Garmin 305 and Hill Grade Accuracy

There's nothing that's 10% grade on PCH. 305 is notoriously inaccurate for total elevation, I imagine it's similarly inaccurate for current grade as well.

For reference, here's a database of local climbs and max grades

http://www.birthdaychallenge.com/links/notesonclimbs.html

I find it bounces all over the place.  Maybe just me, though.

Yeah, I figured that it was pretty off! Damn, it sure would be cool if it worked...Thanks for the chart - I think I've seen a similar site and it's VERY helpful!It'd be interesting to climb latigo and see what the 305 reports. Prob not until next year though!

Latigo is a great climb, but it's long. If you're new to climbing those areas, Encinal is considered the "easiest", it's not too bad

Yup, I agree! I've done both and am definitely gonna be getting cozy with Latigo especially since it's much like the climb at IM France - but I hear that's more like 2-3 Latigos....Ouch!

Mine is notoriously inaccurate on grade.

Which Garmin 305? Edge or Forerunner? There's a big difference between the two how they measure gradient... Forerunner is using GPS coordinates to calculate grade (which is very inaccurate and you will see big "jumps"), whereas the Edge is using barometric pressure to measure grade (which is quite accurate, although not perfect).

Agree with above. Garmin 305's built-in elevation function is seriously lacking and highly inaccurate. 

There are no rollers ON the PCH that exceed 7% (likely 5%). 10% is way too steep for the PCH.

Latigo is a great climb, goes from 4-8%, and averages about 5-6%. It's surprisingly hard for those wimpy sounding stats though, as most strong riders take it pretty fast.

Encinal is deceptive depending on where you turn back to the PCH. It's less steep and thus "easier" than Latigo, but in reality, if you ride it all the way to Kanan Dune Road (the major back to PCH route), you will have gone the exact same elevation gain. If you're going to consider Encinal an easier ride, you have to bail to PCH way before Kanan, or else it's as hard as Latigo.

A good solution to the elevation problem is to download "SportTracks" (free PC software), and use the "Elevation Correction plugin" download.

Yeah, I got the message...

I'm on a mac and will most likely not want to use Parallels (Windows on a Mac) to use Sportstracks.  But I just might when I get into serious hill work.  Bummer they can't fix this - it sure would be cool to know your grade % in real time!  

Thanks again