Must Do Climbing
Table of Contents
Preface/Acknowledgments ............................................ 10Introduction ................................................................ 11
Climbing ...................................................................... 11
About this Guidebook: .................................................. 13
Defining a Hill Climb
Definitions of Terms
Rules of the Road
Improving Climbing Ability: ............................................. 20
Cycling Techniques
Specific Training for Hill Climbing
Descending
Mental Training
Climbing Tactics
Memorable Climbing Performances .................................. 31
Maps of Climbs ............................................................ 48
Climbs:
Northern California ...................................................... 52
Central California .......................................................... 68
Southern California ..................................................... 104
Bay Area ................................................................... 134
Hill Climb Races ........................................................... 157
Organized Rides with Significant Climbing ........................ 158
Seasonal Climbs .......................................................... 159
Most Difficult Climbs: ................................................... 160
Overall
By Distance
By Region
Most Difficult Climbing Sections ..................................... 165
Additional Climb Categories (climbs > 1.5 miles): .............. 167
Steepest Climbs
Fastest Descents
Most Technical Descents
Greatest Elevation Gain Climbs
Highest Elevation Attained Climbs
Longest Climbs
Climbs with Greatest Length of > 10% Grade
Most Scenic Climbs
Northern California Climb Categories ............................... 170
Central California Climb Categories .................................. 172
Southern California Climb Categories ............................... 174
Bay Area Climb Categories ............................................. 176
Climbing Resources ...................................................... 178
Additional Data ........................................................... 180
Climb Profiles .............................................................. 239
Index ........................................................................ 288
Climbing may be the most difficult and intriguing aspect of cycling. It can be about pain and perseverance as well as planning and persistence. However one describes the process, for most cyclists it is a worthwhile feat that leads to a sense of accomplishment. Just standing on a challenging climb’s slopes generates excitement and a bit of fear as you anticipate its difficulties. In addition, famous climbing exploits among professional riders often become the stuff of legend. Success for most however involves simply getting to the top of the hill.