The indieVelo "Drome to Dome" Route-26.1km (16.2 mi), elevation 500m (1,640 ft)-Forest Velodrome to mountain top finish with much more!
Route Description
Drome to Dome is the 19th route introduced on indieVelo and was the first addition following the beta launch in June 2023. The route arrived on August 21, 2023, as part of the V0.2.11 game release update.
The course spans 26.1 km (about 16.2 miles) with close to 500 m (about 1,640 feet) of elevation. The ride starts at the Forest Velodrome, finishes at West a Mountain’s summit, and features a three-climb crusade.
The initial part of the route includes two complete laps around the Velodrome, where the pace is often fast and full gas right out of the gate. After that, you’ll head to the east side of the Island towards North Lake. The first 8 km (about 5 miles) are predominantly flat. At 5 km (about 3.1 miles) in, a road split often separates the pack and occasionally triggers unplanned breakaways.
As you reach the far north of the Island at 8.3 km (about 5.2 miles), a right turn leads to a 1.6 km (about 1 mile) segment with three small bumps heading south of North Lake. It preludes the day’s first significant test: a 1.3 km (about 0.8 miles) climb at an average gradient of 7.3%, starting at 10 km (about 6.2 miles).
Be sure to stay with a group at this point; otherwise, the next 6 km (about 3.7 miles) of mainly flat terrain around South Lake could be a lonely struggle.
Upon reaching 19.1 km (about 11.9 miles), you’ll tackle the Switchback KOM. It’s a 2.3 km (about 1.4 miles) climb with an average gradient of 6.9% and pitches up to 11%. The climb initially holds a very steady incline between 8% and 10% for the first 1.5 km (about 0.93 miles). After a short 250 m (about 820 feet) respite at a 3% gradient, brace yourself for the last 500 m (about 1,640 feet), which kick up to 14%.
Following the descent and a few braking corners to keep you focused, you’ll face the final challenge, West a Mountain KOM. This climb is 2.4 km (about 1.5 miles) long, with an average gradient of 5.8% and a spike of 12.8% near the top. The ascent initially holds at around 6% for the first 1.5 km (about 0.93 miles), eases to 3% for 250 m (about 820 feet), and then gradually increases to nearly 13% for the last 100 m (about 328 feet) of the climb. Those last 100 meters will indeed feel like an eternity.
Thanks, Luciano!
Key things to note include:
Course Length and Elevation: 26.1 km (16.2 miles) with 500 m (1,640 feet) of elevation.
Start and Finish: Begins at the Velodrome and ends at the summit of West a Mountain.
Initial Segment: Two full laps around the Velodrome, typically fast-paced.
First 8 km: Mostly flat; key road split at 5 km (3.1 miles) can separate groups.
North Lake Segment: 1.6 km (1 mile) with three small bumps, beginning at 8.3 km (5.2 miles).
First Major Climb: 1.3 km (0.8 miles) at 7.3% gradient, starts at 10 km (6.2 miles).
Flat Midsection: Approximately 6 km (3.7 miles) of mostly flat terrain around South Lake.
Switchback KOM: 2.3 km (1.4 miles) climb at 6.9% average gradient, with spikes to 11%, starting at 19.1 km (11.9 miles).
Final Climb (West a Mountain KOM): 2.4 km (1.5 miles) at an average gradient of 5.8% with a spike of 12.8% near the top.
Route Profile
Route details and description courtesy of Beta-tester Andras Beck!
Check out the indieVelo-Route Descriptions page for more useful recon information.
Semi-retired as owner and director of his private Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice after over 20 years, Chris is blessed with the freedom to pursue his passion for virtual cycling and writing. On a continual quest to give back to his bike for all the rewarding experiences and relationships it has provided him, he created a non-profit. Chris is committed to helping others with his bike through its work and the pages of his site.
In the summer of 2022, he rode 3,900 miles from San Francisco to New York to support the charity he founded, TheDIRTDadFund. His “Gain Cave” resides on the North Fork of Long Island, where he lives with his beautiful wife and is proud of his two independent children.
You will read him promoting his passion on the pages of Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, Zwift Insider, Endurance.biz, and Bicycling. Chris is co-host of The Virtual Velo Podcast, too!
