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The best part of any hill is passing people. I don't care how slow I'm going as long as I'm not last up the hill.

I love the yellow road sign of the truck heading downhill. I've always thought that would make a great jersey.
When I see that sign, I know I've made it to the top.
There are a number of descents that are set up really nicely for "surfing the mountain." That is a couple of great back and forth turns that gives you the feeling that you are surfing home.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uphill Battle

I love the yellow road sign of the truck heading downhill.

I like the signs with the truck heading uphill! Like this one:

Sonora Pass Road, east side

I had some really angry riders by the time they got to the top of that road. Like this one. Another rider said that if I didn't say I was tired when I got to the top, he was going to hurt me. Funny guys.

[QUOTE=terrymorse]I like the signs with the truck heading uphill! Like this one:

Sonora Pass Road, east side

The worst thing about that sign is that you get to think about the climb for 10 miles now

The best part of a hill climb is the feeling of satisfaction you get that later that evening when you go through the day's ride in your mind and revel in the feat it was to complete that climb. The sense of personal satisfaction in the quiet of your own mind is worth all the pain. (But so is that look of agony on the face of the guy behind you.)
On this continent, if you haven't ridden the Rockies, you haven't ridden hills.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmc

On this continent, if you haven't ridden the Rockies, you haven't ridden hills.

Ha! Obviously someone who hasn't spent much time in the Sierra Nevada. They make the Rockies seem flat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by terrymorse

Ha! Obviously someone who hasn't spent much time in the Sierra Nevada. They make the Rockies seem flat.

I've done several rides in the Sierra Nevada, and some of those climbs kicked my fanny but good, plus it is such a beautiful place. The Rocky Mountains are the great mountains of the continent, stretching from New Mexico to British Columbia, and awesome in scope and diversity. Terry, before you make a statement like that, (I know it's April fools day), I have to ask if you have climbed Teton Pass near Jackson WY, and Victor ID? If you've done that climb and concider it flat compared to anything in the Sierra, then I am truly impressed. Teton Pass is one example, Red Mountain/Coal Bank Pass, Berthoud Pass, Loveland Pass, these are a few that have gotten my attention over the years in the Rockies. :eek:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shifty

Terry, before you make a statement like that, (I know it's April fools day), I have to ask if you have climbed Teton Pass near Jackson WY, and Victor ID? If you've done that climb and concider it flat compared to anything in the Sierra, then I am truly impressed. Teton Pass is one example, Red Mountain/Coal Bank Pass, Berthoud Pass, Loveland Pass, these are a few that have gotten my attention over the years in the Rockies. :eek:

Maybe quoting myself will thwart the strike-through text pranksters.

Quote:

Originally Posted by terrymorse

Of course, I haven't done all the climbs of the Rockies, although I have driven most of the passes you mention. The only substantial pass I've climbed in Colorado is Independence Pass. It was pretty, but it wasn't difficult. The mountains in Colorado are big, but the roads tend to be graded very gently. In contrast, the roads of the Sierra are a real test of climbing toughness. Sonora Pass is both high and brutally steep. The roads out of Bishop combine grades that are unrelenting with big vertical, high elevation, and exposure to weather.

The Eastern Sierra has been called a climbing mecca. The one thing that keeps it from being better known is its remoteness. That's fine, you only have to share the road with a few fishermen and the occasional eruopean tourist on his way to Death Valley.

Ha, no strike-through!

What's a hill?

Oh, you mean the part of the road that goes over an interstate? :D

Sorry, I'm a S. Jersey flatlander. I'll google it.

Sir Edmund Hillary when asked why he climbed Everest: "Because it is there."

gcasillo when asked why he turned around at the base of a little roller: "Because it is there."

Quote:

Originally Posted by terrymorse

Maybe quoting myself will thwart the strike-through text pranksters.

Ha, no strike-through!

I enjoyed the photos of Sonora Pass, thanks for sharing them, that one goes on my list. Did you say it's in the Bishop area? Also might note that the best and hardest climbs in the Rockies are dirt, mtn bike touring can be a thrill.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shifty

I enjoyed the photos of Sonora Pass, thanks for sharing them, that one goes on my list. Did you say it's in the Bishop area?

It's quite a ways north of Bishop, north of Yosemite. Mike of Chain Reaction Bicycles has a good page on Sonora Pass:

http://www.chainreaction.com/sonora_pass.htm

Hearing a car struggle past the same "hill"... PRICELESS

Quote:

Originally Posted by terrymorse

It's quite a ways north of Bishop, north of Yosemite. Mike of Chain Reaction Bicycles has a good page on Sonora Pass:

http://www.chainreaction.com/sonora_pass.htm

Thanks that's a great reference. Some of the photos are kind of scarry. :eek: :)