Anyone know the grade of Signal Hill?
 

I've been watching the TdF since it began two weeks ago, and the commentators are always talking about the grade (percentage) of the climbs. Today, I rode up Temple (not too bad), but when you make that left turn onto Skyline it's a killer. The pro riders would laugh at it, but to this 55-year old, it's a challenge.

Which got me to wondering what the grade is.........

I don't know personally but http://www.ridewithgps.com/ can tell you that kind of information.

Great website, thanks!

I use ridewithgps too. It's great.

strava.com has just about every hill climb in the U.S. I searched by name, and found Signal Hill Loop

It appears to be 7-8% most of the way. That's pretty steep. The leader on the Strava list climbed it at around 12 mph. That's hard.

The western end of Skyline Dr is really steep, well over 15%.

The first few times I attempted the climb, I had to stop halfway up. Now, I routinely make it nonstop, and today was actually the best I've ever done. It still isn't my idea of fun, but it's a challenge--one that feels good when it's accomplished successfully.

I think Stanley north of 21st gets up to 15% for a bit, too. If you want a little more extended pain, I find Ganado in PV, quite challenging. This street is off PV drive east.

Nice climb hit up Crown View, Eastvale RD, Sunnyridge Rd. La Cuesta all at least hit 16% - and some exceed 18% at some point some of my other favorites not as steep more 10% range Zuma and Trudie Dr.

Nicely done.

The good thing about the climb is it's short. The bad thing is it's steep. I think pacing is important as well as perseverance. Climbing GMR with Beanz helps, too. It prepares your climbs to be ready at any time for his/an attack.

I don't know the grade of Skyline but if you ever want to try Hill St (east end of the hill) it has a point where it shows (and feels) a 28% grade which feels like a wall. I rode it 3 times and every time my HR hit the max of it. Trying to get better at it.
http://screencast.com/t/3U0pPqJjnS

You are, of course, talking about the approach from Redondo. I've driven it many times. Ridden around it just as many, back in the '90's when I was at CSULB. I consider this a tossed gauntlet sir! Next time I'm in the area, it's on!

Hill St has a sign on it indicating "no bikes"

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w...la/image-8.jpg

Wow! Where did all those condos come from?!?!?

It's been a while.

Actually those are houses. They started building up this area a few years back.