Originally Posted by
cyclinfool
There is about a 1 mile stretch at the beginning that is 10% then the dip and then a steady 8% to the top. I have done quite a few 2 to 3 mile climbs at 8% to 10% before and back in June I did a repeats 4x on a 2.8 mile climb which ranged 6% to 8% - I thought I was well prepared for this kind of climb, I suspect if I had not already gone 25 miles and climbed two ridges and I had been able to taken a break or two I might have made it up faster. And then to ride back with no more than about 10 minutes rest at the top and the ride down added insult to injury. I almost bonked and if I had not had a flat tire at around mile 50 which forced me to stop I am sure the last climb would have done me in. I feel a lot stronger today, I would have like to have had short ride today but it has rained all day here.
Next year I will redo this ride, it should go better as I know what I need to prepare for.
I have done quite a few rides on the BRP and Skyline Drive when I lived in VA. I never road Mt Mitchell though. I would usually climb up to Skyland - but I don't recall it being that tough. Oh well - age must be catching up to me.
I was only doing some quick math on the last 5 mile segment on the 7-8%........the first segment looks to be a little steeper and could easily be around 10 percent. Most of the BRP climbs I've done have been on the Southern segment-they are just a touch steeper than those I've done in Va-but they're generally limited to around 7%. They'll be some shorter segments that can be a little steeper but generally only up to 10%.
I quit trying to keep up with anyone while climbing. I just making myself more miserable. I'm always just happy to get to the top of the darn things!!
I bet when you come back next year with another year of cycling under you it will not feel quite as steep-assuming you don't put on 20 pounds!!