We did 3 gaps today. Lincoln Gap to Appalacian Gap to Lincoln Gap repeat in 3.5 to 4 hours.

This was a fairly short loop (none of the 20-25 mile runs between the gaps) with a repeat of the toughest gap of the 6. Ended up walking part of Lincoln the first time... and I got a really severe cramp in my right calf 1000 yards from the top on the second time. Severe as in fall on ground unable to unclip and and scream in agony for about 5 minutes until it releases. That was one evil cramp.

I do know one thing... even with sick overkill gearing (30 chainring x 34 cog) every crank of the pedals was a battle of will. It's about like climbing alpine in a 53x21 sitting down at a 40 cadence. Lincoln gap packs all the wallop in the last 2 miles, with a 20-24% grade, which literallly feels like a wall. The front wheel wants to lift off the ground on every pedal stroke, throwing you off course, and wasting precious energy.

Second repeat on Lincoln, I changed strategies... first time up, I think I ended up going faster whenever the grade let up, spinning more RPM up the hill. Second time, whenever the grade eased up, I eased up pedal pressure to go as slow as possible, and recovered a little while still moving slowly up the hill. Then when it went back to 20-24%, I mashed up solid and steady, holding only the very tops of the ears on the brifters, and pulling back for power, rather than up. This kept the front wheel planted, and let me power through each stroke.

I think 6 gaps is doable in the 12 hour window... but I have to figure out how to prevent these nasty DNF cramps.

Mazaev... Order the 11-34 cassette, XT derailler and longer chain. You WILL need the gears. but if you don't and you can't climb the gaps... not to worry since you can walk the last bit... they tend to be very steep for only a mile or two.