Mt Wellington - Hobart

I am an average, not naturally athletic cyclist, now into my 7th decade. I have ridden Wellington many times, and I rode Mt Ventoux in mid 2010. Although the average grade is 5.9, I consider it, in practical terms, to be closer to 7%. If you can climb Wellington, you can climb Ventoux. The distance in kms is almost identical. You can break the Wellington climb into two halves, up to a location called The Springs, and then from The Springs to the summit. If you can make it to The Springs, you can, with determination, make it to the top. The grade from The Springs seems a bit steeper than the first half, comparable to Ventoux, in my opinion. The surface is relatively poor, a narrow road, with many undulations due to the tree roots. The descent is tiring, because of the strain on the wrists. Mt Ventoux was descended in 20 min, on a wide, smooth surface. The scenery is exceptional, as one traverses various vegetation zones, from gum forest, to snow gums, through the alpine zone. The summit is lovely, great views from 4500feet, down on the river and the city only 10kms or so distant. I would recommend this climb to any cyclist visiting Hobart. As I have already said, if you can do this one, you will be capable of Mt Ventoux.

My personal climb rating:

I am an average, not naturally athletic cyclist, now into my 7th decade. I have ridden Wellington many times, and I rode Mt Ventoux in mid 2010. Although the average grade is 5.9, I consider it, in practical terms, to be closer to 7%. If you can climb Wellington, you can climb Ventoux. The distance in kms is almost identical. You can break the Wellington climb into two halves, up to a location called The Springs, and then from The Springs to the summit. If you can make it to The Springs, you can, with determination, make it to the top. The grade from The Springs seems a bit steeper than the first half, comparable to Ventoux, in my opinion. The surface is relatively poor, a narrow road, with many undulations due to the tree roots. The descent is tiring, because of the strain on the wrists. Mt Ventoux was descended in 20 min, on a wide, smooth surface. The scenery is exceptional, as one traverses various vegetation zones, from gum forest, to snow gums, through the alpine zone. The summit is lovely, great views from 4500feet, down on the river and the city only 10kms or so distant. I would recommend this climb to any cyclist visiting Hobart. As I have already said, if you can do this one, you will be capable of Mt Ventoux.

My personal climb rating: