The cobbled climbs

Although he claims to have tired legs and doesn't deserve yesterday's placing, Boonen continues to win or place in the the classics and leads the Protour standings. I do have to wonder just what it's like to ride these famed cobbled roads and the infamous climbs... but then again I can just read about it. It's hard enough to ride 200 plus kilometres let alone face 22% climbs on slippery cobbles. With a bit of drizzle or dew on smooth tar I found it almost impossible to ride up my steep local street... that balancing act between maintaining forward momentum and keeping weight on the back wheel can be a challenge when it's wet and steep. Bravo to those who race on such climbs!