God Help Me Pass

Overview

God Help Me Pass is a category 2 climb that stretches 8.4 km from a start elevation of 1745 m to a summit at 2271 m. Over that distance it averages 6.28%, delivering a net elevation gain of 526 m and a total ascent of 504 m. The small gap between net gain and total ascent tells you this is an honest, upward-only effort — there are no meaningful descents to break the rhythm, just a sustained grind that keeps you working from the first pedal stroke to the last. At an average of 6.28% held over more than eight kilometres, this is a climb that rewards patience over aggression.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The number that shapes this climb is the spread between its 6.28% average and its 10.13% maximum. That difference — just under four percentage points — means the pitch is far from uniform. Long stretches will sit near or slightly above the average, punctuated by steeper ramps that push toward the 10.13% ceiling. Because the total ascent of 504 m is packed into 8.4 km with no relief sections, every kilometre pulls you higher toward the 2271 m summit. Expect the steepest kicks to hurt most in the back half, when the accumulated 526 m of gain is already in your legs and the thin air near the top begins to bite.

Pacing Notes

The safest way to ride an 8.4 km climb at 6.28% is to anchor your effort to your FTP rather than to how you feel on the opening ramps. Aim to hold a steady percentage of threshold through the average-gradient sections and accept that the pitches approaching 10.13% will spike your power briefly — let those come back down rather than chasing them. If you don't know your threshold number, run it through the FTP estimator first, then set a target you can sustain for the full duration. Starting conservatively over the first few kilometres leaves you the headroom to survive the steeper upper slopes and still crest the 2271 m summit without cracking.

Gearing

With 526 m of climbing to absorb at a 6.28% average and ramps reaching 10.13%, gearing generosity pays off. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a 34×32 low gear will carry most riders comfortably through the sustained sections. If you tend to grind, run lower cadences, or simply want insurance for the steepest 10.13% pitches near the summit, step down to a 34×34. That extra sprocket keeps your cadence spinning rather than mashing on the hardest ramps, protecting your legs across the full 8.4 km rather than leaving you over-geared when the road tilts up.

Summary

God Help Me Pass is a steady category 2 test: 8.4 km of consistent climbing at 6.28%, with just enough variation up to 10.13% to keep you honest. Pace it off your threshold, gear low, and let the 526 m of gain come to you.

Length: 8.4 km
Average gradient: 6.28%
Max gradient: 10.13%
Start: 1745 m
Summit: 2271 m
Net gain: 526 m
Total ascent: 504 m
Category: 2