I did the Death Ride in 2001. Whew! It took me a full 11 hours, and I was nowhere near the last rider in.
Monitor Pass is a slog, but not steep in both directions. Ebbett's Pass was a KILLER. It hits 17% near the top. Carson Pass is a slog, too. The hard part about Carson Pass is that you have to go back past your car at the 90th mile before you start it. I had to be pep-talked by a friend into not stopping and quitting.
But it is a beautifully supported and very scenic ride. And finishing feels like an accomplishment.
www.deathride.com