Cyril, I agree with you. I mean, yes, I did have to struggle more up hills than others but it didn't keep me from climbing them...plus, after carrying a 55 lb dog (not up big hills, she runs alongside for those) and her 20 lb trailer 50-55 lbs is doable. I wouldn't be worried about the weight if it weren't for just trying to make the box I ship to UT lighter and therefore cheaper to ship. In regards to that, I'm not worried about the weight of any of the toiletries since I will just buy little travel sized ones when I get out to UT. I wouldn't have a problem carrying my load again if I could drive to UT.

Last year we had some killer climbs in Southern UT. Part of the route we did was on the Western Express. The most notable climbs were from Loa to Fishlake, up the Hog's back toward Boulder and Boulder Mountain. If I remember correctly Boulder Mountain is not quite 4,000 foot climb in somewhere around 30 miles. I made all the climbs fine (except for the first climb). I was 5 miles from the top but my lungs were dying from not being acclimated yet. I didn't have that problem the rest of the time.

This upcoming tour's route hasn't been completely decided upon but it will likely be in the Moab and Goblin Valley areas in a loop tour. The ride leader was just down there driving different roads.