Don't let the 8.5% average gradient fool you. This climb is broken into three segments, and right from the get go it dishes out punishment. Start with a 400 meter stretch at an average of 16% with a significant portion near 20%. After a plateau that is entirely too short, the next segment comes in with no gradient less than 10%. And just when you see civilisation and think you're done, the final segment hands you 12-13% on gravel all the way to the top. In the end though, if/when you manage to catch your breath, the view is worth it.