One Down...99 to Go

In the March 2007 edition of Bicycling magazine, the "100 Best Climbs in America" were featured. Whether I totally agree with some of their selections is another matter, but I was fortunate enough to be in the southern Illinois area to ride one of them, Makanda Road Hills.

The description of the climb was as followed:
Makanda Road Hills
Makanda, Illinois
1.75 M, 9% AG, 800 FVG (Miles, Average Grade, and Feet of Vertical Gain)

Locals Say: A dose of brutual reality in an arty town. Find It: South of Carbondale on Rt. 51, running east to west. Don't Miss: The Southern Illinois University at Carbondale cycling team churns over this pair of hils on its training rides - look way toward the back and you might see frequent Bicycling contributor Mike Magnuson. Info: siu.edu/~cycling/index.htm.

As I was down in the area for the annual relay foot race, River to River (80 miles splits among 8 runners), I wasn't in the mood to seriously tax myself. On the SIU cycling website, I found exactly what I needed and printed out the directions for "The Quick Spin - Makanda and Back," approximately 17 miles.

The route was easy enough to follow and the traffic was minimal (which was great considering the lack of any shoulder). After a few small rollers on Old Rt. 51, I crossed over Rt. 51, into Makanda. From the tower across 51, it was fairly easy to see why some locals call these the Happy Face Hills (see inset).

Traveling west to east, the hill actually starts out on a small descent that brings you to the base of the climb. It kicks upward immediately and continues going upward around a small turn (not a switchback). Once you crest the hill, there is a small flat and then a nice long descent into the town of Makanda.

Rather than complete the loop back to Carbondale, I thought I'd test the climbing legs going in the opposite direction (and according to Bicycling's description, going east to west is the best way to get the full effect of the pair of hills). The long descent in the other direction was now a long winding ascent, and the initial descent a nice short and steep climb before you hit Rt. 51. This pair of climbs was well worth it even though I had to turn around and tackle the climb back into town.

After a brief respite in what could best be described as downtown Makanda (see inset), I headed down Springer Ridge Road and back to Carbondale.

If you're in and around the area and in need of shop assistance, surprisingly, there are plenty to choose from; all in less than a 100 yard radius (Phoenix Cycles, Carbondale Cycles, and The Bike Surgeon).