Smart people occasionally ask stupid questions. Stupid people often ask stupid questions.

About 12-13% on my recumbent is where I walk and about 17% on my upright.

There is no shame in walking.

I lived in Peoria IL for a few years and there were a few hills I always had to walk up with my old Sears 10-speed (2x5). West Main Street, Macarthur Hwy/Bourland, etc...

I need to go back and try it with my modern bike(s). It's been 30+ years but I think I can do it now.

I upshift 2 gears before getting out of the saddle

I have 1 nemesis hill, that I have gotten off the saddle, to finish it by walking. but I've conquered / trained on it & haven't walked any of it since covid started. but whenever I have a long absence from the bike, that hill is a test. absolutely no idea what % grade it is

it is particularly fun w/ a light coating of snow

The food supply consists of serious responses, including argumentative/contradictory ones. Warnings to these members who are in the dark are fine.

When the name calling (e.g., “kittens”) happens, file a report.

Sounds good. I'm unable to report posts but AFAIK I can still suggest others do so.

My bikes' low gear is 22x34, which I assume is much lower than your '1/1'. I never have to walk, but wouldnt feel bad if I did.

Yes, sometimes the troll threads turn into fascinating discussions of some side point; thereafter, the troll usually disappears, since there's apparently little satisfaction to be gained from a troll thread that has turned legitimate.

For instance, here's a topic: I assume that I'm not alone in, having shifted into my "In Case of Emergency Break Glass" ultimate bail-out gear, feeling cheated that it's only marginally, barely perceptibly easier than the other gear I was just in. If this world were fair, it would feel like climbing with an e-bike.

Look at some of the threads this OP has started lately. We can quibble over whether he's a troll, or something else. But it's pretty clear that he's not to be taken seriously.

I pedaled a 90 lb. bike across the US and then some with that low gear. Never walked. Almost did while climbing Brandon Gap in VT, but didn’t.

Is pedaling 22/34 faser than walking?

Depends on your cadence.

Dear OP:

You obviously need an e-bike to get up these rigorous mountains.
Please do not become beleaguered.
Henceforth, strongly consider querying the e-bike subforum with the question whether someone with your meager physical shape needs an e-bike.

Sincerely,

Fellow 2-wheeled straggler

Nothing shameful about walking up a big hill. A walk of shame is when you forced to walk because you refuse to carry a spare tube and a basic repair kit.

I think that's proceeded by the "call of shame" - calling your wife to pick you up because you can't repair your flat tire. The "walk of shame" happens after she laughs, says "no", and hangs up the phone.

What? And give up a chance to hold it over you till one of you finally dies of old age?

That's why I call my girlfriend instead of my wife.

Valid point.

If I did that, I would very quickly have no need for either. Girls don't date dead guys.

Usually, if you’re riding a loaded bike. Pushing a loaded bike up a steep hill is very hard for a couple of reasons.

Ever see the freeriders and even some mountain bike trail riders carry their bike? They carry it over their shoulder instead of pushing it.. I haven't tried that but when pushing up an unrideable hill the twisting force on the upper body can be uncomfortable.

I know a couple of very nice girls from Dubai that are happy to come help you out if you have a mechanical issue.

I was riding up the Oregon coast a couple years ago, and decided I was over and done with the stupid ride. I was 100 miles into the day with over 100 to go. So I called my wife, invited her to make the 2 hour drive out to the coast where we'd rent a seaside hotel room for the rest of my week of vacation. She told me to get something to eat, finish my day, and give her a call then. Frickin' harsh, man.

She was right, the blood sugar was low and I finished the whole shebang and got the shirt to prove it, but dang.

I called my girlfriend once for a ride when my saddle assembly exploded while riding on a rickety bridge and fell into a river.
Her reply, "Who do you think I am? Your wife?"

I’ve seen photos​. the problem with a loaded bike is that you can’t put it over your shoulder. You have to really lean into it. Pedal strike on the shins is another problem. (Ask me how I know.) And your legs don’t have gears.

When I stayed in Frostburg, MD while riding the GAP, the long ramp to the camping area was super steep. It looked like 45 degrees. I felt like my leg muscles were going to snap. The next morning I carried the bags down first and then went back up for the bike.