Question about average speeds

[jobob]

The first bit of Calaveras Rd just after you turn right from Piedmont Rd. is fairly steep, about 10%. It doesn't last long though (btw, this is not the Calaveras Wall if anyone is wondering, that's farther up, about a mile past Ed Levin park). After you get over that hump, then the road levels off to a more gradual climb to Ed Levin Park.

The descent back down is really fun though!

[ace]

OK, this is truly a stupid question. But what is the steepest grade road a person can actually ride?

[Batbike]

OK, this is truly a stupid question. But what is the steepest grade road a person can actually ride?

it all depends on the cyclist's fitness level and gearing -- a very fit person with lower gearing is going to be able to climb a steeper grade.

now, as for AVERAGE ride speed -- I have always been told, and use it when organizing rides, that the AVERAGE is just that -- the AVERAGE of flats, hills up and hills down. so, if a rider is riding 16 on flats, 6 up hill, and 30 downhill, the AVERAGE is just that within the time frame of the ride ... what speed is lost on an uphill is made-up with increased speed on the downhill, and ride pace is what is usually done on the flats (whch can change if there is a lot of pace line work done on the flats -- usually increasing flat speed). no rider is expected to ride the AVERAGE speed the total ride -- terrain and weather conditions will always affect a ride speed!

don't know if any of that helps, but please give yourself credit for what you CAN do and work on what you want to improve ... that is the only way your AVERAGE speed will increase. good luck on hills ... the more you ride, the easier it becomes (at least that is what I hear!).

[VeloVT]

Hey, I have a suggestion, if you're fixated on numbers. I subscribe to a service called BIM-Active (you can find out how to download at www.bonesinmotion.com). It uses the GPS capabilities of your cellphone to track speed, distance, elevation, etc of your runs, rides, etc.

I've used it a few times running and the data you get is really cool. Lots of graphs comparing speed changes and elevation changes from mile to mile, also pulls in meteorological info somehow and notes the wind speeds and temps that day. You get a free online blog too.

I would like to start using this more actually, but for some reason, on runs, the stopwatch is still a better motivator for me, so I end up having to use two gadgets, which often still seems like too much hassle... But you might like it as it not only gives your overall average speed, but also gives the average speed of each mile with the elevation change in that mile, so you can really understand where you're slowing down and why. And compare your performance on flats to subsequent flats, and hills to subsequent hills.

Good luck!

[Veronica]

OK, this is truly a stupid question. But what is the steepest grade road a person can actually ride?

The last tenth of a mile on Diablo is 17%.

V.

[Eden]

OK, this is truly a stupid question. But what is the steepest grade road a person can actually ride?

There is a street in Pittsburgh called Canton Ave. that's been unofficially measured at 37% There is a race there called the "Dirty Dozen", which is 12 hill climbs (climb hill get a time, ride to the next hill, climb hill, etc. etc.) and Canton is on the route. There is some tounge and cheek rhetoric about the race not continuing until all riders make it to the top of Canton Ave.(judges reserve the right to go temporarily blind....), but at very least the winner always does - so I guess you can do 37% if you are fit enough! There is a hill around here that comes in at 26% - the last time I tried that one I was lifting my front wheel off of the ground and had to get off. Sometime I need to get out and try that one again with my new bike.

[Trekhawk]

There is a street in Pittsburgh called Canton Ave. that's been unofficially measured at 37% There is a race there called the "Dirty Dozen", which is 12 hill climbs (climb hill get a time, ride to the next hill, climb hill, etc. etc.) and Canton is on the route. There is some tounge and cheek rhetoric about the race not continuing until all riders make it to the top of Canton Ave.(judges reserve the right to go temporarily blind....), but at very least the winner always does - so I guess you can do 37% if you are fit enough! There is a hill around here that comes in at 26% - the last time I tried that one I was lifting my front wheel off of the ground and had to get off. Sometime I need to get out and try that one again with my new bike.

YIKES The one time my front wheel came off the ground on my road bike it scared the hell out of me. Ive decided when that happens its way too steep for this rider

[AllezGirl]

Hey, I know that one! Haven't been brave enough to ride it yet, but it is one of my long term goals... A friend of mine (Danny Chew), is one of the organizers and I don't think he's going to let me off the hook.

It's actually a baker's dozen (13 hills) including Canton Ave, which is really 36-37%! It's pretty cool. You can check his website www.dannychew.com for more details and pics. I think there are some videos form this years ride on youtube too.

sorry for the drift....

[Eden]

I grew up in Pittsburgh, but the race started long after I moved away...

in fact I used to think I was pretty alone out there - hardly ever saw other cyclists, but it seems like a pretty hopping scene these days - even weekday races down where they used to do the drivers tests down near the zoo

[AllezGirl]

Well, if you ever want to come back and ride it let me know.

I'll come out to cheer you on

[Batbike]

I grew up in Pittsburgh, but the race started long after I moved away...

in fact I used to think I was pretty alone out there - hardly ever saw other cyclists, but it seems like a pretty hopping scene these days - even weekday races down where they used to do the drivers tests down near the zoo

I grew up in Pittsburgh too! I was only 13 when I moved away, but I still remember riding my pink 10spd JC Penney bicycle all through the hills of Pittsburgh! Of course, NEVER went downtown and on Canton St. -- WHAT A HILL ... I can't even imagine TRYING to ride up it, let alone actually doing it!!! The grade itself makes it almost straight-up, then back before 2005or 2006, the road was cobblestone ... the whole idea of riding a bike up that hill makes my mind boggle!

[Trekhawk]

Hey, I know that one! Haven't been brave enough to ride it yet, but it is one of my long term goals... A friend of mine (Danny Chew), is one of the organizers and I don't think he's going to let me off the hook.

It's actually a baker's dozen (13 hills) including Canton Ave, which is really 36-37%! It's pretty cool. You can check his website www.dannychew.com for more details and pics. I think there are some videos form this years ride on youtube too.

sorry for the drift....

Yikes I just checked out the site and they have a pic of a couple walking up Canton with snow on it. That is just scary steep.

[AllezGirl]

I live in Philly...which has turned into a very cycling friendly city. Even having a Bike Philly event this year, modeled after the Five Boroughs tour...

I haven't ridden in Pittsburgh, but I know a boatload of cyclists from that area. Most are racers, and very strong hill climbers, go figure