El Limonar is 5.3 miles (8.5 km) at an average of 12.8%: about 3,580 ft (1,090 m) of climbing from the bridge over the Medellín-Costa highway, near Girardota, to the highest paved point of the road to the Holanda Alta hamlet, above 8,370 ft (2,550 m). It is one of the steepest climbs in Antioquia, and Altimetrías de Colombia compared it with Italy’s Monte Zoncolan.
What the climb is like
- The start. 600 m (about 2,000 ft) at 13.5% toward the Portachuelo hamlet. There is no way to warm up here.
- The heart of the climb. About 3.7 miles (6 km) at 13.3% on average, with 29 hairpins between farms and ramps of more than 20% on the tightest bends. The breaks are stretches at 10%. Around km 5 the western variant joins, a kilometer longer and a little easier.
- The last 2.2 miles (3.5 km). High pasture, an 80 m (260 ft) unpaved section at 18%, a short breather at 8% and the hardest kilometer of the climb: 14.8% on average with kicks of 18%. The final yards ease to 8-10%.
Altimetrías de Colombia gives 5.3 miles (8.53 km) at 12.83% with ramps above 20%. PJAMM gives 6 miles (9.6 km) at 12.6%, with 3,937 ft (1,200 m) of climbing, the top above 8,399 ft (2,560 m) and kicks of more than 20% on the tightest bends; one rider recorded peaks of 25-27% at the apex of a hairpin.
Surface and traffic
It is a narrow rural road, one car wide, almost all paved but with several short dirt sections (15 to 30 ft / 5 to 10 m) and one of 80 m (260 ft) at 18% on the upper part. On loose dirt the rear wheel slips if you stand: stay seated. Traffic is light, but when you meet a vehicle there is hardly any room: keep to the edge. The descent is tricky because of the grade, the narrow road, the constant bends and the dirt: go slowly, with brakes in perfect shape.
When to go, weather and water
You can ride it all year, but in the rain the dirt sections and wet pavement at 20% make the climb and descent dangerous: pick a dry day and go in the morning. Down in the valley it is hot; at the top, above 8,200 ft (2,500 m), it cools off. Do not count on fountains or stores on the climb: leave Girardota or Copacabana with full bottles.
What gearing to use
Gearing is everything here. At 3 W/kg (watts per kilogram of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you ride about 4.3 mph (7 km/h) on 13%: on a 34x34 that is about 56 rpm, and on 20% you would drop to about 37. If your power is lower, fit a gravel drivetrain with a 40-tooth cog or bigger. Check your combinations in the gear calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb El Limonar?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 hr 11 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 hr 25 min at 2.5 W/kg and 54 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Why is El Limonar called the Colombian Zoncolan?
Because, like the Zoncolan, it is short, narrow and almost always above 12%: 5.3 miles (8.5 km) at 12.8% on average, with a 3.7-mile (6 km) section at 13.3% and ramps over 20%.
What gearing do you need for El Limonar?
A 34x34 is the minimum, and if you do not go past 3 W/kg, a gravel drivetrain with a 40-tooth or bigger cog. At 3 W/kg you ride about 4.3 mph (7 km/h) on 13%.