Mastering Manoa Climb: My Personal Victory Over One Steep Hill

There are steeper hills.

For me, though, Manoa Climb has been torture.

I’ve done a lot of biking over the last couple of years, almost 500 miles this year. I struggle with a few hills and often walk, but none has been more frustrating than Manoa Climb.

It’s a roughly 5% grade covering a half-mile. I have started and finished this hill, but have never completed it without walking at least part of the way.

The hill is always at the end of my rides when I am most tired, especially after a long ride.

I did 20 miles today, pacing myself in the hopes I would finally conquer this hill.

The base of the hill is especially steep and usually where I run out of pedal power. Today, I pushed hard up that base, motivated by a few walkers. It’s always more motivating when there’s an audience. I knew in my heart that getting halfway up the hill was key.

When I got to the bend in the road, about a third of the way up, I felt the momentum. I knew I had finally overcome my physical limitations to reach the top without stopping.

So whatever hilltop you are trying to reach, I hope my little story inspires you. Keep climbing!