The book is purely one mans opinion of course and we could all add our own favourites and disagree with the choices made but " 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs " offers some good challenges. In recent weeks along with friends I've been going out midweek ( the joys of retirement ) and cycling the more interesting local climbs, notably in the Dales, Peak and Lakes. Certainly the Yorkshire Dales climbs are great and you can sling a few together to make a tough but interesting circuit. Buttertubs Pass, Tan Hill, Malham Cove, Langcliffe Scar, Oxnop Scar, Fleet Moss, Park Rash, and Lamps Moss all great climbs and much recommended.
The Author gives marks out of 10 but you can make you own mind up. The highest mark goes to the Bealach na Ba climb in Scotland which he gives 11 out of 10. I've done the climb and its a good one, perhaps the longest you will find in the UK at 6 miles in length but whilst there are a couple of steep bits it never get off and walk !
To my mind nothing is as tough as Hardknott Pass. In the Fred Whitton it comes after 90 miles or so and many resort to a walk, in the recent Lakeland Loop Sportive it came after 60 miles and I managed it without a push but it was touch and go on the hairpins near the top.
I'd like to hear of your favourite climbs and your impressions of the limbs outlined in the oak.