Yes, we went up Norton Summit this afternoon, with Chris and Ben showing us the way. We met up with the two (LG friends of SY's) at Tusmore, and went by way of Magill. The climb started about 2 km into the ride, beginning from 80m and rising to 360m, a total ascent of about 270m over 7.5km. It was a sustained ride. The elevation chart showed a straight upward gradient.
It was an effort, especially for the first couple of km, but after getting into rythm, I was able to appreciate the view from up there and chatted with the others as well (short chats, mind you). HR averaged 165, with max of 170 for the climb. I thought I wouldn't be able to summit this, given the fact that we had yet to go up Mt Faber. Surprisingly, we made it almost to the top. Only hampered from the top most summit because part of the road was closed for a controlled burn.
The downhill ride was fun, but I kept braking as I wasn't so gutsy about descending.
View near summit; Chris and Ben chatting with another cyclist.
Shows the gradient of the climb up Norton Summit.
After regrouping, I thought we were going back to Tusmore, but instead, found myself in another long gradual climb. It was not as steep, and appeared deceptively easier. This second climb to Waterfall Gully was over 5 to 6 km covering 150m elevation. HR averaged 130 to 140. I didn't expect two climbs in one day, so was glad to be able to complete two in one session.
Well, for the record, Norton is supposedly the easiest hill around Adelaide. Waterfall Gully is not quite close enough to Mt Lofty to be much of a real climb. But it was a good workout. Felt that I could have gone up Norton a little faster, but then, wouldn't have been able to sustain the entire 7.5 km.
View ride in Garmin connect.
A big thank you to Chris and Ben for showing the way, and to SY for coming along on a heavy hybrid bike!
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