Mount Kearsarge
The Mount Kearsarge Hill Climb is a very scenic 8-mile track that climbs up to the summit parking lot of Mount Kearsarge in Warner, New Hampshire. The climb includes a 3.5-mile section towards the end that comes with an almost 9% average grade and rises almost 1,740 ft.
The first section of the Mount Kearsarge Hill Climb is 4.5 miles long and includes some level, uphill, but also some downhill sections which allow for some deep breathing. The ride also includes a 1-mile section with a 12%-plus gradient.
The Mount Kearsarge Hill Climb is actually the only U.S. hill climb that provides free coffee for all bicycle riders provided by Schoodac’s Coffee House of Warner; mid-climb Men’s and Women’s primes that value at $100; Cycling Mallorca prize vouchers and more valuable prizes for all category winners; and a hearty and healthy chili lunch after the race.
At the day of the race, registration & number pick-up are open at 7:30 am and the road to the summit parking closes at 9:15 am. The Mount Kearsarge Hill Climb starts at 9:30 am. No vehicles or riders are permitted on the course track until all riders have finished. Helmets for the participants are mandatory.
Mansfield
Every year in August, almost 1000 bikers, runners, and hikers from all across North America come together to climb Mount Mansfield in Vermont and be part of the Race To The Top Of Vermont. Mount Mansfield is the highest peak in the Green Mountain State. One hundred percent of the money raised at the event will support backcountry riding and skiing in Vermont!
The Mount Mansfield Hill Climb is 4.3 miles in length and climbs almost 2,570 feet on the Mount Mansfield Toll Road that takes the riders to the parking lot at the summit. The first .3 mile section of the course is paved before it changes to dirt and gravel for the remaining 4 miles.
The first section (2.7 miles) is pretty well shaded whereas the remaining 1.6 miles go through open terrain that offers the most spectacular scenic views of places like Smuggler’s Notch and the beauty of the surrounding Green Mountains. The Mount Mansfield Hill Climb sets off at 1,279 ft elevation and climbs up to the parking lot at the summit at 3,843 ft. The riders are experiencing a relatively steady incline that averages some 11 percent across the length of the bicycle course.
At the finish area in the Mount Mansfield parking lot, the riders and spectators will be greatly rewarded with the most stunningly beautiful view available in New England that offers views of Canada and three U.S. states. There are some bike restrictions. All bicycles are required to have well-functioning sidepull/V-type or disc brakes and nobby tires.
Please note that bikes with caliper brakes or center-pull cantilever brakes are not allowed. All participating riders are required to wear helmets and the bikes must have two functioning brake systems. Bicycles that qualify include various types of cyclocross and mountain bikes and gravel grinder bikes. You may also want to check out this article that compares Hillclimb Bicycle Races that were raced over the past years in New England, New Jersey, and eastern New York State.