokes on my DT swiss OXIC wheels.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Yeah he has DT Swiss wheels also!!

[@bobb3261]

I did this about 5 or 6 years ago with a group on one of the hottest days of the year and I remember how steep it was once you got to the sign and I was zigzagging near the end. You made it look much easier than it is.

[@jeffmcilroy7081]

Holy crap.. the steepest I have here near me in southern Ontario is a 16% for about 400 meters and I struggle on it.. I’m a chubby guy though.. nice job! Your transformation in the last 5 years is absolutely amazing!👍

[@5492sparky]

Wow. What a vid. Massive congrats Katie on that. Look forward to a series of vids on the UK's steepest climbs. 😀

[@hukcoi]

OMG Katie kills the killer mile and goes back for more, you are such inspiration

[@chronicfish]

A tip I was once given by a great cyclist. He used a cloth, tennis headband and tied it to his handlebar, to use as a snot rag. Great climb Katie! 😃

[@markworthington9553]

Well done ! its a tough little climb .That brought back some memories ! it's that final kick past the pub. brutal

[@artred69]

Part of the Cheshire Cat 100 mile sportive which was previously ran by Kilo to go. Probably one of the first I did. I remember it was about 28c on the day, as it was originally called off in the March due to snow. It was mayhem with lots trying to zig zag up the steep bit. I hung back a bit to avoid the carnage and went straight up standing. It carries on a bit then you turn right it ramps up a little more, if my memory is right. Nice one x

[@alexmorgan3435]

What gears did you ride?

[@minuslr]

I know this hill so well! I have walked it 100 times and know all the houses / corners / barking dogs. This is my keep fit in winter hill. We are keen cyclists in my family with a 10 year old active boy - it's time we attempted the climb on our bikes for the first time!

[@KatieKookaburra]

Oooof in winter?? Wouldn’t fancy it in the wet ha. You’re a bloody strong un going up that in the wet!

[@mattlawton4715]

@@KatieKookaburra you did very well that guy in the orange shirt looking on will she make it

[@tipperjones20]

Well done. That's a local climb to me and it is brutal. There are more of those dotted around Staffordshire. Try the climbs around Froghall, Leek etc PS thanks for visiting Staffordshire 👍

[@chrisandsamlivingthedream]

Wow ... that was Awesome Katie .. well done .. cheers Chris & Sam

[@MZ-oz5ms]

Nice one Katie. What cassette did you have?

[@andrewwilson8317]

Good effort! I cycled up Sutton Bank near thirst and decided to stop looking at HRM when my max wearing kept going off. Warning was set at 195!. Pure pain.

[@wblomgren]

None of the parked cars had wheels crimped- is that not illegal in the UK?

[@brianjones2899]

No. The brakes work.

[@chefdeparty]

Hahahaha what a legend Your enthusiasm is infection. I love how when you make it to the top and when you're out of breath you're like, "That was so horrible. 😭" Then you get your breath back and you're like "That was amaaazing. Loved it loved it loved it!" 🤣 Fair play you give it laldi every time. Proper Champion. 💪💅👑

[@garryjerman896]

Arthog up to cregennen lake by Dolgellau is a steep climb..and Bwlch y groes..you can do them on the Cambrian coast sportive 100.mile.

[@robertwilding9448]

We done Katie for your first time up there. I've been up there 170 plus times and only got a pb on Strava of 8 minutes 7. Fantastic effort...👍

[@scottrichardson6547]

Impressive... some solid insight on effectively conquering this hill!

[@cdturner]

The view of the cheshire plain from the top of mow cop is great.

[@natalienat7894]

Nice one 💪🚴‍♀️! The sportive is called Cheshire Cat, I did it in 2017, I knew what mow cop is and was keeping very easy until the last 25% section, then out of the saddle, I agree with you seated would of been much harder! Regarding heart rate and power I like to have both, if I had to chose one that would be power 🙂

[@PaniPilot]

Hi Katie, what cassettes are you using here? Great job!!

[@robertandersson3713]

I presume you have a compact in front, but what kind of cassette do you have?

[@jwfriar]

Wow - those are some legit power and BPM figures! Those gasps for air at the end were indicative of the effort you put out. Congrats

[@top_tier5593]

What an inspiration katie, truly brilliant effort.

