Any Given Roncola

I met my friend Luca in middle school. He was already into biking. Soon my parents bought me a red Atala mountain bike — Ferrari-red, of course. When the weather warmed up, I asked Luca to take me out for a ride. That was the first time I climbed that hill. Must’ve been 1992 or ’93.

He never stopped cycling. I did. For twenty years I didn’t ride a single kilometer. Then, in my mid-30s, I started again. With an old Colnago (fake — the only thing Colnago about it were the stickers) bought at an auction of stolen bikes. I called Luca and said: “Let’s go to Roncola!”

Since then, Strava tells me I’ve climbed Roncola 74 times.

Let me be clear: it’s crap. No charming winding roads, no scenic views, no sightseeing potential whatsoever. Just 7 km at 8%. (last 700 meters at 9.2%) 

The very definition of a “data-cyclist climb.” It’s where everyone goes because it’s only a 25-minute ride from the city center. It’s awful, but on Strava it has more than 14,000 people  recorded  their times .

When you meet a new cycling buddy, the first question is always the same:
“So… what’s your Roncola PB?”

Everyone hates it, but everyone wants to beat your time.

Under 20 minutes? You’re a pro.
Under 25? You could have been a pro.
Under 30? You ride a lot.
Over 30? Better not post it on Strava.