Have you signed up for the TdT, VeloVol? I did a 72 mile loop this past Sunday that included all of the ride from Balsam Gap back to Sylva. It had 7500' of climbing. The climbs on Charlies Creek after coming off NC 215 were really steep. I rode it in my 39/27 but I swear I don't think my cadence was above 30. I would say the first hill in there was 15% for a half mile. I can't think what my legs would feel like on that grade with 4200' more climbing in them as would be in the century.