I know photos make things look easier than they are but LOL @ the top pic
Yeah I know. It’s on the CLIC24 route, and most riders dismount because it’s so awkward. It was on the last Mendip STW ride I organised, and only two locals managed it.
It’s ~160 degree switchback that you descend, turn and then climb out. The apex is a jumble of rounded limestone and then the exit is muddy ramp.
You have to lean your bike to make the corner, but it’s difficult to carry any speed through the apex so you tend to slip and stall on the rock. If you make it past, then you have to punch up the muddy ramp to get out. If you stall and put your inside foot down, you fall a few feet into the rocky stream bed. I’ve suffered two nasty bruisings trying it. High speed entry is the answer but it’s committing.
It’s good that it’s there though – something to learn still 🙂
The corner in the lower picture is only difficult when wet and muddy and if you try to carry speed through it, as the combination of roots, holes and camber tend to throw you out left down into the pit 😆 Done at walking pace and using half-pedals to avoid catching the roots, it’s easy.