I have never felt as alive climbing in the Rockies on some climb near Breckenridge. I was touring solo cross country doing 100 mile days on my Aegis CF with a Bob trailer. I had sh_t for gearing(no money to buy a triple) and they hadn't invented the compact yet. I hit this 1 mile climb that is something like 15-20 %. I am light and fit as hell, having all ready ridden with the 45 lb trailer for a 1000 miles. I am riding out of the saddle, swinging the bars back and forth as far as they could. One massive step with each rotation. Deepest breathing I've done in my entire life. I considered getting off the bike at one point, but I thought it would be harder to walk up this beast. Litterly one breath per rotation. I am 3/4 of the way up and a Toyota Corrolla goes by me at 30 miles/hr, engine screaming. I thought I heard the engine say" what the f_ck are doing up here you idiot. Stellar.....