Hot, hard and... er, hilly

SportTracks (Elevation Corrected)

Location: Geneva Drive, Camps Bay

Activity: Cycle 
Category: Climb

Distance: 2 km

Altitude: 10-168 m
Gain: 158 m

Gradient: Average 8%; maximum 12,7

Rating: Cruel

Decisions have a funny way of leading you down paths you didn't expect. When I reached the top of Suikerbossie, it was either turn around and head for home via Constantia Nek, or press on around Camps Bay and Cape Town. With a scorching (mid 30s) Ou Kaapse Weg, Chapmans Peak Drive and Suikerbossie behind me I was in no mood to tackle the awkward (sometimes there's a verge, often not) climb up to the Nek. I voted for Cape Town and the combination of downhill and flat.

But when I reached Camps Bay, actually halfway through, it struck me: I've been threatening to climb Geneva Drive for ages. So I turned right at the sportsfield and zigzagged through the houses until... well, I told myself I could always turn around.

I did stop riding to stretch about two-thirds of the way up after one particularly wicked switchback - the grade is seldom under 7 per cent, kicks up over 10 in places and reaches an artery-busting 12 near the top. Which isn't the top at all - it's just the intersection with Camps Bay Drive, and then there's still  a kilometre to the top at Kloof Nek. Today, I had to cover that kilometre in pitiless, absolutely unsheltered sunlight when most sensible people were relaxing in a shady spot having lunch or, at least, an icy drink. I could only dream.