Burke Mountain, Vermont
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Total elevation - 1,770 ft Length - 2.5 miles
Average Grade - 13.4% (24%) Rating - 2.47 (cat 1)
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Burke Mountain is a very tough climb along unrelenting grade in northern Vermont. Within the first mile (one of the steepest in the U.S.) there is extended 20% grade and the hill is steep all the way to the top. Often the average grade of this hill is overestimated which is understandable due to the extremely steep sections. At the parking area (mile 2.4) keep left and go around the gate to get to the very top of the pavement and another short section of 20% grade (closed in winter - East Burke Sports - 802 626-3215).
Directions - From the small town of East Burke, VT head east on route 114 for a short distance and turn right on Mountain Rd. Travel Mountain Rd for just over two miles and Campground Rd takes off from the left where the climb begins.
Facilities - East Burke, VT Airport - Burlington, VT
Whitney Portal, California
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Total elevation - 4,580 ft Length - 11.3 miles
Average Grade - 7.7% (13%) Rating - 3.98 (hors)
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Whitney Portal is a great and difficult climb out of the high desert up towards Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower 48. Like most eastern Sierra ascents this one starts out tame and ends up tough. The grade increases as you climb so that the average grade over the last 5.5 miles is over 9%. The hill lets up just before the finish at Whitney Portal (8,371 ft) and a parking/hiking area (trailhead to Mt. Whitney). Whitney Portal is very similar to the famed French climb of the Madeleine, a monster frequently used in major cycling classics including regular appearances in the Tour de France (closed in winter - Inyo National Forest - 760 876-6222).
Directions - From highway 395 in Lone Pine, CA take Whitney Portal Rd west for 6/10ths mile to begin the climb where the road crosses the Los Angeles aqueduct.
Facilities - Bishop, CA Airport - Reno, NV
Mount Evans, Colorado
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Total elevation - 6,590 ft Length - 27.8 miles
Average Grade - 4.5% (10%) Rating - 3.88 (hors)
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The road on Mount Evans is the highest paved road in the northwestern hemisphere and the most difficult and spectacular climb in Colorado. Never very steep, the altitude will work on you all the way up. After 13.2 miles and just past Echo Lake you turn right to pass through an entrance station ($3 per bike as of 2007) for the push to the summit. The road gets very narrow at this point as you head above the treeline. There are several small descents before you reach Summit Lake Park at mile 21.5. From here the road heads up through switchbacks with amazing views. At the top (14,130 ft) you will find an overlook and restrooms. You must hike the final bit to reach the very top of the mountain. Be careful on the descent as there are no guardrails in places and it is often very windy. Due to its altitude this road has a short window for use, usually opening by early June and closing sometime in September. It also carries a lot of traffic on good weather days so you will likely have company on your ascent so start early in the day. The toll booth is not manned after the road is closed in the Fall. This is a must do ride for serious hill climbers (closed in winter - Arapaho National Forest 303 567-3000).
Directions - From I-70 in Idaho Springs, CO take exit 240 for route 103. Head south on 103 and you immediately come to the Clear Creek Ranger Station on the right. The climb begins here.
Facilities - Denver, CO Airport - Denver, CO
Beech Mountain, North Carolina
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Total elevation - 1,653 ft Length - 3.5 miles
Average Grade - 8.9% (15%) Rating - 1.56 (cat 1/2)
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Beech Mountain is a difficult climb that was used as a stage finish in the now defunct Tour DuPont. Turn left on Ski Loft Rd at mile 3.1 to finish (4/10ths mile at 13%). Lance Armstrong used this hill early in his cycling recovery.
Directions - In Banner Elk, NC head west on 194 for 3/10ths mile to Beech Mountain Rd (on your right). The listed statistics start from the dip 1/4 mile down Beech Mountain Rd.
Facilities - Banner Elk, NC Airport - Tri-Cities, TN