Originally Posted by
Robert A
I've been training locally in Mandeville, which is 1000 feet in 5 miles, but easily gets to 4-10% towards the end. Yesterday, I rode from Brentwood (near Santa Monica) to the bottom of PV and back. PV isn't especially hard, but layered into a 75 mile RT ride, it presented a challenge at my stage of fitness. Until last month, most of my longer rides were along the L.A. and San Gabriel Rivers, which are mostly flat.
Ah yes, I posted a profile of Solvang above. The wall is not that impressive.
If you have ever heard of GMR, it is a playground for cyclists over here by Mt Baldy. First 8 miles is pretty much the fun ride. 8 miles with 2300 ft of gain. the bigger ride is 21 mile climb with about 4600 ft.
1000 ft in 5 miles is good. So I am guessing our GMR is about the same but only longer. Some steep here and there but only averages 6%.
If you work on your climb, you'll be golden when it comes to hills. But do repeats as well. Repeat the 5 miles or pick a one mile section and do it over and over just for a workout. Once you get into it, you'll dig it!
...and Solvang hills will be a breeze for you.