what is the gradient of corkscrew rd?

[amt]

I rode this road today am curious how steep it is

[Jeremy]

2.4km....228m climb.....average gradient 9.4%

[amt]

I went up using 23T my biggest cog, I wonder would 25T make a noticeble difference?

[MichaelB]

I went up using 23T my biggest cog, I wonder would 25T make a noticeble difference?

Depends on how easy you did it ?

Sounds like it'd be hard for me to do it with a 36/25 combo, let alone 39/23 !!!!

BTW, if 9.4% is the avg, what is the max?

[Alex Simmons/RST]

I've only done it once, maybe 10 years ago. I had a 42x23. Not fun

[amt]

I struggled on 39/23 but that's my first time. I'm sure I will get better at it. The steepest parts are 2 hairpins there gradiens would be much higher than 10deg. My friend has 25t on his bike he got up to the top before me but that's not really saying much. I wonder what gears the pro's use on 10deg or greater? Anyone know?

Old Norton Summit road is an average of 8 deg isn't it? That's not too bad a ride.

[MichaelB]

Old Norton Summit road is an average of 8 deg isn't it? That's not too bad a ride.

From when I rode it, it was a 302m climb over 5.46km (from split in road at New NS and Old NS) to the pub. That averages out at 5.5%, but the 2nd half has a good solid pitch in it !!!

[DanielS]

It does get easier the more times you do it. If you can make it to the 1st hairpin without blowing up then the rest is tough but manageable. If you go too hard into the 1st hairpin you will struggle to recover though.

A couple of my mates do repeats up there on a regular basis... I joined them once and did 5, the 3rd and 4th were actually the easiest! Go figure.

[alex]

the whole thing is just absolutely putrid

[amt]

Old Norton Summit road is an average of 8 deg isn't it? That's not too bad a ride.

From when I rode it, it was a 302m climb over 5.46km (from split in road at New NS and Old NS) to the pub. That averages out at 5.5%, but the 2nd half has a good solid pitch in it !!!

Yes the second half from the start of the first hairpin, that section must be greater than 10% surely

[tripstobaltimore]

I haven't done this ride yet - how does it compare to going up montacute? repeats sound fun

[rustychisel]

shorter, muuuch steeper. Go up the Gorge Rd, just before the gradient steepens on the run to the dam there's the Castambul turnoff on the right. Take it. Enjoy. You end up on Montacute Rd just below the old cemetery.

[MichaelB]

...... Go up the Gorge Rd, just before the gradient steepens on the run to the dam there's the Castambul turnoff on the right. Take it. Enjoy. You end up on Montacute Rd just below the old cemetery.

Might have to try that one day .... Once I get rid of my winter padding ...

[RobRollin]

Anyone know how to work out the gradient %? I searched for a online calculator but couldn't find an easy mathematical soloution.

[DanielS]

Anyone know how to work out the gradient %? I searched for a online calculator but couldn't find an easy mathematical soloution.

I'm pretty sure gradient % is usually just elevation gain over distance.

e.g. for a gain of 200m in 4km (4000m):

gradient = 200m/4000m = 0.05 = 5%

[rustychisel]

Well, the first km or so winds along the creek, then straightens up pretty steady, then it gets a lot worse. I expect 16~20% is likely. Like the man said, putrid.

[bongo]

Corkscrew beat me the first time I tried,very dissapointed,but after another month of building up fitness I nailed it,and now do it on a regular basis,maybe once a week if i can.Continue up montacute for some more pain after that if you want as from the corkscrew turn off is where montacute gets tougher.Do this a few times and norton summit will become a walk in the park.

[MichaelB]

Found a nice bit of steep road yesterday.

After heading up Belair Rd and Ackland Rd, decided to see where Oakridge Rd would take me....

Holy mother of hell, there is one steep descent there. Only short, but its about 24% according to bikely, and I saw 18% on the garmin before I stopped.

The short section dives 71m in about 290m distance.

[brettjames]

Ah yes, the old Oakridge Road.

Did the same about 3 weeks ago out of curiosity. Caught upto a runner just as it kicks, and even he was struggling. Great little climb, and zero traffic.

[tripstobaltimore]

Had a go at this tonight, it wasnt that bad. Did three repeats then headed up montacute to norton summit.

I didnt think the gradient was too bad - a little steeper than montacute but not much more than 10%, surely.

[rustychisel]

stop calling me Shirley

[MichaelB]

Had a go at this tonight, it wasnt that bad. Did three repeats then headed up montacute to norton summit.

I didnt think the gradient was too bad - a little steeper than montacute but not much more than 10%, surely.

Stronger man than me

[tripstobaltimore]

well what do you know, map my ride says it gets up to 16% after the hair pins. Thats some nice gradient.

[tripstobaltimore]

Had a go at this tonight, it wasnt that bad. Did three repeats then headed up montacute to norton summit.

I didnt think the gradient was too bad - a little steeper than montacute but not much more than 10%, surely.

Stronger man than me

better looking too

[MichaelB]

Had a go at this tonight, it wasnt that bad. Did three repeats then headed up montacute to norton summit.

I didnt think the gradient was too bad - a little steeper than montacute but not much more than 10%, surely.

Stronger man than me

better looking too

Not hard at all ....