So, I took on the Mount Washington Hill Climb the other day. Man, what a beast! I’d heard stories, seen some pro names tossed around like Tinker Juarez and Jeannie Longo, but nothing really prepares you for the real thing. This wasn’t my first rodeo with uphill battles, but this was definitely a whole different animal.
First off, I broke the climb into four parts in my head. I’m not sure I broke the mountain into four parts, but I’ve tried. Needed to know where I could ease up a bit, even if just for a few seconds. So, I started my climb and I started planning where my breaks would be. It’s all about strategy, right? You gotta have a plan, or you’re toast. I’d read somewhere that a 1:1 gear ratio is recommended for this kind of thing. My bike’s got a triple front (52/42/30) and a 12/25 rear, so I figured I was in okay shape on that front.
Then there’s the tires. I’d heard from some folks online that you gotta match your tires to the conditions. Mount Washington is steep, I mean, really steep, and it can get wet, plus the road surface isn’t always the best. So, I went with wider tires, thinking that would give me a bit more grip. It’s all about getting up that thing, anyway I can. I’ve seen these kinds of hill climb time trials are pretty popular in Japan. I guess people just love the pain.
The actual climb? Brutal. Just brutal. I was grinding away, trying to keep a steady pace, trying to remember my little “break points”. You definitely want the lowest gears you can get. It all depends on the rider, of course, but for me, I was really working those low gears. I have to say, this climb is a lot longer than many of the others I’ve done. This is a real test of endurance, not just a quick burst of power.
Here’s what I did:
- Started early: Got there before the crowds, wanted to beat the heat and the nerves.
- Paced myself: Didn’t go all out from the start. Kept a steady rhythm, tried to keep my breathing under control.
- Used my gears: Shifted a lot, tried to keep my cadence up. That hill is relentless, gotta use every advantage you have.
- Stayed focused: Didn’t look up too much, just focused on the road in front of me. Kept telling myself I could do it.
- Kept moving: Even on my “break points”, I kept pedaling, just a little slower. Momentum is your friend on a climb like this.
In the end, did I conquer the mountain? Well, I made it to the top. It was a struggle. The strategy, the tires, the gears, they all played a part. It wasn’t pretty, and it sure wasn’t easy, but I did it. Would I do it again? Maybe. Ask me again when my legs stop aching.