Originally Posted by
Biker395
You know, I actually don't fear Sierra Road at all. Yea, it's steep and long. But it's terraced, so while you might be going up a 16% grade for 100 yards or so, soon enough, it slackens off to 7% or so, and you can catch your breath.
The ski lifts climb? It does NOT let up. Even the flippin switchbacks. Usually switchbacks are steep around the curve, then flatten out inbetween. Not the ski lifts ... those suckers just keep putting on the hurt! Ooof.
What can I say Vic? I'm the opposite: I can handle the Ski-Lifts but I fear Sierra road. I don't recall any "terraced" bits . . . must have been the short times when I sat on the saddle instead of standing my pedals (which, I recall, was most of the climb). That said, it was dark when I climbed Sierra so maybe it would have been mentally easier if I cound have seen it better.
Plus, there are two places where the Ski-Lift climb
does let up. Once about 3 miles up and then there's an actual descent (after Missy's cabin) just below the campgrounds (Mangor Flats?).
You know, this really does sound like an example of
"better the devil you know than the devil you don't."
So yes, ask me what I think of Sierra Road after the 2015 DMD. My opinion may have changed.
Rick / OCRR