Let me know should you choose to do the ride again in the future. I've done the ride a couple of times starting from home, but it is pretty intense to get up there, and back home.
I've found all the shortcuts to minimize the time on HWY 126, especially if you're willing to take in some very rough gravel on the way there or back.
I think I heard they opened the pass a little early this year, so it should be open by now.
I'm way down on my annual mileage, so perhaps some warning to get into shape again.