Cool Mapping Tool

I created the map in the last post from a program called KLIMB (Keith's deLuxe Interactive Map Builder). It is a tool that allows you to trace your route, then it can create maps or other reports that describe the route. The maps provided are generally for road bikes in the bay area. Although there is one for mountain bikes in the Mount Tamalpais area. There is also a hiking map for the East Bay. Finally, the author of the program moved to Ohio, so there is a central Ohio map for road bikes as well. The program can be downloaded at http://www.klimb.org/klimb.html



One of the reports that the tool creates is a ride profile. Above is a profile of the Swanton Road ride. It is not super accurrate, but gives a general idea. The ride starts with rolling hills. Just before the halfway point, it has a sharper climb up Swanton Hill, followed by a descent down the other side of the hill. After the halfway point, I retrace my route. My bike computer shows 2200 feet of elevation gain, where this tool shows 1840 feet. I am not sure which is more accurate, and quite frankly I don't really care.




My next challenge is the ride above. It goes from my house up Empire Grade to Smith Grade, down Bonny Doon Road to Highway 1, then returning home. This is a fun ride in the summer. The initial climbs are shaded and sheltered. Thus, it does not get too hot and it does not have much wind at all. Also, in the summer, there is often a stiff wind coming down the coast, so that you have a nice tailwind coming home on Highway 1.



Above is the profile of this ride. Although it is just over 1/2 the distance and just 400 more feet of climbing versus the Swanton Road ride, I find it much more challenging. The Swanton Road hill is roughly 400 feet of climbing. The initial two climbs on this ride are roughly 2000 feet of climbing. It is pretty much continuous up hill with very little oppurtunity to rest. On the other hand, the descent down Bonny Doon road is a long fun smooth ride.