Rides We Like: Eichele Road

(2020) It has been said a perfect ride is hardly memorable. The act of smooth sailing prevents obstacles necessary for nostalgia. A week ago a planned ride took on the appearance of having obstacles in the form of a tropical storm. Passing through the night before, the hurdles were nowhere to be found for a ride up one of the most defensive bergs in the area: Eichele Road.

Despite being late August, the morning of the ride featured blue skies, slight wind, and temperatures in the low sixties. It was not forecasted to move beyond the mid-seventies until we cleared the route. For the first time in a while, we joined Mike (yes, that Mike) to roll along new roads northwest of our area. The plan was to rendezvous with two other riders, Eric and Johnny. Taking advantage of Strava technology, we managed to meet each other at the precise time planned. 

The goal was to have Mike finally experience Eichele Road. Eichele is a road cyclist’s supreme challenge, a steep hill nestled in Green Lane Reservoir, Montgomery County. For years I hammered Mike with the facts about its steepness, it’s defensive posture, and the amount of times I considered dismounting per ascent. For all its brutish walls, the surrounding countryside creates a deceptive sense of relaxation. We had a sense of late season calm while approaching a hill not unlike a mechanical bull. The street sign designating the turn is when it gets hard to convince ourselves this is what we choose to do.

The innocent start up Eichele. Gentle rollers create a false sense that this is a basic country road. The trees hide the steep climb not much farther along.

The hill’s name might sound familiar. It was featured in the successful Univest Grand Prix for more than ten years. Pros farther back in the peloton opted to dismount and run it citing a quicker approach. For the more recent years, Eichele has been featured in Kermesse Sport’s Oktoberfest Ride. On more than one occasion we heard arguments start at its base. One in particular, “What the hell is that?!” was yelled amongst riders behind us. We didn’t stick around to hear the resolution.

Turning down Eichele can be deceptive. The gradient is minimal and the distance is obscured by trees. An innocent turn down the road could be viewed as quaint, welcoming, countryesque until the trees part slightly to reveal stronger gradients. No worries, this will only take a few pedal strokes. That is, until one meanders to the base of the wall that is unsympathetic and offers more than meets the eye.

I moved to my normal place as climbs go. I slotted to the back of the bunch as Mike, Eric, and Johnny put to work on the first wall. The opening portion gradually steepens from 1% until it nearly hits 28% (according to Strava). Here is where many people are bucked off. The right turn’s inside is much steeper, but it is hard to reject a straight line. One hard effort can overcome the steepness, and it is rewarded with a steeper road. The strip between turns is steep. I’ll admit I am nervous each ascent is one too many, that I risk adding Eichele to the list of hills I have walked. The steepest portion averages 17%, and it cares not at all about egos.

Having successfully navigated the right turn, then the left, there is an awareness the grip should loosen in a short time. On the right is the driveway walking riders have used as a launch pad back into the climb. And then a beautiful sight came into view. There is a gorgeous historic house at the summit. A little farther and the valley peeks from behind the trees. Eichele will fight you off but only for a bit. It lets go eventually, probably to resume waiting for the next rider testing strength and climbing skills. 

The immediate view from Eichele’s summit: a difficult photo to snap with a thumping heart rate, sweaty hands, and thoroughbred panting. The historical house is to the left.

We wound around Green Lane for a bit. The group passed Eichele’s entrance a second time and ascended its sister, Henning Road, also a testy hill. We joked about Everesting. It was stated rumors one rider went up Eichele fourteen times in one outing. 

As quickly as we circled Green Lane Reservoir, we shucked riders. Johnny peeled off. Eric rode back to our meeting spot then headed to a coffee stop. Mike and I enjoyed a helpful tailwind back into Bucks County. Perfectly orchestrated rides hardly leave impressions but this one was a study in relaxation and enjoyment. Mike got to hit what he said was the steepest hill he’s ever attempted. The weather was as enjoyable as ever. And we got to ride with Johnny in person instead of digitally. We also got to cruise down beautiful roads like old times with Eric.

There is something to be said about rides executed perfectly. Perhaps it’s our experience scale - juxtapositions - being moved farther apart. We will appreciate this ride as time goes by with each harsh riding experience. People are proud of their land. They always want a pro cyclist (or any other athlete for that matter) to say things like, “that hill is the steepest I’ve ever seen.” For years I described Eichele to Mike and it was justified that he said it was probably the steepest hill he’s attempted, Devil’s Kitchen included. Comments like that make the ride complete.