Riding Up the Steepest Street in San Francisco on a Recumbent Trike! Cycling Up a 41% Grade! In this thrilling YouTube adventure, the host Rich takes on the steepest street in San Francisco, located at the intersection of Bradford and Tompkins. The challenge? Climbing a daunting 41% gradient on a recumbent trike, the Greenspeed GTO. San Francisco is notorious for its steep hills, and this particular street is ranked as one of the most intimidating, primarily consisting of a taxing 24% grade, intensifying to 41% towards the top .
The Challenge Begins
As Rich approaches the infamous street, he describes the unique experience of triking in San Francisco. The city’s hills can deter even the most experienced drivers, as noted by his companion Joe, who hesitated at the sight of these extreme inclines. The hype is palpable, and as he prepares, he discusses the features of his trike. The Greenspeed GTO is equipped with a small rear wheel crucial for grip on steep climbs and an internally geared hub that contains incredibly low gears—perfect for tackling the steepest streets.
Breakdown of the Ride
The video captures Rich’s multi-attempt ascent, complete with humorous commentary on the anxiety-inducing gradient. As he gears up, he highlights the significance of maintaining a firm grip on the trike to prevent it from rolling away, which is a common issue in such steep areas . Rich starts off strong, providing viewers with a glimpse of the physical exertion required as he tackles the hill. The footage includes moments of frustration and triumph, with Rich ultimately succeeding on his third attempt to conquer the slope. The steep incline tests the limits of both his skills and the capabilities of the trike, pushing him to explore the low gears that he had never previously utilized.
Conclusion and Reflection
By the end of his journey, Rich expresses his exhilaration at having managed such a feat, even remarking on how fortunate he was that the steep segment was short-lived. This ride not only showcases the technical prowess of the trike but also serves as an exciting exploration of San Francisco’s hilly landscape. This video offers great insights into recumbent cycling and the unique challenges faced by cycling enthusiasts in steep urban areas. If you’re equally intrigued by cycling or San Francisco’s topography, this is an adventure worth watching!
What do you all think? Do you have any experiences biking in steep areas? Share your thoughts and any tips you've picked up from challenging rides!