[@Isuzusaab]

Good job Katie, the same cadence beginning to the final, good perfomance!

[@pittviper6320]

I'm doing this climb in September in the Cheshire cat 2021 sportive! I can't wait!

[@lewisturnbull5272]

Hi Katie - looks like a great climb. What gears are you running in this video?

[@chuckwalla2967]

Who records the video?

[@johnboyginger]

Blimey. I’d struggle to get up there in a car. Well done!

[@bonsaiStew]

What was the gearing for this bike Katie?

[@jollygoodvelo]

Chapeau Katie! That looked tough indeed. I recently ground to a complete stop on a climb that was half as long and not quite as steep. Interesting what you were saying about the bike lifting up. I felt the same as I was going up my steep climb but then I do have a fair bit more weight over the back wheel!

[@joecondron2131]

Not bragging, but it looks 'easy' compared to Matlock's Bank rd / Rutland st. Ps. What's your lowest gear in inches? My Whyte Glencoe has a 1x 11. 44ring x 11 - 42 cassette. Lowest gear is i think 27 inch..

[@tomaszmarcinkowski3610]

Dear Katie. I admire you, you are my inspiration 👍. I am from Poland, i not know English very well😄

[@caahacky]

Have you got that 40 tooth cog on the Ribble that you had on your old bike?

[@FrankieWildeDJ]

Outstanding work katie..My max heart rate on climbs has given me a few shocks lately so I keep that out of my data fields now!

[@155bazza]

What size rear cassette were you running??

[@OtRatsaphong]

Congratulations Katie!! 👏👏👏 Great effort!! You are Amazing!!! Watching your cadence and your heart rate. Thank you for sharing.

[@kokweepoh2470]

Mighty power!!! What an inspiration for beginner riders like myself.

[@gracemiller3055]

Nearly pushing top 10! Did this for the first time at the end of May and aimed to stay in the saddle for as long as poss and only stood (and leaned forward!) on that top kicker. Saved myself to save any embarrassment so next time I go I'll push it a bit!

[@Bikes-guitars]

I rode it a few months ago in the middle of lock down, but couldn’t really do an effort as it was a 100 mile ride with 2 bottles on the bike and 1 flapjack for food, on quite a hot day, also 11000 feet of climbing, looking back I don’t know how I got round the ride on that little food and drink! It is a good climb though, perhaps I’ll ride next years Cheshire Cat and try an effort. Good ride, well done, I wonder why we like climbs when we are totally spent at the top 😊🚵🏻‍♀️

[@Eric_Tennant]

Good to hear. 11000 ft is a ton. My first tour going to be 100 mile up 6000 ft on a ebike. So now I know it can be done. Thanks.

[@joelstephens9081]

Church hill in Glyn Ceiriog (Llangollen) is worth visiting, went up yesterday 3.2 mile 25% at some points. Hoping to do mow cop next month

[@GOLTEB]

This is brutal! Very impressive Katie!

[@thedecliningcyclist3321]

Great effort that. I haven’t tried Mow Cop for a few years - last time I tried I fell off at the start of the 25% section much to the amusement of some builders working on the roof of one of the houses. I might have to give it another try ...... (after I’ve fitted a triple chainset and a 32t cassette 😅)

[@OffshoreNath]

Hi Katie, what do you use to overlay your data on the video ?

[@WhenWillILearn]

I did the Cheshire Cat as my first ever long ride. It was too busy to zigzag, it was my first time wearing clipped in peddles and I made it depressingly close to the top before I failed.

[@aktivex2075]

Are you suppose to ride at 24 degrees c ?

[@tommycallum]

Tremendous effort. If it makes you feel better, I zig-zagged up winnats and fell off there trying to unclip when cars appeared just shy of the top. I was about 100m's from the top on the zig (right) and couldn't Zag (left) in time so had to unclip. I went over sideways onto the verge, then straight off the edge downhill for 50 foot or so with the bike in the air flat on my back.... I've yet to try Mow Cop...Is there a good place to fall off? just thinking ahead..

