as a flatlander I marvel at the higher ft/mile, but even my 30 miles rides hit 1000 ft so 490 for 17 is nothing to write home about.

I will mention that on my jaunt in the north last week my 55 ft/mile ride was harder with the 7% for .9 miles sections than my 77 ft/mile ride with lots of rollers with the exception of the little side rode I found that hit 15% at the end. It made me understand the need for options beyond the 53/39 11-25 bike I brought. Everything was possible, but what I was doing couldn't remotely be described as spinning (55-75 rpm) and That still produced 8-10 mph. I probably should have brought my compact, but once I defeated the 15% I felt pretty good (the elongated 7% was actually worse as I was trying to do that seated)