So you wanna do the
Climb To Kaiser?
PC's - click for music

"Joyfully, like the stars that hurtle plan,
Through the heavens,
Follow your path, brothers,
Like a hero on his way to triumph."

Schuller ~ "Ode to Joy"

A preview...

Expert cyclists embarking on a hard ride, especially one they've never done before and are unfamiliar with, will usually go over the course the day before. Preferrably with someone who knows and has done it before. That way they will know what's in store and can pace themselves accordingly. And therefore put out their best effort.

If You are unable to drive the C2K course before the ride, I have prepared this preview on what to expect. This is by no means a substitute for first hand knowledge, but it's better than nothing...

Please note; the FCC has added to and changed this route slightly! Please go to The Climb to Kaiser Home page for th latest info!

...Start your engines...

The ride doesn't actually start until 5:30, but the FCC (Fresno Cycle Club) sets up at 5:00. There is a sign in process, and a "continental breakfast" to get something into your belly if you skipped breakfast.

At the first sign of light in the eastern sky, a police escort (I kid you not) leads the pack along Shaw Avenue. Police stop traffic at each intersection through town, so don't worry about stop lights.

The first 13 miles or so are almost 100% flat, so the pace is fast. Stay in the center of the pack and you should be able to maintain the 20+ MPH pace with little effort on your part. If it's still too fast, ride at the pace that's comfortable. As the miles go on, the pack spreads out. You should find a section going your speed.

Shaw ends at a right angle turn and becomes Zediker Ave. Next left is Ashlan, which becomes Watts Valley in about a mile. The flat terrain will soon be replaced by gently rolling hills. Most of the pack will continue their breakneck speed. This group consists of those who are strong enough to maintain that pace, those who think they can and those who haven't a clue as to what they're getting into.

Don't fall into this trap. Set a pace you know will carry you through what you know (after reading this summary) is coming. Most of those that leave you behind you'll catch and pass further on, with great satisfaction. Those you don't you never would have caught anyway.

As you approach the mountains, the "gently rolling hills" gradually become less and less gentle. At the intersection of Pittman Hill Rd., the route turns right, (look for the old corral), gets narrow, windy and noticably steeper. This is the start of "Wildcat Hill".

Uh, oh....

After a few nasty "rollers", you enter a peacefull, almost flat little valley, complete with bubbling stream. Don't be fooled into thinking you've reached the end of Wildcat. At the end of this you'll cross a small bridge and come face to face with a 10% grade, over a mile in length.

This is where some of those who left you behind earlier begin to see the error of their ways...

Fortunately, as with most of the serious climbing on this ride, you are in the shade, and it's still cool. Gear down and save your strength. At the top awaits the first rest stop. Don't loiter too long, your legs are full of fatigue poisons, just waiting to pounce.

A long downhill follows, interrupted by a few ups, most of which can be run out. But pay attention, the road is still narrow and windy, and there are cars. Not many, but it only takes one...

Watt's Valley Rd. turns left and becomes Burrough Valley Road. This is listed as one of the easier hills on the ride, but it has an average gradient of "only" a little over 6% (max. 7%). "Easier", on the C2K, tends to be a relative term.

Surrounded by oak and sycamore, you have left the grasslands behind. You're now in the "Upper Sonoran" region. And still in the shade.

A short downhill deposits you into Burrough Valley. See those cliffs of to the right? That's your next hill. Right up the side.

Literally.

But first a wild downhill takes you to the intersection of Tollhouse Rd. Immediatly you're climbing again. Soon the road levels out as you enter Tollhouse.

Onward...

and upward!

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