[@TimpBizkit]

I've never been good at riding out of the saddle it's like a Stairmaster at full speed. I'm curious as to why your power doesn't spike when riding out of the saddle. The only time it doesn't is at low cadence or if I'm doing negative work on myself and it's a low net power but extremely inefficient (try riding out of the saddle in first gear on the flat, you'll still get tired because your muscles are absorbing the power)

[@mjhowar33]

Hi Katie. Do you have any videos/tips on standing climbing? I too like you am frightened of unclipping in time and have so far done all my climbing seated but find it unsustainable for long rides like the Fred Whitton with numerous steep climbs

[@KatieKookaburra]

I think it’s just practice! Just have to go for it abs then you get used to it. I also find counting to 50 on each pedal stroke can help too.

[@MrJamesMappin]

The view from the top looks amazing. That's one reason why I love riding - for the views that you get.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Same!! 😍

[@TS50ER]

What was the person filming in front of you riding?

[@RichardMaguire110]

Thank you, a great climbing video. Would you climb some of the passesin tehlake District?

[@findtherightbeat]

Hi Katie, what are you using for telemetry?

[@retrojimmyx]

Thanks for vid. What are you using to capture the metrics and overlay them on your video please?

[@KatieKookaburra]

Garmin Virb

[@retrojimmyx]

Thank you.

[@brianwoods551]

Well done, I did that a few years ago on the Cheshire Cat sportive, interesting times at the pub with loads of other cyclist wobbling around all over the place 🤣. Have you ridden Penbarras or the old horseshoe road ?

[@andrewwilson5154]

I remember it was closed road and they had 2 lanes, those who knew they could make it and those that didn't know

[@erik_midtskogen]

I find that heart rate is most useful for pacing on long endurance rides. If I have twelve hours of riding ahead of me, I want to be able to tell at a glance if I'm getting overly enthusiastic. Power fluctuates quickly, and so you have to monitor it more frequently to know where you are in your zones unless you set your head unit to smooth it by some long time interval, at which point you might as well just use heart rate. And yes, you know you're on a really steep gradient when you have to lean forward over your handlebars to avoid mono-ing out! We have a few hills like that here in New York's Hudson Valley, and I remember one time nearly flipping over backwards going up one of them.

[@mikesbikesanddogs]

Great climbing!! I need to get back out there, have been off the bike after a fall. That silver mini is always parked just at the top of the step bit on the right, that's always my target on the way up!

[@tottigoal12]

You are climbing at a very high cadence even in the steap parts. I am more interested in what gears you were you using. Thanks. 34-32?

[@KatieKookaburra]

34/40

[@tottigoal12]

@@KatieKookaburra Thank you makes sense . That very low gear and high cadence allowed you to get to the top without destroying yourself👍

[@canningsimon]

Great effort Katie. Impressive stats.

[@richardbillington421]

Great work KATE I have done the killer mile twice myself . I do work off heartbeat

[@soloist777]

Awesome hill and fantastic effort!! Where is this in England? I spent a couple of northern summers cycling in the Lakes District in 2002-03(I'm from Australia)and miss the fantastic, crazy, beautiful hills with stunning scenery! Well done and respect!

[@jimilongtube]

Watt the flip :-). Good effort. Looks like an amazing climb.

[@freddydad1]

it's that post climb muscle ache, it gets addictive after a while, that was a good effort, especially keeping that cadence, in mid wales most of my routes involve a similar ramp up maybe not so long though...

[@markdyer1303]

I rode this for the first time yesterday and it was BRUTAL. These pov climbing videos are great for others to build confidence! Please do Swiss Hill in Alderley Edge 😬 Thanks!

[@LionelBaronArtiste]

beautiful in effort! Bravo! in any case me this kind of coast I prefer to face it running!

[@SuperMonshy]

Wow! Awesome effort.... good motivation! I love it.

[@nottusleinad]

Hi Katie... just started watching your videos and I'm finding them really inspiring... thank you! What software did you use to get the overlay of power, speed etc please? Thanks, Daniel.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Thanks so much! Weird that we rode this again yesterday haha. It’s Garmin Virb software with GoPro footage over it. If you search my channel I did a video explaining how it works :)

[@nottusleinad]

@@KatieKookaburra thank you! I will have a look for it now :)