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.

Sickle Hill Road

Distance: 1.5 miles

Climbing: 860 feet

Sickle Hill Road, affectionately dubbed "Sick Hill" Road due to its savage elevation profile, is located off Switzkill Road, in the hills southwest of the town of Berne. With over 850 feet of elevation gain in 1.5 miles, one local rider said Sickle Hill was "the hardest climb he had ever done- around here." If you ride it, keep in mind that there is plenty of climbing to be done just to get to the climb. As the Haitian saying goes- "Beyond the mountains there are more mountains."