Hill training - Delco/Monto

I don't know if it's as high/long/steep as you're looking for, but if you want 100% traffic-free (except for walkers and the occasional bike), check out the hill at Ridley Creek State Park. I've used it for hill climbing practice a few times.

It's actually in northern Chester County near French Creek State park, but worth your consideration:

Shed Road.  I believe it's approx 800 feet over approx 2 miles, roughly 8% grade.  Very consistent climb.  Another killer is Flowing Springs Road in Birchrunville....it's only about 1km but varies 8-15%, a bit short but pretty nasty.

Thanks for all the feedback.  This summer I'm definitely going to hook up with some of the local bike clubs and get out on the roads and do some of the local rides in PA and NJ.  Some of the longer rides will fit into my IM plan.

The hill repeats are for my training plan for IMCDA.  I don't know why, but I'm much better when training if I train alone.  I find in groups I either ride too slow or WAY too fast.  I have no self control.

Look on Strava, I was looking for some new rides and it turns out there is a whole listing of climbs.

Hart's Lane is a good one, I'd meet you at the SRT if you ever want to do this.

Wow.  Great resource.  I hadn't signed up for Strava yet, this is great.  Brian, I think I'll take you up on climbing Hart's Lane sometime soon.  I'll PM you when I have an opening.  What days and times work best for you?  Just don't abuse me too bad.  Cycling isn't my strong sport.

Wait till you see me bike! Only thing I got going is that I'm light, helps the watts/kg but total power sucks.

I can sneak out of work during the week once it gets nice if that helps. Otherwise Saturdays are good.

I am a horrible cyclist too! and would love to tag along on SRT.  My training partner moved to MD this winter and would like some company on my long rides.  I am looking for Saturday mornings and usually hit a 16-18 pace on the trail.  Let me know of that works for you.  Also, I wouldn't be opposed to some hill climbs thrown in there.   

Sounds great all.  I try and go long on Saturdays too.  On the SRT is fine, but also would like to explore some back roads that have some more rolling hills.  I have a flex work schedule since I work odd hours, so as the weather gets nicer we can try to get some things calendared.  Lets try and keep everyone in the loop!

I'm all for road riding and keeping off the SRT.

Still at my office tonight, which is pretty unusual, but I'm really sore for some odd reason and so not having a long workout tonight. Kind of hoping to get a long ride in tomorrow.

I have been an avid road cyclist for many years and do most of my rides with the West Chester Cycling Club.

I have yet to try the SRT, somehow I don't think I am missing very much.

If any interest in our club, website is http://www.wccyclingclub.com/

Non-members are welcome to join rides, just wear a helmet and (sorry) no tri/aero bars.   This time of year there are only a few rides posted each weekend but once the weather turns there will be lots more.

The SRT can be nice early in the morning as it runs along the river and the scenery is good, plus no cars and you can't get lost. On the weekends it's a bit of a circus. You get everything from guys in aero on tri bikes going as fast as possible to people walking their dog.

The only real way out of the city is through Manayunk. There are definitely some nice hills between there and the trailhead.

For real.  I went on a saturday 2 or 3 weeks ago and it was an absolute gong show.  I'm all for getting a group together to get some riding in.  ASAP!  My schedule will open up in mid March.  Hope the weather cooperates as well.

Hoping to get out there today with newbz and get a couple hours riding done, but man I am not good in the wind. I get blown all over.

Guess I should start uploading my rides into Strava so we can share.

You can draft off me anytime.  I am a good wind blocker.  Strava?  I'll be sure to check it out now.  How do we share?