Big Pete 1982

I've been training for my goal of a 1 day STP this year. I've ridden every century ride I could find within reasonable distance. I just moved to a very hilly area and I signed up for what will definitely be my most difficult ride. The Chelan Century Challenge. Check it out here:

https://www.centuryride.com/

It's basically every big, long, steep hill near Lake Chelan. I've ridden many of these hills before, but the Mcneil Canyon climb is what intimidates me. I think the road sign at the bottom says it's 9 miles of 10% grade!

So far everyone I've told I'm riding this has told me I'm crazy. Not sure how to take that to be honest. I'm not sure if they think I can't or what. Anyways, it should be a beautiful ride as the scenery around here is amazing. I bought the event jersey, so I can't wuss out or I'll be a total poser if I ever wear it, so my only option is success! If I am indeed crazy, well so be it. But I really want to complete this ride! Wish me luck!

aramis

Good luck! Bring appropriate gearing!

TrojanHorse

Well, that will be "fun" for sure. Make sure you have a suitable gear and go to town!

Ursa Minor

Yes it looks like fun.

Charlie

SeanBlader

People without vision say "you're crazy", I say you're tenacious. I say the difference is they just see the climb, but I see the descent as well. even if it wasn't part of the ride, I'd do it anyway.

Big Pete 1982

Well, my lowest gear is 34/28. I have been tempted to get a SRAM Apex group with the 34/32 gears since I moved here, but so far I've never had to walk a hill around here. But if there's one that would be too much, it would be Mcneil Canyon! The guy at the LBS recommended riding it before the event so I'm not surprised. Maybe, but I do better on event day. It's harder to wuss out when lots of people are watching.

TrojanHorse

The road sign probably means "up to 10%" which is a much different thing than 10% the whole way. A preview ride might help you determine if you need that 32 cog though. I would struggle big time if the hill was 10% for that long.

I'm a big fan of knowing your route - mentally it can make a huge difference and IMO climbing is half mental anyway.

vesteroid

thats a long grade at that level.

dont know how many watts you hold but thats an easy hour plus (for me it would be way more than an hour) Hard to find a comfortable pace at 10% grade for an long climb.

Only advice I have it find a HR you feel you can handle for 2 hours or more and still have something left and try and climb under that HR. dont blow up on the bottom half.