I guess it depends on the person what "tough" is. Some people find miles and miles long 5% grinds tough while others have a hard time with 10%+ grades tougher although shorter. (I'm in the second group)

I have climbed a lot of stuff in Norcal but 2 of the toughest ones for me have always been

Hicks (north side) -> Umunhum (4 miles. 10% Avg Grade. 2188 feet Elv gain) (Umunhum sadly closed after all the rains. Might open after summer)
https://www.strava.com/segments/8479250

Bohlman -> On Orbit -> Bohlman (4.2 miles. 9% Grade. 1953 feet Elv gain)
https://www.strava.com/segments/268861

Bohlman although easier on paper, it feels harder cause it has flat and almost negative grade up top in a small section which makes the rest of it brutal.

These 2 really make you feel it even with a compact & 11-32. After these, climbs like Hamilton, Diablo, Hwy 9, Montebello etc seem fairly easier because you can choose to just go slower. Slowest I can go in parts of the other 2 require sustaining 250 watts which is a lot for a weakling like me.


What are some of your favorite walls?