Pacific Northwest - Average gradient on climbs for Livestrong Challenge?

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Lodger
05-17-09, 11:50 AM
Hey guys,

I'm signed up for my first century at the Livestrong Challenge next month. The route map shows 4000 ft of climbing, but I don't ride on the east side at all so I don't know how steep the hills are. For those who are familiar, how steep are those climbs? I guess I'd like to know what I need to prepare for since I'm still fairly novice.

Thanks!

BengeBoy
05-17-09, 08:25 PM
Nothing extreme - the hilly sections for the most part are rolling hills.

I think the toughest part may be after you do the lap of Lake Sammamish and then you climb up Village Park drive and along Lakemont Blvd toward Coal Creek Parkway - it's not the steepest road in that area but coming toward the end of the ride that may feel difficult.

Some good training loops would be (from shortest to longest):

- Laps of Mercer Island (counterclockwise is hilliest)
- Laps of Lake Sammamish
- The Chilly Hilly course on Bainbridge Island
- A lap of Lake Washington.

If you're not comfortable doing a lap of Lake Washington (a bit over 50 miles) between now and the Livestrong Challenge I think you'll find the Livestrong Challenge to be a, well, challenge.