Distance: 2.2 miles
Climbing: 1280 feet
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.
Rode this recently. It is an absolute bitch of a road. Utter hell.
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