Copeland Hill Road

Distance: 1 mile

Climbing: 364 feet

Spring has finally arrived. With any luck, I'll get back to posting some climbs on a routine basis.

I 'discovered' this climb yesterday while on a training ride with a friend. Located in southern Albany County, sandwiched between Route 32 and Cedar Grove road in the town of Coeymans Hollow, it didn't look like much on a map. Then again, most climbs don't look like much on a map. Mercifully short yet brutally steep, it won't disappoint. Have fun.

Gower Road

Distance: 2 miles

Climbing: 500 feet

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.

Carrick Road from Altamont via Old Stage Road

Distance: 2.6 miles

Climbing: 910 feet

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

Distance: 2.7 miles

Climbing: 930 feet

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

Distance: 1.3 miles

Climbing: 410 feet

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.

Pattersonville-Rynex Corners Road

Distance: 3.3 miles

Climbing: 940 feet

Another nice climb located off Route 5S in the Rotterdam Junction-Mariaville Lake area, Pattersonville-Rynex Corners Road offers 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.

Platte Clove Road- Devil's Kitchen

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.