I've done it a few times as part of the MS century (also on a compact). We've always attacked it from the North side, Luce-Pattison-Notch Rd. If you want a real ball-busting climb, try starting from North Adams up Reservoir Rd. I think the TT race uses that route.
I prefer descending the South side as you can let it rip after the hairpin up top, vs the North side where you need to brake heavily for the two hairpins. I had to stop at the bottom to let my rims cool down.
Either way it's a blast!