I participated in a 3 volcanos pre ride a few years ago and only one of us completed it. I wasn't that person. However, we wasted time checking for water sources, etc. I know excuses, excuses. The climbing isn't really killer steep but it is up for a long time. The hardest for me was the gravel. It was sometimes loose, deep and steep. Think bigger tires. I was glad to get off that section. It is an amazing ride and everyone loves the view that has essentially 3 long climbs versus repetitive rollers.
PW