I am not sure where Carbonfiberboy got his info regarding this climb. Just go to RideWithGPS (
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/15981808 ) and you will find short segments of 14+% all over the place.
I also don't understand his money vs time issue WRT equipment changes. Time spent training is not a cost (to me). And the results bring value far beyond just this one ride. OTOH, a 32 tooth cassette brings no value (to me) beyond this one ride. The only reason why I have an 11-27 on my two sets of wheels is so I can ride 50/25 (F/R) without being cross-chained. And I don't know how doable a 32t is on my bike (yet). If just a 29 were enough, I would be willing to do that.
And if it is true that "
You need to be doing 1000' climbs, period.", then this discussion is over. These are not available to me (without a drive that I am not going to be making just for a handful of training rides). That is why I started this thread. That kind of training would answer my questions naturally.
Whether or not I am actually going to do this one - as I said, I am not sure. I have more doubts than I had a few days ago.
dave
ps. Renting a bike for a couple weeks has crossed my mind here.