Originally Posted by
Biker395
stapfam: 25% grades scare the bejeezers out of me. There is a road around her called Balcom Canyon that's almost 20% for about a mile. I've ascended it a number of times, but never descended it. The first time the Tour of California ascended that climb, the riders were caught unawares and many of them were tacking up the hill.
Most of the hills -or the routes to the top of them- are around 12 to 15%. In fact the easy route to the top is a 15% that averages out at 12% for a mile. Seems steep but better than most of the Gentler Rutted tracks that do have some unridable sections within them.
But like everything else- it is what you are used to. Having had to ride hills right from the start of my riding-Hills do not bother me. I may ride them slowly but I ride them. What scares me is going out for a flat ride with the local club.