snowbird hill climb.... How is it?

tim_D

Is there anybody that is been to, or done the snowbird hill climb in utah?
I am a beginner, with no real races under my belt. i really just wanna get out and do it. Is it something that i beginner should try? Thanks

TimD

cast4321

TimD,

Little Cottonwood canyon is considered one of the very toughest climbs on the Wasatch front. It is not for the faint of heart, nor for those without granny gears (or their pro card). See this web site for profiles (i.e. length and elevation gain) of the local canyon rides.
http://www.flux.utah.edu/~mike/climbs/html/climbs.html

I would say that it is not a beginner's ride, but if you are willing to go slow and suffer, you'll make it. If you're looking for a better introduction to climbs in the area, try Emmigration Canyon or maybe go up to the lower gate of Mill Creek. Both are fun, great climbs with reasonable traffic.

shannon

tim_D

are u from in the area shannon?

Eden

From looking at last years results it looks like there are age categories in addition to USCF Cat races, so it seems like you could do this as a "citizen" with no problem - there appeared to be more non-uscf riders than licensed ones. I think that you should go for it. The worst that could happen is that it is hard and it takes you a long time to get to the top. The best - you could find out you really like this kind of event.

We have a similar event here in WA - the Mt. Baker Hillclimb. If they are run somewhat the same you can register in a competitive category or as a non-competetive rider. Either way you still get a time at the top. This was the first "race" that I ever did and it was fun enough that I'll be going back for the third time this year. The first year I did it it took me 2:43 to get to the top, which was a pretty slow time (this race is 24.5 miles, 4,300 ft of elevation). The next year I went back and smoked myself, finishing in a very respectible 2:08. This year I have joined a racing team (partly because of my good experience at this race) and it will be the first year that I do it in a competitive category. My goal is to go under 2 hrs.

cast4321

Tim,

Yes, I live in Salt Lake. If you're looking for a fun group to ride with, my wife and I are members of the Bonneville bike club. Everyone is super-friendly and beginner cyclists are always welcome. The club has a web site with a ride schedule and more information, if you're looking for some folks to ride with.

shannon

Lonnie Utah

Tim,

It's long, it's steep and in the summer it can be brutally hot. But it's not impossible. This time of year I'd suggest going early in the AM. Later in the day and you'll have more interaction with cars in the cannyon. Also obey the speed limit on the decent. The SLC sheriff has been know to give tickets to cyclists. The website listed in a previous post is really good. Personally, I'd suggest Big cottonwood or American Fork canyon first. They are longer, but not as steep. If you can make it up those, then you're ready for LCC...

Once in the spring, I rode my bike up to Alta, skied a few runs and rode home.

L

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jds

Little Cottonwood is about the best (or worst) that Utah has to offer. You can see a detailed elevation profile and route here:

http://www.saltlakecycling.com/showride.php?rideID=1002

You might want to start with some of the other canyons first. You can find their profiles here:

http://www.saltlakecycling.com/showallrides.php

Joe