BruceGray wrote:
A few pointers:
- Unless you are a seasoned hill climber, it is easier with a lower geared bike, like a roadie with a compact chainring (32-34) and at least a 25 cog gear on the cassette.
- most mountain bikes would have low enough gears.
- good idea to get some practice in on hills before attemtping it.
- the most acknowledged grade from memory is 9.4%, but the 300 metres to Channel 10 is probably 10.5%.
- the distance ridden and measured is 2320 metres.
- the vertical ascent is 217 metres.
- make sure your bike is in good condition before riding. Cleats need to be firm in pedals so they don't slip out when riding up. Gears need to be adjusted properly so you have smooth changes on the hill. Brakes need to be 110% reliant for the downhill bits. Wheels need to be true. Ensure you are well hydrated beforehand, and keep drinking all the way.
- hold a straight line when riding up, otherwise you are likely to be involved in accidents.
- the best time to practice riding up the hill (anti-clockwise) is Sunday mornings before 6.30am. There's fewer cars. If practising riding up, be very wary of cars coming downhill (and cyclists). Don't presume they'll stay on their side of the road.
OK... I've been having a think about this (LOL!) and I'd like to have a stab at doing this in the 10 minute bracket. If I do this and they can resuscitate me afterwards I'd be utterly stoked so thats my goal.
According to my elementary calculations I need to average 13km for the climb to do it in less than 11 minutes. Does that sound right?
I just looked at my history from last time and I averaged about 11.5 but it was on cyclemeter and GPS don't calculate distances on hills at all well (they view the earth as flat so under read). Anyway, I'm just chasing a figure to watch on the bike computer on the day.
In other news the forecast for the day is still "rain easing to showers"
