The Col du Crystal Palace is regarded by many as a cyclists' nemesis.

Especially if you're coming back from town with an unpowered trailer or cargo...

But there's a way around, following the contours of the lost River Effra. It rises on Norwood Rec and follows the lowest land from there.

We can't take the river route itself - there's no access across Virgo Fidelis' land, and the West Norwood and Tulse Hill gyratories are pretty intimidating on a bike. But by following the line of the old valley sides - Tivoli Road and Rosendale Road - the steep ups and downs of the area are entirely avoided.

A much more manageable route on heavier bikes than the steep climbs of Salters, Gipsy, Central or College hills.