I just got back from driving the ride route and as a novice cycler the hill have scared me. If you are a novice to hills best start working on finding some and get out there to tackle them, otherwise this route will intimidate you mentally. I know I am strong and have been training for a year, but the thought of tackling the hills on the first leg of the ride frankly scares the crap out of me right now. I know with some added training on hills I will get over this and be just fine. I will make it to the top of every hill even if I have to walk it (whatever it takes).
Oh sure just after I was feeling pretty good about my riding now you put the fear into me. lol So was it just a long steady climb? I live in the south end of Calgary so I guess I should get out and check it out.
Based on the graph, the worst part of the route is about 3% grade. That'll sap energy, but for most riders, it shouldn't be too bad. A 1-2% grade is what you'll encounter in many places, even around Edmonton.
Heck, my little training ride out to Lindbrook (going east on Whyte Ave / Sh. Pk. Freeway / Wye Road / Secondary Highway 630) had that sort of grade on a regular basis. This will be just more of it.
Abrokenshire, if the graph Toyota posted (and Morrisjo found for his earlier thread) are correct, the maximum average grade over a km is about 1/2 what the Walterdale Hill climb up from the Kinsmen to 109 Street is. The Devon Hill is much, much greater than that.
Toyota and Morrisjo, the length of the climb intimidates me a bit because I know it'll gobble up a lot of calories...but the actual grade shouldn't be too bad. I suspect that the rest stops will be well used to re-fuel for the next segment.
I'm going to get a cycling computer and maybe stick the graph on to the handle bars so I could know what is coming up and I could save up some energy for the 3% parts.
Okay so this past Sunday a group of us went for a ride that includes a portion of the actual route we will be on. We rode from Spruce Meadows and instead of turning at 22 we went onto Bragg Creek. Well let me just say that before I started that ride I was feeling good about all the cycle time I have had in the gym and also around the city on pathways. Well my confidence was knocked down after this ride. We did roughly 74kms there and back with big hills and wow I was not in as near of shape as I thought. I suggest anyone who hasn't gone out and done some good road riding with hills to give it a try to know where you are at. needless to say when I am at the gym during the day I will set the bike to the Himalaya setting.
But you did it - great for you. My test will be on a ride South along the Lesser Slave Lake on Wednesday. Some hills, four over 40km, not sure the grade. I think once I'm done this ride on Wednesday I should be pretty confident. It's a monster challenge though - I'll do it.
I'm riding more and shooting for a few more hills these days to try to prepare. I've never ridden in that part of the province, so I just hope I am ready for the challenge :)
if you look at the graph, there is more down or flat than up at 3%. Just keep thinking like the little train that could and all will be fine. Keep pedaling.
Keeping in mind that we are starting at the Deerfoot Casino there are some good long climbs on 22X before we get to the turn off for the Cowboy trail. So you will be getting into some uphills pretty quick.
lol So was it just a long steady climb? I live in the south end of Calgary so I guess I should get out and check it out.
