A few weeks ago, I wrote about my first attempt up North Cheyenne Canyon Rd. in Colorado Springs but most of the data I talked about was hearsay and educated guesses.  Last Saturday, I picked up a Garmin Edge 305 GPS/HRM/computer from Colorado Cyclist and now I can provide a lot more detail and proof of the mountain’s difficulty. 

This was really my third time up and the conditions weren’t great.  I’m still suffering the after affects from a weeklong flu and their was a fierce wind pouring down the canyon last night.  I was also carrying a lot more gear than last time (cell phone, spare tubes, pump, tire levers and food) because I had no one to call to come pick me up should something go awry.  Anyway, on to the numbers.

Here is the elevation profile for my 27.7 mile ride:

What’s so astonishing to me is that NCC dwarfs all of the other climbs, most notably the street I live on, Farthing Dr.  Farthing is a 1.91 mile hill with an average 8.5% grade but in comparison to NCC, it looks about as difficult as a neighborhood speed bump.

The climb itself, according to my Garmin, is 3.17 miles, average grade of 8.9% with a maximum grade of 23%.  The climb gains a total of 1,004 feet of elevation and tops out at 7,464 feet.  One thing that isn’t captured is how tough the descent is.  After 5 minutes, my neck, shoulders and back was screaming for mercy and begging to start fighting gravity again.

If you live in the Colorado Springs area and haven’t done this climb yet, I highly recommend it.  Not only does it provide a great test of fitness but it’s a classic mountain climb, with fabulous switchbacks, views and wildlife.  The fall foliage is a nice bonus as well.