Northern California - Finally conquered Sierra Rd and Welch Creek

I posted this write up in the Road forum, as I don't receive enough internet abuse in my life.

Ron - as I can't make your painfest tomorrow, I submit this offering in its place. For some reason, I found Sierra somewhat easier than I was expecting. I think it might be that much of the climb is sub 15% or so. It was also the first climb of the day. Welch Creek ended up as advertised. Climbing El Toyonal/Lomas in Orinda has really helped stamina for steep stuff, but this one just didn't stop. I thought I might run out of steam, but managed to seal the deal.

Great solo ride, very enjoyable, and bizarrely good weather for this time of year.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=9443909#post9443909

Wow! That's an impressive ride!

Every time I've done Sierra Road, it's hurt - and this year my back went out trying to climb that stupid hill. Welch Creek is something I haven't even gotten around to trying yet.

JB

nice writeup. Now I know I will not be doing Welch at very least for a while, though it is not helping that I am doing the ride tomorrow.

Cheers!

Welch Creek left me more traumatized than any other climb I've ever done. Nice job getting up it!

Thanks guys - Ben, I found that the altimeter trick was a nice mind game to play on myself up to a point. I had it in my head that the climbed topped out at 2000ft. Every time I clicked by another 100ft, it was a small victory. At 1000ft I was thinking "great, only 900 and something to go". Similarly 1500ft was a motivational boost as that meant only 400 and something. I was so gutted when that ticked over to 2001ft and there was clearly more to come.

I just didn't even want to look at grade, speed, cadence or HR.

Nice report Richard!

Read your report on the Road Cycling forum ... you weren't bashed at all. A little disappointed? lol

I haven't done Welch Creek yet ... haven't had the urge to. I'd be interested to see how you compare this to Bohlman, On Orbit.

Nicely done, Beaker and congrats! :beer:

Hey you can say've done it.

Cool writeup. Quite jealous.

I do Sierra at lunch sometimes and you had me stumped with this "Welch Creek" thing; I'd never heard of it. I was hoping it was a good little add-on for my lunchtime ride. It took me a while to find it and realized this would make for a pretty extravagant lunch. What a great training ride this would make! Great riding and documentation.

Good going, Richard!

*respect*

Sierra kicks my butt.

i haven't heard of Welch Creek before either, but it sounds like a good way to die. i will have to try it.

Well done. :thumb:

My main issue with Welch Creek (er, besides the fact that it's stupid-steep) is that the descent is tricky. It's a narrow road with some blind curves and not particularly good visibility heading down. Princess Zippy once almost got too close and personal with a truck that was heading up. And grazing cows can wander across the road at inopportune moments.

I figure if I'm going to work that hard going up a hill I'd just as soon be rewarded with a fun descent. :notamused:

I do Sierra at lunch sometimes Maybe you see Glenn (gw12), he sometimes rides Sierra at lunchtime too.

Eee Paaa! :thumb:

Welcome to the club. Pulling off that double hurts, but it's only temporary. The memory is forever.

Nice write up.

BR

Sierra as a lunchtime ride must be nice - I have San Bruno Mtn for that.

Jobob - quite agree about the descent.

Ron, I've yet to try Bohlman/On Orbit. I've got to give that a go. From the profiles, it looks like Bohlman is a steadier climb than Welch, but comparing them sounds like asking someone what method of torture they'd like to be subjected to - at some point, it's all suffering.

Ron, I've yet to try Bohlman/On Orbit. I've got to give that a go. From the profiles, it looks like Bohlman is a steadier climb than Welch, but comparing them sounds like asking someone what method of torture they'd like to be subjected to - at some point, it's all suffering.


I just did Bohlman/On Orbit for the first time yesterday and am pretty sure Welch Creek is worst. B/OO is hard cause you climb then it hits you with the steep part at the end. Welch Creek is just as steep and even though there are a couple flat (8% flat) spots to rest, the middle and the last section are much longer than the last part of On Orbit.

Beaker, time to try the triple play - Quimby/Sierra/Welch Creek.