I should say that the first time I climbed Torrey Pines hill was on a ride with friends from work, and I hadn't been on a bike in years. As we rode down I was thinking "I'm going to have to climb back up this thing". When they headed past the beach toward Del Mar, I told them they were crazy and turned around and began the two mile ascent. As i struggled up the hill in my lowest gear, an old lady passed me and said "just keep going, you'll make it" in a really sweet voice. Finally about half way up I had to get off and started walking my bike. Of course that is when my friends appeared again and I was promptly told "there's no walking in biking!". I was ashamed enough that I climbed back in the saddle and finally made it to the top.
Since then I've enjoyed introducing countless other friends and co-workers to the "joy" I experienced that day. We all laugh about it now as we do our lunchtime rides.
Craig