For Snowman or anybody else interested in my Milton loop.
Checked the forecast and noticed that today will be the best day this week. Left home and temp was 12C, got to Milton and it was already 17C. Getting away from the lake can make a big difference. By time I finished it was 23C! Winds were strong from the west but not cold at all.
For some reason I find my Milton route kicks my ass every time. While the top section is fun and has only one challenging climb the bottom section has more climbing overall plus it also has 3 very challenging climbs.
Total distance is 58.4km (36.3 miles) and 747m (2451 feet) of climbing. Here is the elevation profile.
First climb is up 6th line. While it may feel very hard while climbing just keep thinking that this is the easiest of the four climbs. Thankfully around the halfway there is a very short section to catch your breath before the last push to the top. The best part of this climb is you get to come back down it and the pavement is smooth as glass. Just make note of the wind direction as you can catch a bad cross wind halfway down.
Second climb is up Appleby. The crap part is you have a stop sign and right turn just at the bottom of the climb so you lose any momentum before starting....not that it will be lasting long. The first half of the climb is the hardest and gets 'easier' the further you go. Of the four climbs I actually like this one the most. Maybe its because I'm warmed up and feeling good before the next one kicks my ass.
Third climb Bell School Line aka "Pain Cave". The first time I rode up it the trees were in full bloom and it looks like you are riding into either a black hole or wall...both are correct. To make sure the climb is as hard as it can be the actual climb starts right from Derry Rd and its a slow grind before the pain starts. Thankfully (again) there is a very short break in the middle of the hardest part.
The fourth and final climb is Rattlesnake which I have never loved but keep going back for more. Just like BSL the full climb starts right from Derry Rd but it starts off steeper than BSL did. OH JOY! Don't forget to look to your right as you can see downtown TO just before you get to the hairpin turn.....that is if you can still see straight of course. Once you make the two turns things get better but the 5% grade can still feels like 10% by then.
WARNING: All the steep descents on the bottom half of the route still have a lot of gravel on the road, be very careful.
Some good news is they put down some new pavement on 6th line between 15th and 20th side roads. Also on Cambleville Rd between 6th Line and 401 which really needed replacing as it was getting dangerous. Sadly they didn't add a shoulder to ride on despite knowing (how could they not) this road has very heavy cycling traffic.
Some really good news for me is it took me only 16 seconds longer vs the first time last year and last year I went to Spain to train. Was very happy about that.
