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.