Seeking information about the Grossglockner pass
07-03-19, 07:50 AM
#1
Bike touring webrarian
Thread Starter
Seeking information about the Grossglockner pass
I may have a chance for a second bike tour this year. Yesterday, I put together a possible route from Bolzano to Vienna through (more of) the Italian Alps. One option for crossing from south to north Austria is the Grossglockner Pass, one of the highest passes in Europe. It sounds brutal--10% grade for much of the climb! I would do it in 2 days coming from the south (Lienz).
Has anyone done this ride? I have checked CGOAB and there are a few there (most seem to come the other way) and they all did it but it appears to be very hard. I'm trying to assess if I can make it. There are other ways to get over/around these mountains.
Has anyone done this ride? I have checked CGOAB and there are a few there (most seem to come the other way) and they all did it but it appears to be very hard. I'm trying to assess if I can make it. There are other ways to get over/around these mountains.
07-03-19, 11:56 AM
#2
-
I'll never do it. Looks like this would be brutal unloaded. Your 10% estimate may be low:
https://fam-oud.nl/~oof/Cyclo2010/Grossglockner.html
https://www.bikerebel.com/cycling-th...halpenstrasse/
https://fam-oud.nl/~oof/Cyclo2010/Grossglockner.html
https://www.bikerebel.com/cycling-th...halpenstrasse/
07-05-19, 01:31 PM
#3
Senior Member
oooof 1600m in the first 21kms
Ive done stuff like this, but the key is to start early, and have low gears so that you can be in a comfortable spin that doesnt overtax your legs , as you'll be doing it for hours and hours.
I can check, but there have been times where my avg speed was 9 or 10kph, with lots of time spent at 7, 8, so you want your load and gearing to allow you to pace yourself comfortably.
I personally like climbs, so only you know whats best for you, but certainly being prepared pschologically and gearing for your load is super important.
Id do it, but with my 16.7 low gear bike.....
In the past, I think Ive done 2000m in a touring day in the Pyrenees 25 years ago, and maybe close to that in southern Mexico a few years ago, but dont recall the exact numbers, I just remember being fricken bagged at the end of the day--but still enjoying the satisfaction of having done it.
pacing, and regular drink and snack breaks.
good luck with deciding young man!
Ive done stuff like this, but the key is to start early, and have low gears so that you can be in a comfortable spin that doesnt overtax your legs , as you'll be doing it for hours and hours.
I can check, but there have been times where my avg speed was 9 or 10kph, with lots of time spent at 7, 8, so you want your load and gearing to allow you to pace yourself comfortably.
I personally like climbs, so only you know whats best for you, but certainly being prepared pschologically and gearing for your load is super important.
Id do it, but with my 16.7 low gear bike.....
In the past, I think Ive done 2000m in a touring day in the Pyrenees 25 years ago, and maybe close to that in southern Mexico a few years ago, but dont recall the exact numbers, I just remember being fricken bagged at the end of the day--but still enjoying the satisfaction of having done it.
pacing, and regular drink and snack breaks.
good luck with deciding young man!
07-05-19, 01:51 PM
#4
Banned
Get a lift (PostBus) to the top to enjoy the downhill? lots of switch backs ... https://www.grossglockner.at/gg/en/t...highalpineroad
AUSTRIA’S MOST COVETED ALPINE ROAD:
...
AUSTRIA’S MOST COVETED ALPINE ROAD:
...
Last edited by fietsbob; 07-05-19 at 01:55 PM.
07-05-19, 10:13 PM
#5
Senior Member
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Cars have to pay 37€, bikes go free! I figure anyone planning an Alpine tour will already be quite fit...just train crazy hard with lots of climbing & weightlifting.
