This page is no longer active. I’ve long since moved all the hills to my much more comprehensive and useful database at brentacol.com. This page is left for the curious.

  1. Bowen Street. Cobbles, 30% gradient at the top of the cobble section, all combine to make this one the hardest climb in Providence. It’s not uncommon to see cyclists have to stop and unclip or (in my case) fall over sideways. Post 1, Post, Post 3 – 50
  2. Blue Hill. This one is almost in Boston, but qualifies for the list since you can get there by doing an 80-mile out-and-back ride. It might be the hardest hill in the area, but I’m going to retain that honor for Bowen – I don’t think any competent rider should fall over sideways on Blue Hill, but that isn’t such a rare occurrence on Bowen. Post – 45
  3. Jenckes Street. Just a couple blocks down, and my route for Bowen also finishes just at the top of Jenckes. This one is just long enough and steep enough that it hurts me every time I try it. Post 1, Post 2, Post 3, Post 4 – 40
  4. Woonsocket Hill Road. I’m going to try this one out at number 3 for a bit. It has sustainsed sections of 20%, and the break in the middle only serves to accentuate the steepness of the rest of it. Post – 40
  5. South Court. A really nice hill on the east side. It has a small section of cobblestone–just enough to make you feel cool, without actually causing many difficulties. Post (You’ll have to scroll past the pictures of my bike, but who would complain about that? It’s freaking beautiful.) – 35
  6. Wilbur Road. Tough hill up to the North, off 246. Post – 30
  7. Cullen Hill Road. By an entrance to the Blackstone River Bikeway. Both this and Wilbur Road are in close proximity on my climbing circuit. General consensus seems to be that this one is a bit harder. I tend to struggle more on Wilbur, and this is my list, so I’m keeping this order. (But I did just move Cullen up a bit, because it is pretty darn hard.) Post – 30
  8. Buck Hill Road – second hill on Buck Hill Road, headed West. Post – 30
  9. RI High Point – Three tough climbs in close succession. Makes for a difficult couple of miles. The first of the three is by far the hardest. Post – 30
  10. Tower Hill Road. Up pretty far to the north of Providence. It has a couple steep sections and it is much longer than anything else in the area, but it really isn’t all that hard. It gets a higher KOM rating because in a competitive scenario, it is very tough because of its length and inconsistent grade. Post – 40
  11. Burlingame Road. I’m not sure where this one should slot in, but it’s pretty tough. Post – 30
  12. Whipple Road. Just outside of North Providence to the North. Post – 20
  13. Central Pike. Not to be confused with Central Ave, which is long and gradual, Central Pike is a steepy. Post – 20
  14. College St. – This one is short, but very, very steep. Combined with other East Side hills, this one is a beast. Post – 20
  15. Mountaindale (from the north) – Connects 116 to 44. Post – 20
  16. Walter Carey – another of three routes to the top of Mountaindale. Post – 20
  17. Capron Road. Connects Ridge road to 104. Post – 20
  18. Sayles Hill. It’s only this difficult if by some miracle you get to go through the light at 146 without stopping. Otherwise you’ll end up with a forced rest for a couple minutes while you try to get across. (Low points for this one because it isn’t really suitable for racing up because of 146) Post – 10
  19. Douglas Hook. Similar to 102, but with a much less consistent gradient. Post 1, Post 2 – 20
  20. The 102. This one is longer than most. It isn’t too difficult as long as you set a reasonable pace, but it can be a killer if you’re riding with someone stronger than you and you try to hold their wheel. (Higher points than others because it’s pretty long and tough in race situations.) Post – 30
  21. Farnum Road – Also near Burlingame. Post – 20
  22. Mount St. Charles – in Woonsocket…not really a mountain, but there are some nice views from the top. Post – 20
  23. Manville Hill Road – north of Providence, just by the current end of the Blackstone River Bikeway. Post – 20
  24. Log Road. While this section may not be that tough, there are lots of rolling hills on either side of this hill. (No KOM points because it isn’t really clear where this hill begins or ends) Post
  25. Iron Mine Hill. Post – 15
  26. Buck Hill #1 (headed east) – Post – 15
  27. Mann School Road – Near Burlingame. Post -15
  28. Bear Hill Road – Just over the CT border. Post – 15
  29. Mountaindale (from the south) – the easiest but longest way up Mountaindale. Post – 20
  30. Pine Hill Road – looks worse than it is. Post – 15
  31. Cypress – a northern east side hill. Be careful not to get shot at the intersection with Camp Post – 15
  32. West Wrenthem – This is a climb for big strong riders, not for climbers. It goes up to the top of Tower Hill Road. Post – 10
  33. Buck Hill, Westbound. Post – 15
  34. Woodward. Goes from Branch up to Mineral Spring. Post – 15
  35. Cobble Hill Road – Connects route 126 to 146. Fun little hill, although I was disappointed that there are no cobblestones to be found on it. Post – 15
  36. Waterman – The classic East side hill. Post – 15
  37. Tourtellot – Long, but not too difficult. Post – 20
  38. Tunk Hill – at the Scituate Reservoir. Post – 20
  39. Doyle – another northern east side hill. Post – 15
  40. River Ave. – Because this one inevitably comes at the end of a ride for me, it never feels particularly good to go up it. But if you’re feeling fresh it’s fine…just a quick sprint and you’re done. Post – 5