You're a better man than I, Gunga Din. To be happy on this route, I'm looking for a bailout gear not a lot higher than 30 gear inches. 42/34 was my bottom end when I rode it a couple years ago and it worked very well; I didn't have to get off and walk on the bad parts. I think I was in pretty good shape then, too. Not like now.
This year's Cino is going to be a bit a bereavement tour for me, as well. My favorite drunk uncle passed in April, my favorite
gay drunk uncle passed two weeks ago and then my mother just last Thursday. Yes, they were all over 80 years old and in failing health for quite some time, so, not a great shock, but Jeez Louise! An entire generation gone in a couple months. Also, I'm officially out of a job after Labor Day. The business I've been running for the last 15 years is closing down, building to be demolished starting after Sep 15. An eventful summer, to say the least.
I'd better get my ass over to Montana this September, just for a breather.