Cape Haze Peninsula, SW FL is were I live, since 1986. A 100 mile ride can have 100' rise or less if I don't ride over the canal humpback bridges in Rotonda West. 2015 the LBS owner tells me about a group of riders going to ride Six Gap, Ga. in 10 days. NEVER heard of it, 11,000'+ climbing in 103 miles. I register that night and ride it in 10 days besting all the other younger riders from the store. Ages....8 of them 35 to 55, me at 65.

Same group for 2016 Six Gap plus a rider who has been riding the Rockies for the month preceding Six Gap. I prepared by riding 53/12 into the wind while standing for 1 to 3 mile long stretches holding 15/17mph. When riding with our group I would draft while standing and hold 20+mph for up to 1 mile. First 3 climbs at Six Gap without stopping at sag stops in the 53 with a 12/28 and occasionally dropping to 28 in back was a goal I set and attained. Wanted to better previous year's time by 1/2 hour and did so by 45 minutes and faster than Rocky Mountain Rider who is younger.

To ride climbs one need not live where it is hilly.