How Steep is...'Steep!?'

[elduderino]

Here in Stoke we have quite a famous(within Stoke anyway) hill known as the killer mile.
It's quite popular with joggers, I've only ever seen one other cyclist going up it. The first three quarter's of it are at a 22% grade and then bam! the last quarter is 25%. It certainly burns the thighs on a double chainring road bike. I usually zig zag the last part.

As someone else has said, I find it strangley addictive and often finish my rides with it before the descent home.

 

[clavicle]

Steep?

You guys have missed the point....it depends which way you're going

Ascending...ANYTHING that forces you into your lowest gear
Descending...vertical!

 

[Over The Hill]

I did try to avoid hills when I started cycling a couple of years ago but now my favourite ride includes this ...

which is Watership Down in Hampshire. I go over it one way (not quite as steep from the other side) along a mile and then back over again.
I have just worked out the steeper hill to be 110m rise over 700m distance which I make about 16%. So that is what I would call steep. Now and again it catches me and my front wheel lifts up.
I have stopped half way for a swig but never walked it!