The indieVelo "Loched and Loaded" Route-12.5km (7.8 mi), elevation 310m (1,017 ft)-two sharp climbs separated by a spin around the lake!
Route Description
One of the eighteen original Beta routes rolled out on The Island in 2023, Loched and Loaded is a 12.5 km/7.8 mi. route with 310m/1,017 ft. of elevation and a 200m lead-in.
This challenging course is perfect for cyclists wanting to put both their climbing and flat-terrain skills to the test.
The route begins with a climb that kicks in at 0.7 km (about 0.43 miles) and goes for 1.3 km (about 0.81 miles) with an average gradient of 7.3%.
It is followed by a loop around the South Lake, which is primarily flat. At the 6.3 km (about 3.9 miles) mark, you’ll begin the Switchback Climb, which is 2.3 km (about 1.43 miles) long with an average gradient of 6.9%, peaking at 11%.
The climb has multiple stretches between 8 and 10% gradient during the first 1.5km, then during the next 250m, you can pretend to catch your breath at 3%, and the last part of Switchbacks is again between 8 and 10% sustained.
The final section of the route is a three-quarters lap around the North Lake, starting right after the descent from the Switchback Climb. This section includes two small bumps with 3% and 5% gradients.
This route is a series of challenges, and maintaining a smart pacing strategy is crucial for success. Keep some watts in reserve for the final kilometer to make your move on the North Lake bumps.
Thanks, Luciano!
Courtesy of Beta-tester Roman Edelhelfer!
Key things to note include:
- The first climb often breaks up the peloton, so aim to stick with a group.
- The South Lake Loop is 2.5 km (about 1.55 miles) of mostly flat ground, and it can be tough if you find yourself alone.
- The Switchback Climb presents its own set of challenges, including multiple stretches with gradients between 8 and 10% in the first 1.5 km (about 0.93 miles).
- The final kilometer (about 0.62 miles) of the route can be deceptive. It’s wise to keep some energy reserves for tackling the bumps on the North Lake Loop.
All in all, Loched and Loaded offers a varied and challenging ride, making it crucial to manage your effort wisely.
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 after more than 20 years as the owner and director of a private Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice, Chris now enjoys the freedom to dedicate himself to his passions—virtual cycling and writing.
Driven to give back to the sport that has enriched his life with countless experiences and relationships, he founded a non-profit organization, TheDIRTDadFund. In the summer of 2022, he rode 3,900 miles from San Francisco to his “Gain Cave” on Long Island, New York, raising support for his charity.
His passion for cycling shines through in his writing, which has been featured in prominent publications like Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, Zwift Insider, Endurance.biz, and Bicycling. In 2024, he was on-site in Abu Dhabi, covering the first live, in-person UCI Cycling Esports World Championship.
His contributions to cycling esports have not gone unnoticed, with his work cited in multiple research papers exploring this evolving discipline. He sits alongside esteemed esports scientists as a member of the Virtual Sports Research Network and contributes to groundbreaking research exploring the new frontier of virtual physical sport. Chris co-hosts The Virtual Velo Podcast, too.
