Additional Info

More Information

Title:  The Complete Guide to Climbing (By Bike) in California

Author:  John Summerson

ISBN:  978-0-9792571-2-4

Size:  5.5 x 8 paperback, 295 pages, 100 photos

Californians have the greatest assortment of road bike climbs to choose from in the entire country.  From beyond category monsters in the Sierra Madre Mountains to more moderate climbs along the coast and the shorter but generally steeper ascents in the Bay Area there are multiple rewarding climbs for all types of riders.  

 

Must Do Climbing

   

 

Table of Contents

Preface/Acknowledgments ............................................ 10
Introduction ................................................................ 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.