San Dimas uphill time trial, 6.8% at 17 miles per hour

Uphill time trials are captivating. And when they are short, like the opening stage time trial for the 2012 San Dimas Stage Race on March 16th, there’s no place to hide.

This year the Glendora Mountain Road stage of 3.8 miles begins 1,100 feet further up the road than in previous years. Riders will climb 1,375 feet which nets to an approximate average gradient of 6.8%.

2012 San Dimas Stage Race Glendora Mountain time trial profile, from race "Bible." Elevation on top, grade on bottom.

Ben Day won this stage last year, when he rode for Kenda p/b Geargrinder, in 12 minutes 48 seconds. Matt Cooke of Team Exergy finished second about 14 seconds behind Day’s time and Cesar Grajales of Realcyclist.com Team came in about 20 seconds behind the leader for third place.

Day’s time puts him at an average speed of 17.8 miles per hour up Glendora Mountain Road.

This is just an hors d’oeuvre. More to come on the 2012 San Dimas Stage Race tomorrow.