After three or four years of avoiding the arduous climb whenever possible, I now usually take the stairs at 215th St and Broadway when I have a choice. There are 110 of ’em so it’s a challenge, but a welcome one after desk-jockeying all day.
2010.
1915.
This picture from 1916, taken from the East side of Broadway gives you a better idea of the climb.
What challenges do look forward to on your walks about town? Which ones do you avoid? I know I try to avoid the subway on treks of less than twenty blocks, though I’ll train it for less than ten in the rain.
Photos via myinwood.net & placematters.net
When I was taking classes at Georgetown, I would get home from work then bike over to campus since it was the quickest way at rush hour. After class, I would carry my bike down the "Exorcist Steps" then ride back over the Key Bridge. Freaky stuff at night- they are super steep and dark. Only 97 of them, so less of a workout than yours.
[1] I went up and down the Exorcist Steps to Dixie Liquor enough times to make a very informed comparison. The width of the 215 stair case makes it a much, much easier and more pleasant climb. The sobriety might help too. Also, the Exorcist Steps are way steeper, no extended rest stops like the 215 stairs.
Here's a pic of the Exorcist Steps.
http://tinyurl.com/7cw2hzz
you don't know hell until you know the 238th Street stairs at 3 a.m. on a Saturday night in February.
[4] Here are the steps at 238.
http://tinyurl.com/88cba4l
Seems difficult at 3am in Feb, no doubt. Is it also dangerous? I like the 215 steps because it's actually the safest way to get up the hill.
[5] well dangerous in terms of people tripping or something, yeah definitely. but in terms of the neighborhood, no not really. it was pretty heavily trafficked by us MC kids stumbling our way home at that hour.