I'm in the valley but ride up there in the summer a lot, so I'll post something for the locals to rip on!
1) a few days to feel human at 7000, a couple weeks to get good. I usually read the HRM & stay 10 beats down, for survival.
2) LOTS of camelbaks all over the state. On that particular ride, eh, there's water every 25 miles. Less even.
3) it's usually that windy up there. The cliffsides add to the gust factor and the canyon/lake funnel in the wind. Road curves a lot, cliffs angle a lot, you catch wind a lot.
4) you finished, any speed will do. If you had to hitch it would be poor. Locals will laugh at anyone but George Hincapie.
Yes, genius engineers. Sure, been dry for the last several years. Fall ride gets the sweeper out (forgot the name of the ride). I like it there too, just couldn't stay in work in such a small town. Wish I could go back to school!
Next time, try Wupaki. Some of the best hills in the state. Pain and pleasure