What's the hardest climb you've ever done?

What's the best (worst?) leg-quaking, lung-busting climb you've ever done? If you know the rough Cat rating/average gradient and distance then you get extra brownie points! A photo from the top would also be nice but understandably a bit shaky.

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Permalink Reply by Nick Williamson on February 18, 2012 at 14:39

Mine was after a descent, with a 25% warning sign on it, down to Hunters Inn, near ilfracoombe EX31 4PY. Once our brakes had cooled we set off from Hunters Inn up a 2 mile climb which averaged 10% with sections of 16% gradient with veiws of the sea at the top. Cat 3 according to MMR, I reckon it was Cat 1 maybe even HC!

There were 7 of us who made the climb....

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Permalink Reply by Andy Dawson on February 18, 2012 at 15:15

7 who made it? As in completed it or survived?!

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Permalink Reply by Nick Williamson on February 18, 2012 at 20:27

7 made it to the top, 2 more took a different route and then there were 2 more who gave up the day before and went to Glastonbury

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Permalink Reply by Andy Dawson on February 19, 2012 at 20:07

Ouch! You had to get the Glasto dig in there.

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Permalink Reply by Walter Cundy on April 16, 2012 at 21:34

As would all the riders given the chance {and backstage passes!}! I would have definately pushed the bike up there, Nick

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Permalink Reply by Jason Amy on March 16, 2012 at 16:47

Alpe d'Huez, steep and hot at 35 degrees, after having just done the Col du Galibier and the Col du Telegraphe.....

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Permalink Reply by Andy Dawson on March 26, 2012 at 15:56

All three?! Kudos Jason!

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Permalink Reply by Dave Nash on March 27, 2012 at 14:54

Col de Joux Plane in the Haute Savoie, from the town of Samoens. Great views of Mt Blanc on the way up though and the reward of fast, technical descent into Morzine for my pains. Sucker for punishment as I did it three times, twice at dawn which was tough and second tiime in the heat of a very hot August afternoon with the tarmac melting underneath. That was horrid, absolutely horrid.

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Permalink Reply by Ken Storr on November 29, 2012 at 10:35

Brilliant climb up Joux Plane. Did it twice at dawn before it got too hot and had the mountain to myself. The loop back through Morzine and Les Gets was one of the best rides I have ever done.

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ModeratorPermalink Reply by Richard Gate on April 12, 2012 at 20:38

The hardest climb I did recently was from Hebden Bridge up and through Hepstonstall on the cobbles, a good long climb and 20% for a good stretch.

By the way, If anyone uses a Garmin, then you can upload your ride to Strava and if it recognises a particular part of your route as a specific climb, it will show your performance against others who have done it.

I'm looking forward to La Marmotte this July, Col du Glandon, Telegraph, Galibier followed lastly by Alp d'Huez. All in one ride! Plenty of hills to aim for in training before then

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Permalink Reply by Andy Dawson on April 13, 2012 at 10:27

I was up in Hebden Bridge not that long ago. It was with a non-cycling mate and we walked from Todd where he lives to Hebden Bridge via a tower on a hill (can't remember its name) and Heptonsall. Beautiful countryside and we spent a great afternoon drinking at a pub in the centre of Hebden Bridge (on a square).

I do remember a lot of very steep cobbled hills. One we struggled to walked down - might be the one you cycled up! I think if you train on the hills around there you'll be well-up for your summer mountains abroad.

Here's a photo I took of a nice flat bit of the route looking towards Heptonsall I think.