Joeljoch

Overview

Joeljoch is a category 1 ascent that packs a serious punch into 9.8 kilometres. Starting at 1102 metres and topping out at 1736 metres, it delivers 634 metres of net elevation gain at an average gradient of 6.46%. That average alone marks it as a demanding, sustained effort — steep enough to keep you honest for the better part of an hour, but not so brutal that it tips into the pure suffering of an hors catégorie monster. The 11.86% maximum gradient tells you there are pitches here that will spike your heart rate and force a hard decision about whether to grind or shift.

How the Gradient Unfolds

With a 6.46% average and an 11.86% peak, Joeljoch is a climb of contrasts rather than a metronomic drag. The nearly two-to-one ratio between the steepest ramp and the average means the road is not uniform — expect stretches that sit comfortably around or below the average, punctuated by sharper kickers that nearly double the effort. The recorded total ascent of 615 metres sits just below the 634 metres of net gain, a sign that this is an almost relentlessly upward road with little in the way of false descents or recovery dips. Over 9.8 kilometres, the elevation stacks up steadily, so the challenge is as much about managing accumulated fatigue as it is about surviving any single ramp.

Pacing Notes

The smart way to ride Joeljoch is to anchor your effort to your FTP rather than chasing the gradient. On a climb averaging 6.46% for nearly ten kilometres, going into the red early on one of the 11.86% pitches will cost you dearly over the remaining distance. Aim to hold a steady percentage of threshold on the sustained sections and allow your power to rise briefly on the steepest ramps, rather than surging and fading. If you are unsure of your current threshold, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you commit to a target — knowing your ceiling turns 634 metres of climbing from a guessing game into a plan.

Gearing

For a category 1 climb with an 11.86% maximum, gearing is your friend. A compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a 34×32 setup will get most riders up the sustained 6.46% grades without over-torquing, but on those steepest 11.86% ramps a 34×34 gives you the extra spin to protect your legs and keep cadence in a comfortable range. If you tend to grind at low cadence or you are riding this near the end of a long day, lean toward the 34×34 — the cost is negligible and the security on the sharp pitches over 634 metres of gain is well worth it.

Summary

Joeljoch is a genuine category 1 test: sustained, steep in places, and long enough to reward disciplined pacing and sensible gearing. Ride it to your threshold, respect the 11.86% ramps, and let the 634 metres of climbing come to you.

Length: 9.8 km
Average gradient: 6.46%
Max gradient: 11.86%
Start: 1102 m
Summit: 1736 m
Net gain: 634 m
Total ascent: 615 m
Category: 1