Breakneck Road Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

5.7
PDI
1.2 mi
DISTANCE
682 ft
GAINED
10.6 %
AVG. GRADE

FULL CLIMB STATS

Page Contributor(s): Dan Razum, San Jose, CA

INTRO

"This short climb may be the most difficult in New Jersey.  It starts out tame and ends up as quite terrifying.  After 0.4 miles of moderate grade on Route 515 turn left onto Breakneck Road.  The grade increases at that point and then goes ballistic a short distance later to 20% and beyond. Traffic will likely accompany you up this hill many days. Towards the top the grade eases and the summit is unmarked but obvious..." (This quote provided with the approval of John Summerson from his book, The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike), 2nd Edition, pg. 92.)

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ROUTE MAP

MEMBER RATING

Difficulty: Extreme
3
Road
2
Traffic
2
Scenery

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Jul 23, 2021
difficulty: Extreme
scenery: 2
traffic: 2
road: 3
Jul 23, 2021
scenery: 2
traffic: 2
road: 3
The first steep section is manageable but the switchback is just insane- maybe 25%? Stick with it because it flattens out not too far after that part. This climb is misnamed. It starts on 515 but the majority of it is Breakneck Road.
Oct 24, 2021
Thanks for the info! Name is changed 👍
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CLIMB SUMMARY

Cycling Breakneck Road

Ride 1.2 miles gaining 682’ at 10.6% average grade.

This is ranked the second hardest bike climb in New Jersey on PJAMM’s New Jersey Top Hill Climbs list.

Climb summary by PJAMM ambassador Dan Razum.

We start climbing on Route 515, just after an Acme supermarket with ample parking. There is traffic on this climb but most of the way there is at least a small shoulder, so it isn't too bad, just stay on the shoulder.  However, there are several grates for rain water drainage, even on the steeper sections, so be careful of them.  You certainly want to steer clear of these grates, especially if you descend.

After a short distance on Rt 515 we turn left onto Breakneck Road.  At first Breakneck Road is narrow without a shoulder but soon a shoulder appears.  Then, as the climbs gets steep, there is an extra lane for slow traffic, which we definitely need! As we get near the top the grade becomes more manageable and the extra lane disappears.

 

As we approach the top, we can continue straight on Breakneck Road to the top or we can take a small detour if traffic is heavy.  We can turn right on Muscoda Road which then turns left and then we can turn left on Tahama Road, which brings as back to Breakneck and the top of the climb.  The detour is just  a couple of blocks, so it is probably only useful if you are riding during rush hour.

If you descend be careful at the intersection of Breakneck Road and Rt 515 where there is a stop sign, it is easy to pick up a lot of speed on the way down.

Finish