Tlstý javor is a climb of 7.6 kilometers (category 1). The climb finishes at 1,017 m above sea level. It is located in Čierny Balog, Banskobystrický kraj, Slovensko. The average gradient is 6.0% with a maximum of 8.4%. The climb has 453 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty breakdown: Tlstý javor from Vydrovo is a demanding first-category climb, covering 453 m of elevation gain over 7.6 km at an average gradient of 6%. The difficulty lies mostly in its consistency: most of the kilometres sit at 6%, with no real respite. The 7% sections between km 4.5 and 5.0, then between km 7.0 and 7.5, are the hardest points, the second one coming right at the end.
Tips for pacing yourself:
1. Find a steady rhythm from the start From km 0.0 to 0.5 at 5%, keep a smooth cadence and don't go out too hard, since the gradient stays steep all the way to the summit.
2. Make the most of the brief easing between km 5.5 and 6.0 This 5% stretch after the 7% section is your chance to recover a little: stay seated, and relax your shoulders before the final part.
3. Save something for the finish The 7% section from km 7.0 to 7.5 arrives when fatigue has set in; use an easy gear and only go out of the saddle for a short surge.
Reviews mostly talk about the summit and its surroundings, much less about the climb itself. So what people remember is the finish and the setting rather than the road getting there.
The setting wins over a lot of people: the forest, the peace and quiet, and sometimes nothing but birdsong. One person says parasol mushrooms and boletes were waiting for them during their walk, while another points out that lots of mushroom pickers come through there. Flower meadows, butterflies and bees come up too, along with the great views.
On the practical side, the summit has a small car park where you can leave your car. Several people see it as a starting point for hiking, riding or cross-country skiing in winter, with several possible directions. There's a small shelter (utulňa) and a little gazebo (altánok).
The memorial site comes up often. There's a war memorial and a small military cemetery. One person regrets that only three fallen soldiers have their names engraved on their graves, and feels we must not forget those who died for our freedom.
Negative reviews are fewer, but they exist. One cyclist finds the place not very pleasant, while acknowledging it works well as a starting point for Zákľuky. Another notes the site isn't very run-down yet, which suggests it's starting to be. No review mentions traffic or the condition of the road.
7.6 km • 453 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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