Originally Posted by
markjenn
A "suffer fest" is in the eye of the beholder, but it is definitely lumpy by almost anyone's standards. If you ride all winter and train hard, it will be no big deal, but if you've been at all sedentary or do most of your miles on the flats, it will get your attention. On the steepest hills, I'd guess 10% of the folks are walking, at least part. But that's the 10% who bought off way more than they could chew.
There is one short section where most people get off and walk! Even when I was young and much stronger I always had to get off there. But otherwise, I agree with you.
__________________
Keeping Seattle’s bike shops in business since 1978