Originally Posted by
rdtompki
300' over 5 miles is barely over 1% and on a single can be very hard to feel (or see for that matter). The slightest breeze would present a similar resistance. I don't know which Garmin you have, but I've generally found elevation and grade to be accurate.
I have trouble buying that a 300 foot climb is "very hard to feel"... Basically, it is climbing a 10 story building -- and most people would not find that hard to feel. Actually, most people I know could not do it. Or, if they did, they would be panting at the top.
But I do agree that a headwind can pose a similar resistance.
But, I post this to caution experienced cyclists to be cautious with their words around new cyclists. As a new cyclist I have heard things like "Anybody should be able to do 25 miles..." or that you should not be able to feel a 300 foot climb...
It is misleading -- which could lead somebody to push themselves beyond their abilities and risk, amonst other things, discouragement.