I know the Grand Union Canal quite well in Birmingham and there is a particular bridge on it I call "Nemesis".

I have seen a couple of cyclists fail to ride over Nemesis and indeed it took me a while to master it. It initially does not look to difficult, there is an incline up to the bridge but nothing too serious but then you suddenly hit the back of the bridge and the steepness of the angle hits you. Nemesis has wheeled you in and now it has got you. You need to apply serious power in a low gear to stand any chance of cycling over it and it is not uncommon for your front wheel to lift off the ground slightly as you battle to get over the top.

When I took the photos I did wonder if I should do the sensible thing and walk over Nemesis and save some energy for the long journey ahead.

Of course that thought did not last long and I was cycling over Nemesis and taming her like I always do a few moments later.

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