Top 10 U.S. Hill Climbs for 2016 - Part 2
You don't have to travel to the Alps or Pyrenees to experience the high cols. The U.S. has some of the most beautiful, iconic climbs in the world. Make sure you add one of these to your Bucket List.
7. Mount Lemmon
Tucson, Arizona, May 13th
Mount Lemmon is one of the nicest climbs in the southwest of the U.S. It's a long, steady climb with near perfect tarmac - a real hill climber’s paradise. Mt. Lemmon is a rare jewel in the Arizona desert. Jutting up 9,157 feet (2,791 meters) above sea level in the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson, Arizona, this magnificent mountain peak stands amidst the pale backdrop of the sparse desert sand and cactus. Not far from Tucson - a haven for Professional teams in the warm winter climate.
Mount Lemmon received its English name in honor of botanist Sarah Plummer Lemmon, who trekked to the top of the mountain with Native American guides by mule and foot in 1881. Sara Lemmon is also known for getting the Golden Poppy adopted as the California State Flower in 1903.
Hardly anywhere else in the US can you climb so high for so many miles in succession. Mount Lemmon is in the top 25% of toughest hill climbs in America - with a rating of HC "hors category" on the scale used to rank climbs in European stage races, like the Tour de France.
Mount Lemmon is right up there with the famous passes in the Alps, Dolomites and Pyrenees.
In comparison, the Colle dell'Agnello (Italian) or Col d'Agnel (French), used in this years Giro d'Italia. It is situated in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region on the French / Italian border and belongs to the Alps range of mountains. Starting from french town of Guillestre, the Col d'Agnel ascent is 26 miles. Over this distance, you climb 1,736m. The average percentage is 4.5 % and this climb has been used twice in the Tour De France and Giro d'Italia. Very similar to Mount Lemmon in distance, difficulty and height - although the Italian side is much harder.
Mount Lemmon grade averages 4.5% for 6,600 feet (2012m) of elevation gain over 27.5 miles from base to the top. The temperature on the way up to Mt Lemmon is 20 to 30 degrees colder than the Tucson area. Weather can also change quickly. Check the weather day before the ride to know the conditions and bring appropriate clothing to keep yourself warm, like armwarmers and a Gillette.
The almost continuous 26-mile descent down is exciting without ever being terrifying.
The event is organized by the Greater Arizona Bicycling Association. An early start is required!
http://www.strava.com/segments/5275818
6. Mount Diablo
Danville, California, September 25
Mt. Diablo is one of the three iconic San Francisco Bay Area climbs. It’s less tranquil than Mt. Hamilton and less scenic than Mt. Tam, but it’s grand nonetheless. No other ride gives you such a distinct sense of “climbing a mountain.” It’s a long climb but not a hard one until the last 100 yards. The view from the top is a tourist attraction, and for good reason—they say on a clear day a person looking north and east can see further than from any other spot on the planet except Kilimanjaro. You can see the mountains around Lake Tahoe.
The Mount Diablo Challenge is an 11 mile timed bike ride climbing up Southgate Road 3,356 feet (1,024m) to the summit of Mount Diablo. The climb itself is mostly moderate, with occasional steep turns and a final 150-yard stretch of straight 16% grade. The average gradient is 5.8%
Every year around 1,000 cycling enthusiasts compete and prizes are awarded for several categories in a ceremony at the summit with food and beverages for all.
All proceeds benefit Save Mount Diablo’s land conservation efforts. Only half of Mount Diablo’s wilderness is preserved. The other half is at risk of being lost to development forever. They work to preserve, defend and restore the remaining natural lands for people and wildlife to enjoy. Please ride and help save Mount Diablo’s animal and wildlife. There’s no better way to enjoy riding your bike uphill and raise money for such a worthy cause.
5. Mount Mitchell
Spartanburg, South Carolina, May 16
The Mt. Mitchell is situated in North Carolina and belongs to the Appalachian, Black Mountains. Mount Mitchell has one of the greatest elevation gains of any climb in the United States, and the climbing styles are very diverse. The first section from Route 80 starts out shallow but gradually gets steeper as you ride. Its top portion contains a series of 180-degree switchbacks as it nears the Blue Ridge Parkway. After several tunnels and a descent, the climb resumes on Mount Mitchell State Park Road, which is a bit steeper than earlier climbing.
The dead-end road is the highest road in the eastern US. It’s 24.1 miles with 5,161 feet of climbing with an average gradient of 3.6%.
This event isn’t just a hill climb it’s a full Century ride finishing with the climb up Mount Mitchell. The Assault on Mt. Mitchell is a 103 miles from Spartanburg, South Carolina, along the Blue Ridge Parkway, to the summit at Mt. Mitchell State a total vertical ascent of more than 10,000 feet.
Riders are well looked after with 10 rest stops along the way, you will be able to refill, refuel, and make mechanical adjustments as needed.
The Assault on Mt. Mitchell have been limited to 750 finishers due to the National Park Service and the Mt. Mitchell State Park rules. The Assault on Mt. Mitchell began in 1975 and the annual event has become one of the best known centuries in the country. Upon finishing, riders will have access to food and beverage and changing stations. Buses will transport riders off the Mountain to enjoy post-ride festivities.
strava.com/segments/695873
The Assaults on Mt. Mitchell and Marion
Part 1
