That was about 8 am. The ride started 6.15 am!

Steepness - the hill in question is a two-stepper, up to an old fort, highest look out point for miles around. The first 250 yards or so is REALLY steep - I'd compare it to some of the 1 in 6 hills I used to tackle way back as a Yorkshire schoolkid racer. The middle bit, maybe another 250 yards, is pretty level, before a less steep but still demanding last 250 or so.

I used to have the leg strength to gain and maintain enough momentum to just about honk up the first bit!