Mt Greylock

Mt Greylock is a fun climb in the Berkshires of Northwestern Massachusetts. It isn't a very difficult climb, nor is it an easy one. I find that since it isn't as steep as some of the other climbs, I have a tendency to go at it too hard, thereby running out of steam somewhere during the climb. The TT is run each fall by Williams College and while it is informally run compared to some of the other races, I find it to be a fun event to wrap up the season. The TT starts near the park off Furnace Road and quickly tilts uphill after leaving the line. The road conditions on this early part of the route are terrible and they seem to degrade more every year. Things then get a bit easier until you head back upward towards the entrance to the state park. Once inside the Greylock Reservation, the climb is pretty consistent, although there are steeper sections and short areas to get some rest. I find that the killer section is between miles 5 and 6 from the starting line where the mountain seems to be at its worst. After you get through this section, you get some respite as you ride along a false flat where you can get some speed, as much as 20 mph if you have the legs left. Finally you reach the last section where the north and south ascents join to head towards the summit. Mt Greylock is the first real climb I ever tried and boy did I suffer trying to get up it that first time.