Tlstý javor is a climb of 13.7 kilometers (category 1). The climb finishes at 1,021 m above sea level. It is located in Utekáč, Banskobystrický kraj, Slovensko. The average gradient is 3.9% with a maximum of 10.2%. The climb has 538 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty analysis: At 13.7 km for 538 m of elevation gain and an average gradient of 3.9%, this Category 1 climb is first and foremost a long, steady grind. From km 0 to km 9, the gradient stays almost constant between 3% and 4%, with no real respite, and that slowly eats into your legs. The key point comes at km 9-10, with a 9% ramp that is the hardest section of the pass. After that, the road stays demanding between 3% and 5% up to km 13, before a 0.7 km flat finish.
Tips for pacing yourself:
1. Dial in your effort from the start. Settle into a steady, measured rhythm from km 0, because those first 9 km at 3-4% will cost you dearly if you go out too hard.
2. Prepare for the 9% section. Shift into an easier gear before km 9 and stay seated to keep a smooth cadence without tipping into the red.
3. Save something for the finish. Ride the km 10 to 13 section (between 3% and 5%) within yourself, then use the 0.7 km flat at the top to kick on and finish strong.
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.
13.7 km • 538 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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