The Toughest Hill Climb in the World

Well, it finally arrived. The Mount Washington ride that Nathan had been dreaming of for months. Billed the toughest hill climb in the world - 7.6 miles long and over 5,000 miles of climbing. It's big, bad and ugly. Nathan couldn't wait!


This, we learned, is called the "game day face." It's quite common among competitive athletes. I thought it had to do with the fact that Gabriel was up every two hours and he didn't get enough rest but no - he was ready to rock and roll as Theo says. And yes, he rocked and rolled, even after a disappointing prior month of training. He'd done so well up to mid-July but was siderailed by the pesky mistress called work and India.

Can I tell you how thankful I was to have Mary Ann as my sidekick? First of all, Maddie and Theo were over the moon to share a hotel room with her and she was such a help during every part of our New Hampshire weekend! It was so fun to share it with her. And we apologize for the hot, muggy, oppressive New England summer weekend.

The starting point. Please note, Nathan's car going under the sign - nice set up, no?


The view from the top of the hill. Thirty percent of these races are cancelled. We met one mom (who's son placed fourth) who told us of a prior year when spectators arrived at the top to hail and sleet, and the cyclists had beautiful sunshine at the bottom. That race was cancelled. We were so fortunate to have great weather. Nana, the kids and I enjoyed feeling the temperature change and watching the clouds roll in.

The record for wind speed was set on Mount Washington in 1934 at a mere 231 miles per hour. Reason number one that they need to chain down the buildings (disregard the J-Johns, I guess they don't care if those go flying).

Nana and her girl

You couldn't help but cheer on all the participants. And the cruelest joke was at the last 100 yards, a steep little beauty of 22% at the final turn. It was painful to watch.

He rounds the last corner.

The mask of pain. He did it!!! He, of course, has set his goal time for next year.

Nana, will you be back?

On a non-race note, the drive up was lovely. They provide you with a CD of history and interesting facts. We were very thankful to be in the Toyota Sienna instead of a horse and buggy, or really, a bike, for that matter.

Nice work Nathan!