Another nice climb in the Scotia-Glenville area, not far from the Sanders Preserve, Gower Road has several very steep pitches in the first 1/3 mile, with a few sections exceeding 15% grade (not visible on the elevation profile), and finishes with a moderately steep grind to it's termination at the intersection with Sanders Road.
The climb to Carrick Road from Altamont via Old Stage Road consists of very steep pitches with just enough moderation in between to allow recovery. I've done this climb a few times on both a road bike and a single-speed mountain bike. The advantage of riding a mountain bike is that you can ride the excellent singletrack which is accessible via the Carrick Road trailhead. The singletrack winds it's way back and forth along the escarpment and enters Thacher Park. The climb as described begins at the Stewart's shop at the intersection of Route 156 and Main Street in Altamont. Climbing the very steep Helderberg Avenue (behind Stewarts) shortens the ride on 156 (which can be busy- use caution). The climb then turns left on Old Stage Road, and after another left turn ends at the high point on Carrick.
Bly Hollow Road, located off of Route 22 near Cherry Plain State Park, is definitely a test. It's mostly dirt and you get to ride through the middle of a stinky cow farm. The grade is steep (some riders may find themselves wishing for a triple ring) and the shotgun-toting rednecks may or may not be friendly to men (or women) wearing brightly colored spandex. On the plus side, you'll ride it fast.
Lake Shore Road is a small and deceptively steep dirt road climb with a great view of the Tomhannock Reservoir in Pittstown. When riding east on Route 7, take a left on the dirt road just before the causeway. Enjoy the climb and the view.
Another nice climb located off Route 5S in the Rotterdam Junction-Mariaville Lake area, Pattersonville-Rynex Corners Roadoffers a slightly longer and less difficult alternative to the top of the ridge than Crawford Road. Don't worry, you'll find that it's still steep and long enough, as you grind your way up close to 1000 feet of vertical.
I should begin by saying that I've never ridden this climb- not yet, anyway. Platte Clove Road, aka Devil's Kitchen, is quite possibly the most hellacious climb in New York State, and one of the most difficult climbs in the Northeast, with over 1200 feet of climbing, most of it steeper than 12% grade. Several sections exceed 22% grade as the climb ascends the north side of Platte Clove. The climb was used in the 1990 Tour de Trump, where it gained notoriety when several pro riders, without the benefit of compact cranks, were forced to get off their bikes and walk. The climb was featured in Stage 2 of last year's Tour of the Catskills. The climb begins south of the town of Palenville at the intersection of County Route 33 and West Saugerties Road. Note that access to the road is seasonal and it is officially unmaintained from November 1 to April 15.
The first time I ever heard of the Sterling Roadclimb, my friend Karl was telling me about a killer climb in the Pattersonville-Rotterdam Junction area, on the way up to Mariaville Lake, that was steep enough that it couldn't be climbed without traversing back and forth across the road. Located between Ennis and Dennison road, will all of the climbing loaded into the beginning, the Sterling Road climb will not disappoint.
