Your most difficult road climb?
Discussion
Living in West Yorkshire I'm used to doing hilly road rides, but taking part in the Lakeland Loop sportive yesterday involved an ascent of Hardknott Pass. Without doubt the single post painful bike-related effort I've ever done. I had the appropriate gearing with a 34/50 compact chainset, although could have done with a bigger top cog than 25-teeth, and almost came to a standstill on a couple of the steeper sections.
Really chuffed that I managed the whole ascent without stopping or putting a foot down though.
Segment here (I struggled up in just under 22 mins - almost walking pace at 4.4 mph!):
http://app.strava.com/segments/637403
So what's the hardest climb you've done, UK or elsewhere?
Really chuffed that I managed the whole ascent without stopping or putting a foot down though.
Segment here (I struggled up in just under 22 mins - almost walking pace at 4.4 mph!):
http://app.strava.com/segments/637403
So what's the hardest climb you've done, UK or elsewhere?
Done a lot of the big Alpine climbs over the years - climbed Alpe d'Huez at least 30 or 40 times, although its overall gradient isn't that bad, the first three or four hairpins normally shatter any aspirations I've had of doing a quick time on it. However the hardest climb I've ever raced would be a hillclimb event up the Rock of Gibraltar - physically the most demanding thing I've ever done. Hateful climb.
Its only a short one but its a hard one. Its called Spread Eagle as is just outside Shaftesbury, Dorset on the C13 (higher Blandford rd) to Blandford. The problem is the very slight downhill all the way to the bottom of the hill so no chance for a earm up from my house. Its bllody steep to start and then gradually mellows near the top. Some of the best veiws at the top though.
Without a doubt, this one: http://g.co/maps/wg6er
It's about 5,000 feet down into a gorge, then 5,000 feet right back up the other side. It didn't help that my bike and kit weighed not far off 50kg.
It's about 5,000 feet down into a gorge, then 5,000 feet right back up the other side. It didn't help that my bike and kit weighed not far off 50kg.
okgo said:
Hard knott is about as hard as they come in the uk.
I want to try Applecross pass! Looks brutal. This years Giro D'Italia goes up the Stelvio! That looks brutal too.
As for stuff around me, not much more than a few relative bumps really. Few 20%+ efforts but they're not that long.
we have driven up bealach na ba to applecross and its just insane from the east. its a gradual climb but those switchbacks at the end will need attacking with some speed and after twenty odd minutes of climbing thats going to hurt. the peninsula from applecross to sheildaig is absolutely stunning, one of the most scenic coastal rides in the country...I want to try Applecross pass! Looks brutal. This years Giro D'Italia goes up the Stelvio! That looks brutal too.
As for stuff around me, not much more than a few relative bumps really. Few 20%+ efforts but they're not that long.
there are a few in the Bristool/Bath area, my favourite is in Hinton near Dyrham Park to the A46. I'll "strava" them soon...
okgo said:
As for stuff around me, not much more than a few relative bumps really. Few 20%+ efforts but they're not that long.
Where are those then? Not that I want to try them yet, but it would be good to have something to build up to.About the steepest I know about are the roads up from around Gomshall/Shere to Ranmore.
The Großglockner in Austria
http://maps.google.de/maps?saddr=5672+Fusch+an+der...
Having another attempt soon. Its 4 hours + of pain and suffering.
http://maps.google.de/maps?saddr=5672+Fusch+an+der...
Having another attempt soon. Its 4 hours + of pain and suffering.
Kermit power said:
Where are those then? Not that I want to try them yet, but it would be good to have something to build up to.
About the steepest I know about are the roads up from around Gomshall/Shere to Ranmore.
Barhatch Lane (aka Winterfold)About the steepest I know about are the roads up from around Gomshall/Shere to Ranmore.
Yorks Hill (used in Catford Hill climb) has some seriously steep bits (25% or so)
Westerham Hill
Some lesser ones round there like Toys Hill, Ides Hill etc.
There's lots around that park of Kent, but for Surrey I think Winterfold is probably the worst for steepness. But in terms of difficulty, there's Leith Hill up Boar Hill/Cold Harbour Lane (think that's a cat 3 climb actually), Whitedown Lane is quite punchy, Coombe Bottom is easy enough but gets steep near the top, Ranmore Lane is a bit of a sod too, Crocknorth Rd can be a bit of a sod as its pretty steep.
Here is something useful - http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&oe=UT...
Have a look here, my clubmate put this together: http://www.jibbering.com/hills/
okgo said:
Here is something useful - http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&oe=UT...
Have a look here, my clubmate put this together: http://www.jibbering.com/hills/
Cheers for those, really useful!Have a look here, my clubmate put this together: http://www.jibbering.com/hills/
I know I can make it up Ranmore and Zig Zag lane, albeit very slowly, so it doesn't look like there is too much that would be get off and push territory around here.
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