Waters Road

Distance: 2 miles

Climbing: 760 feet

One of the more challenging Scotia-Glenville road climbs, Waters Road climbs steeply upward from Route 5 for two miles, before plummeting abruptly to intersect West Glenville Road. This one is fun in both directions, and can be combined with other challenging climbs in the area for a truly brutal climb fest.

The Berlin Wall (Plank Road)

Distance: 2.8 miles

Climbing: 900 feet

Rising nearly 900 feet above the town of Berlin, The Berlin Wall offers a steep and relentless climb for Rensselaer County riders searching for a little pain. The climb begins in Berlin, at the intersection of Route 22 and Plank Road. With a brutal, sustained pitch in excess of 10%, the climb lives up to it's name. There's only one way to get to the west from Berlin.

Filkins Hill Road

Distance: 1 mile

Climbing: 460 feet

Filkins Hill Road is another classic, brutally steep Helderberg climb located near the town of Berne, just off Route 443. The middle section is a wall. My only attempt at this climb resulted in failure; I was chased by a big dog while grinding my way up the steepest part of the climb. Fortunately, it was easy to make a fast descent and the dog never had a chance. Rider beware.

I'll be back to try this one again.

Grant Hill Road

Distance: 1 mile

Climbing: 300 feet

A climb doesn't have to be big or particularly difficult to be fun. Located in Guilderland, just off Route 155 and Route 20, Grant Hill Road rises almost 300 feet above the Norman's Kill with a dramatic view of the gorge and a few moderately steep pitches to keep things fun for the hammerheads. Non-climbers will find this one challenging but not impossible.

Next Monday's climb will be a good one- off to the Vermont 50.

Pinnacle via Beaver Dam Road

Distance: 3.6 miles

Climbing: 1100 feet

Another fine Capital District Climb, not far from Thacher Park and it's panoramic views from the Helderberg Escarpment. With over 1100 feet of elevation gain, the climb to Camp Pinnacle via Beaver Dam Road begins in New Salem at the intersection of routes 85 and 85A. The steepest (and arguably most fun) route is via Old New Salem Road, which provides a steeper and less improved alternative to route 85. After 3.5 miles of climbing hell, including a few sections of Beaver Dam Road which exceed 20% grade, you will arrive at Camp Pinnacle. What separates heaven from hell? A climb.

Cass Hill Road

Distance: 1.1 miles

Climbing: 600 feet

Just off route 443 in southern Albany County, near the rural hamlet of Clarksville, is a sweet little monster of a climb. At just short of 600 feet of elevation gain in one mile, what's most impressive about Cass Hill Road is just how brutally steep the climbing is. Try it, and let me know if you don't think it's the truth.

Crawford Road

Distance: 2.4 miles

Climbing: 1000 feet

Located just west of Schenectady, off Route 5S in Rotterdam Junction, overlooking the Mohawk river, Crawford Road rises over 1000 feet in 2.4 miles as it ascends the north side of the Moccasin Kill ravine. The average grade is just over 9%, and peaks at about 20% about half way up. It's a favorite with Schenectady riders looking for a quick fix of a killer climb.

The truth is out there- now go and find it.