I would take a grade. I can gear down and make due. The constant grade thing is a little different. With a hill there is a reward on the other side... The wind can be deafening and infuriating at the same time. My first ride in a while was simple ten miles out (downhill) then ten back (uphill). I loved averaging 20 - 25 mph. I felt like the bike at the gym was a real good substitute.... Strong head wind back. I almost had to walk. My low low only let me go @12mph with a cadence of 85. I stole the group off my similar vintage Raleigh and now I could climb walls. I can do @4 mph at 90 cadence in low low now! I no longer fear head winds while going uphill. I must now shop for a new group for the Raleigh now-