The Cholla 5 minute club- post your times!

Cholla's always been a measuring stick since it's a popular trail and helps gain access to the ridge. A buddy and myself have been pushing this 5 minute thing for 6 months. We've come close but no cigar yet. I've been as close at 5:24 but getting that last 24 seconds has been elusive. From the start of the trail to the post at the top. What are your times?

The start is at the Cholla sign at the bottom and finish line is the post at the top of the trail. You can be standing or riding on the start. Dabbing, walking is all acceptable although I'm sure it doesn't help your time .

This is meant to be a healthy, motivational, challenge to which you can measure yourself in 5-10 minutes every time you go out. Again, a good measuring stick.

Show us your times no matter what and work to better yourself!

 

I'm interested to time myself on this bad boy now. Are you timing entry to the trail (where the trails starts between the bushes) to the top where the signpost is? Or starting at the shelter to the post? Those few seconds may count!

 

Nice idea for a measuring stick. I think I'll try it from now on. I've only started riding up Cholla this year. I can make it more times than not, but I rest wherever I can by riding as slowly as possible without tipping over. Maybe I'll post later with my "Longest time up Cholla without stopping." 8-[

 

I'll have to go down to Aliso now just to do this. Though I doubt I'll be breaking 5min. as that sounds really fast.

Might as well post one up for Mathis, Rock it, and Meadows now too if you guys have them.

Speaking timing yourselves on climbing. Where and when is the SHARE Dreaded Hill Climb going to be this year? Dreaded Hill in Whiting or Poles in El Moro again?

 

Now THAT is a race I could compete in!

 

Actually I used to do this with some riding buds, the slow speed race. It's actually pretty funny b/c someone eventually falls over.

 

Is it cheating if I use my cross bike?

 

There's no points for showing off ! :lol:

 

yeah i did it in 5 minutes. As i was climbing Cholla, it took me 5 minutes to recover at the middle of the climb then continued on to finish to the top. :lol:

 

Where is this?

 

Great responses all so far!

Start the clock right where the trail narrows (just past the fire sign) then stop it at the post up top. You'll know it when you see it and it's pretty distinct.

I like this one because it's a climb many can do with some practice without having to stop. The main reason is the recovery areas (flats) in the trail. Any bike will do. I use a 32lb all mountain GT.

Rock-it is another one but not as accessible or popular to go up. Mathis is a long, long burn so I think I might lose interest halfway up. I just figured Cholla would be one where a lot of people could join in.

Good luck and looking forward those times now that the rain's stopped!

 

Okay - do we get a handicap for bike weight?

 

I have only ridden it once with the guys from Crank Brothers. All I know is I cleaned it, which is cool (for me!), but I have a feeling it took me longer than five minutes. Yeah, longer than that. You bet.

Good luck!

- shud

 

:-k I think I can do it in under 5 min.

 

I have never really hammered it; however, I believe that I could do it in under 5 minutes. I'll have to try some friends and I go ride Stairsteps.

 

Ill have to check.. .It is probably slower than 5 minutes as I am in the lowest gear 90% of the time just slowly chugging up the hill. If you put your foot down does it disqualify you?

The last time I rode up Mathis (it was before I could clear Cholla on one try) it took me like 28 minutes or something, hahaha
It was a lot of walking, haha

 

Granny gear, middle ring, big ring, or what?

I've cleared it plenty of times, and middle-ringed it a few, but never even thought to time myself. I like easing up during the flat bits too much. Thanks for giving me a new way to torture myself!
#-o

 

what's the distance of this 5 minute Cholla climb?

 

According to the Randy Vogal book, it's .35 miles and about 300 ft of ascent.

 

Fun idea EH. Can you post a pic of the starting line? I agree that it could be seconds depending on the interpretation. Maybe I'm just a huge nerd who wants to know officially where to start.