Howard Gap Road

Although I suck at it, I love climbing. So, with 80 degree weather the other day, I took off work and headed to Saluda, NC where I found Howard Gap Road. It’s rumored to be an 18% grade at its steepest and that grade lasts about a mile.

The climb starts out benign, but rest assured, when you see a road sign like that, you're in for some fun.

The grade increases, but you're still not at 18%...yet.

The grade begins. I don’t bother with climbing gears – I’m not a wimp – I keep my crit friendly 25 on the back.

At one point, I-26 is just a stones throw away. Not that I would do that.



The view of the valley is worth it.

But, don't look for too long cuz you're still climbing the grade.

That's where you're headed. There's an overlook up there where you can stop...

...and look down on what you just climbed.

After the grade you just climbed, this part is downright easy.

Howard Gap Road, I shall see you again soon.