Did you see that guy in the breakaway hit that climb today and ride at about 5 mph? He started zig-zaging like a drunk just to stay atop of his bike! :eek: :D

I have a feeling that the pros had their bikes set up in something like 53x39 and 11-23 in the rear.

11-20% grade!!

I could climb it easily- on a mountain bike... :o

We rode up that thing before the race and waited about 1/4 mile up from where that guy was tacking all over the road.I climbed it in my triple and it was tough. The lead rider,(Lang), and most of the peloton went by so fast we couldn't see the gearing. They were flying up that stupid steep grade, we could hardly recognize the riders. Of course, there were hundreds of people screaming and moving around on the road. I had never seen anything like it, those guys are truly amazing. When we rode up people were cheering me and a couple even pushed me up. Way cool day. I want to see more pros climb hills.

A different report listed that climb as 11% avg with a max of 20%.

That's dang steep if you've got your 11-23 on the back for the final sprint.

Yes, it's 20% at the steepest part, when you get to the 12% part it feels easy. It's the steepest road I know of around SoCal except for Fargo Street.