The north-west ascent of the Hochblauen (summit at 1160 meter) is a hard but somewhat monotonous climb. It is hard because the final 7.5 kilomters have an average slope of 9%. It is monotonous because that slope hardly varies and the road bends through a dense forest so views are rare. The exception form the first 2.5 kilometers, which are relatively easy (5% on average) and wind through the rich health resort of Badenweiler. The reward at the summit may, if atmospheric conditions allow, be a superb view, which can be enjoyed most from the small tower at the very top of Hochblauen. Due to its position in the uttermost south-west corner of the Black Forest, the view embaces the Vosges, the Rhine Valley with Basel, the Jura and the Alps. We met quite some other race bikers. Probably when the weather is fine during the weekend, the road will be quite busy with cars, bikers and cyclists. The asphalt was in a rather bad condition when I made the climb.