Originally Posted by
merlinextraligh
I haven't ridded Tour de Tuck, so I could be off, but I've ridden on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Based on riding th Parkway, and looking at the route profile. I'd argue 6 gap is at least as tough maybe tougher.
The climibing on the Parkway, while extended is not very steep. The route profile looks like you have 2 major climbs that average less than 4% grade.
There doesn't appear to be anything on TDT, that approaches the 7 miles of torture that's Hogpen.
Hogpen averages 7% for 7 miles. I know there are a couple of really steep sections in there and some down. The climb from Cherokee to Lickstone RIdge is 10 miles at 6.5%. The best time at the TdT will be around 5:30-5:45 hours by a local Cat 1 (he finished 5th at Mitchell). So I don't know which is tougher. Both are hard rides. There is about 1800' more climbing on the TdT. The climb on Charlies Creek has grades to 18%. The last hill into town at mile 103 is 12% for .5 mile. So pick your poison I guess.