Anne,

Two years ago, I rode the Transamerica across Virginia, including the Blue Ridge Parkway and nearby mountains. I must say the mountains are exactly opposite of what you hoped: The grades are steep, but not always long. Some people have noted that is the most difficult part of the Transam. I'm not qualified to agree or disagree, as I haven't ridden the Rockies; however, the Virginia mountains were difficult and a major challenge for me. BTW, VA is quite beautiful, partly because they do not cut the roads through the hillside. Instead, they go OVER the mountains and hills, making for quite a roller coaster ride. Difficult yes, but sometimes a blast.

David