hhnngg1

On-Orbit is a great climb! It's only about 3.5 mi long, but the last 1/2 mile or so, and the very end, go over 20%, just when you're hurting most. Still, it's overall not a horrendously awful climb because it's relatively short (but still takes me a long friggin' time to get up it!)

Pelotoner

I grew up in Almaden and did this ride a bunch of times. Thanks for posting this as now I know it was a true killer ride up. Smoking brakes going back down.

bam

i was hoping someone would notice

Beaker

After yesterday's ride I submit Ft Ross Road for your consideration. Doesn't quite displace Welch Creek from my mind, but it's a bugger nonetheless.

bjorke

Just ride in SF. Filbert is 30% across Hyde, neighboring streets are similar

bigbenaugust 

So do they make compact doubles that take a 32t granny ring?

I think you would have to be high on drugs to hit some of these more than once.

jonathanb715

Here you go: https://store.velo-orange.com/index.p...et-34x48t.html Stock is with a 34, but they seperately sell 28 and 30 tooth chainrings that work with this crankset.

The Almaden Cycle Touring Club has rated almost all the climbs mentioned on this thread and more on their infamous Billy Goat list: https://www.actc.org/routes/bg/index.php

While I don't always agree with the relative ranking of some of these climbs (Sierra Road is only a 5 on their 6 point scale, but Redwood Gulch is a 6? The much longer but slightly less steep Sierra always hurts me worse), if it's rated 5 or 6 you know it will hurt. Heck, a lot of the 4's will make most of us suffer pretty miserably, too.

JB

bobonker

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/531606

Rode Mix Canyon Rd today. 4.7 miles from the turnoff to the point (off of Pleasants Valley Rd) where it turns to gravel at the top. The first 3.5 miles weren't too bad. In fact, the first 2 miles were deceptively easy given that the top is ~2500 ft up. This had me thinking first, "This ain't so bad!" followed by the more realistic "I will surely pay for this later!". It was mostly moderately steep with a few sections in the mid teens that didn't last too long followed by some easing up. That last 1.2 miles though...insanity! Unrelentingly steep.

Set two personal records today: Most amount of standing I've ever had to do on a climb and most amount of sweat I've ever produced.

It was fun in a masochistic sort of way. Looking forward to trying others. I wore a Camelbak which was great because reaching down for a bottle wasn't doable in many places. Next time I'll wear a cap or something to keep the sweat out of my eyes.

Bob

Crimsonghost

I think Marin Ave tops out around 30% also.

aaronis31337

I've done all those.

I have to tell you though, the foothills buy the bay to shame. If you're ready for a great weekend ride, check out the hammering wheels out of Roseville CA. The Aurburn / foresthill, Ione area is amazing.

freighttraininguphill

Yup, Iowa Hill Road and Snows Road are the two most difficult climbs in the Placer/El Dorado County areas.

Tomorrow I'm going to ride up both sides of Mosquito Road for the first time. It's another steep climb in the Placerville area. Should be fun!

TeeMac

These are my Southbay faves... Bohlman, Quimby, Hicks, Sierra... They're all pretty short, but really steep. Also, for a more scientific look at climbs and comparing climbs, I like this page from ACTC: https://www.actc.org/profiles/

bikingshearer 

Correct, and for the same reason no one says the name "Voldemort" in Harry Potter.

ChristopherMast

Yes... that last stretch before the parking lot is like a practical joke or something!

bobonker

On the way home from work yesterday, I drove up Welch Creek Rd. It seemed steep in my car (particularly the descent). Riding up it will be interesting.

Bob

Steve90068

I generally do Diablo every weekend. I think it's finally time to try Tam or Hamilton. Which do you guys suggest?

UmneyDurak

Mt. Tam is not really that hard. I would go with Mt. Hamilton.

Carlito408

No one's mentioned Metcalf (San Jose). How does that rank among the rest?

DiabloScott

Tomorrow's the Alpe d'Huez stage - it's "a little" tougher than Diablo.

bam

i've never actually considered getting off the bike going up metcalf.

outofshape

I agree with Pine Flat rd up in Sonoma County and actually the top is over 20% in places! All the Pro teams that come out in the early winter months use this route often. There is a great video somewhere on youtube of Astana with Levi and Contadope blasting up it.

Ygduf

blackberry.

12% average, including 2 descents in the middle.

https://app.strava.com/segments/374491