Thanks DSchilichting
I am familiar with the grade of the upper roadway via car, and yes it would be more difficult than the grade of the bike path in that direction.
I see a lot of spinning in my future.
I'm hoping to walk as little as possible but I'm sure bike traffic, steep grades, and assorted factors will make staying in the saddle basically impossible.
I'm definitely keeping an open mind, and will try to just have fun with it whatever happens.