All the cycling data and info you'll need to climb Carter Road

Cycling Carter Road

Rife 1.7 miles gaining 749’ at 7.5% average grade (9.6% climb only).

The Carter Road ascent ranks as the 4th most demanding road cycling climb in Connecticut. It kicks off with a formidable test, featuring an average gradient of 13.9%, with three distinct segments spanning around 150 yards each, where the gradient steepens to a challenging 15-20%

Start of the climb.

“Carter Road is similar to [Whitcomb Hill Road] in that it carries a stout overall and maximum grade although it contains even more grade variability.  After a very challenging start the slope eases and then a descent is found.  Climbing soon resumes over moderate grade before steepening again, including a short stretch of double digit pedaling.  The slope eases greatly as you glide by a red barn but then soon goes to double digit again before easing up to an unmarked but obvious summit.” (This quote is provided with the approval of John Summerson from his book, The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike) in the Northeast, pg. 62.)

Climb summary by PJAMM Ambassador Dan Razum.

The climb starts with a steep section at the intersection with Rte 7.  There are three steep sections on this climb and the first one is right at the beginning so there isn't much chance to warm up first. However, the steep sections aren't too long and they are interspersed with short downhill sections.

The road quality at the start is decent but not great.  There are no lane markings but the road is wide enough and traffic is light.  At the top of the first climbing section, just before a downhill section, we pass a Retreat/Rehab facility on the right.  Apparently this facility keeps the road condition indecent shape because after the facility the road surface is noticeably poorer, with more bumps and ruts in the road. It isn't too bad, but it is obvious that the road receives less maintenance after the facility.

Start of the third 15-20% grade segment.

After the facility there are two more steep sections before we reach the top.  The top is unmarked but fairly easy to distinguish, although it can be mistaken for just another short downhill section. At the top the road changes name from Carter Rd to North Kent Rd although physically it is the same road.

Climb finish.