I got my self out for a bike ride today. It was so beautiful out, my F. Moser (Falcor) was asking me for a good challenge. So, I decided that the crux of todays ride would be the climb out of Hallowell. As I approached the area I decided that a smaller side road would be interesting and different. I was right.
I took a left on to Central Street and immediately started up the first lift at 8,9,10% grade for a few hundred feet of road. It flattened out to 7-8% for the next few hundred road feet. The second lift 10-11...skip over 12 to 13%, again for a few hundred more feet. Another flat section (7%) then an increase to 9% with a final kick that was fucking crazy. it looked like a wall. 16-18, 20% percent grade for about 300 feet. The total climb length is about 1 mile.
I pedaled slow and hard. I've never grunted during a climb before, but I did today. Pushing down hard with every stroke while pulling on the handlebars with my arms. I REFUSED TO WALK.
The following 20 miles was comparatively easy. I am looking forward to bringing some unwitting soul up this hill someday soon.
*note* i wrote this back in June 2010 and forgot about it. So im posting what i had written at that time.
