Lichens Pass is a climb of 3.5 kilometers (category 2). Lichens Pass tops out at 1,948 m above sea level. It is located in Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality, Free State, South Africa. The average gradient is 5.6% with a maximum of 15.8%. The climb has 196 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty analysis: This Category 2 climb has a very uneven profile. The difficulty is concentrated in an intense central section, between 1.5 km and 2.5 km, with gradients of 12% and 8%. The rest of the climb is moderate (3-4%) or even very gentle (1% over the second half-kilometre). The total elevation gain of 196m over 3.5km is significant but manageable.
Pacing advice:
1. Anticipate the change of pace: Save your legs over the first kilometre, especially on the 1% section, so you reach the hard part (12% at 1.5 km) with fresh legs.
2. Ride the central section within yourself: Hold a steady, controlled rhythm between 1.5 km and 2.5 km. The 12% ramp is demanding, but it is followed by a respite at 6% and 3% to recover.
3. Choose the right gearing: Run a gear ratio low enough to get over the 12% wall without blowing up too early.
3.5 km • 196 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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