yes yes, if a route climbs 500 metres over 40k, there is no problem whatsoever. But if the route is flat for 35k and then climbs 500 meters, including a grand finale at 25% gradient, kids will cry (and parents will bite their lips :.

Two things -- first, you are not the first saying that the Rockies are not as difficult as they might appear -- the "usual gradient" is quite reasonable.
Second -- but I was not expecting to read several members of this community warning me (in the SC thread) about the course being difficult (heat + climbs). So I am trying to put a number on these statements.

Thanks for your input.