Sterling Road

Distance: 1.6 miles

Climbing: 560 feet

The first time I ever heard of the Sterling Road climb, my friend Karl was telling me about a killer climb in the Pattersonville-Rotterdam Junction area, on the way up to Mariaville Lake, that was steep enough that it couldn't be climbed without traversing back and forth across the road. Located between Ennis and Dennison road, will all of the climbing loaded into the beginning, the Sterling Road climb will not disappoint.

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.

Lake Desolation Road

Distance: 4 miles (approx.)

Climbing: 1000 feet

While not as steep as some of the climbs in the area, Lake Desolation Road, located in Middle Grove, offers over 1000 feet of honest climbing at grades which approach 10%. As an added incentive, this is the only climb in this area that I am aware of which has a lake AND a cyclist-run bar at the top. Stop by Tinney's Tavern- they're super friendly and it's a cool place to have a beer without getting thrown out for wearing lycra. Tinney's hosts Lake Desolation Road hill climb races several times a year- the Annual Fall Hillclimb Challenge is October 10th.

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.

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."