Average gradient on climbs for Livestrong Challenge?
05-17-09 | 11:50 AM
#1
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From: Seattle
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Average gradient on climbs for Livestrong Challenge?
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!
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!
05-17-09 | 08:25 PM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,955
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From: Seattle, Washington, USA
Bikes: 2009 Chris Boedeker custom; 2007 Bill Davidson custom; 2021 Bill Davidson custom gravel bike; 2022 Specialized Turbo Vado e-bike
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.
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.
