bnettles

In the latest Bicycling magazine, NC had a couple of mentions in the article purporting to list the best 100 climbs in the country. What climbs do you think are the best? Here is a good resource.

https://www.mountainmapper.com/wnc-fr1.htm

BikeWNC

Well I've done all the climbs listed in SW NC and Cashiers-Highlands as well as many of the Asheville area climbs. They're all great. There are many other climbs not listed, some long and some short but steep. I guess it all depends upon your mood for the day and how you're feeling as to which is best. It also matters when the climb comes in the ride as to its relative difficulty on any given day.

msheron

There is a road in Saluda that parallels I-26 for about 300 yards or so................unreal the grade over that distance. I keep quite as to the grade.........it offends some that it is so steep when they think their grade is much worse or so they thought in their hometown. If you ever get to this area e-mail me and I can take you there to ride that small section and see just what you think. Just to let you know......I coasted down it without pedaling and hit over 50 mph and still climbing and had to brake hard.

jamiewilson3

I ride in Saluda from time to time from G'ville. What road is it? I have a guess in mind.

msheron

Not sure the exact mile marker. It is one of those things I know how to get there but can't explain the directions. When you start down the mountain on I-26 it is where you see over the entire valley before getting to the Saluda exit. You will see the road to your right with a power line that runs along it as well. It is really not that noticeable unless you really look for it. Unreal the grade however.

cycleaddict

well since ive never lived out west i have nothing to compare these mountains to. however speaking in terms of quantity and quality i would bet this area is very hard to beat. to be honest an hour of climbing is common place around here. i do a ride west of hendersonville that has two very steep 1.5 mile climbs which register rediculous grade readings on my edge. this kind of riding is what its all about. all you have to do is head out to the parkway and ride in either direction. oh but be mindful of gawking tourists-they will run you off the road.

bnettles

Is the climb that you mentioned on the Saluda side of I-26 or the other (probably east) side? does the road head down to Tryon or Green River?

saintx

151 or 181 can never remmber the number going from Lenoir up to Grandfather Mountain also Snake and Beach Mountains are nice climbs.

serotta

184 from Valle Crucis to Banner Elk, then 194 from there to the top of Beech Mt. is always good for a few laughs. Certainly not among the most vicious climbs in the state, but up there for difficulty mixed with scenery. Hickory Nut Gap out of Banner Elk on the way to Newland is a favorite also. Relatively easy, but very enjoyable.

msheron

It is on the east side.......you see the top of the road and then it drops off the face of the earth as I say. My Edge registered over 30 degree grade (Not sustained over the entire climb just for a short distance) on this for a short distance. There are some that have all but called me a liar on this but unless you have seen the road you would not believe it. It is unreal to say the least. I have only heard of one person climbing it and they almost cried as stated before getting to the top. You would need a ski lift if it were a resort

I think it does head toward Tryon if I remember. I was riding with friends the day we rode it who are from there. I really don't know the area all that well.