Originally Posted by
DrIsotope
Now see folks, that is the level of quality BS-talking that keeps me coming back to this place. Chapeau.
As someone living in SE Michigan, we have some rolling terrain at best, where two old glaciers bumped up against each other and dumped some dirt (Hillsdale to Pontiac). But otherwise, it's mostly flat. So it is nice to have some long climbs as a change of pace, though I do them solo.
I've done 4 climbs so far (Whiteface, Roan Mtn, Gatlinsburg to Clingmans, and Mt Mitchell), and I have to admit. At a nice pace, it's relaxing with fantastic views along the way. And the way back down is simply something than cannot be matched here in Michigan.
But to the OP, I can imagine it's probably both about keeping the group together and seeing average speeds.