Last Sat's ride was North on the Blue Ridge Parkway, near Blowing Rock,NC, for a 25 mile out and back (50 mile total). The elevation gain was 7527' with 2- category 3 climbs, 2 - category 4 climbs, and 5 - category 5 climbs. I did the ride in 3h:38m on a 23 year old road bike hauling a 58 year old ass up those hills. That was hilly enough for me think about upgrading from a 53/39 to a compact 50/34.