Bikeless:

Good job really. Hill climbing and proper gearing is an art form. You really need to know your bike and you also have to be prepared and think ahead. Many a time I wasn't paying attention and I got caught short on a steep hill. Couldn't gear down with fear of dropping or sucking up the chain so I had to gut it out. No fun. If you are paying attention and the hill looks steep, drop down to granny (if you know you're going there anyway) and then gear back up if needed. That way, no chain droppage.

I remember on a particularly difficult century I was grinding slowly but steadily up a very steep road. Towards the top, it got very steep (probably around 10 -11%). I came up on this guy, with only a double, probably a 11-23, who attempted to swift down and dropped his chain. I yell "... DROPPED YOUR CHAIN!!!" Too late! Over he went. I would have stopped to help out but I was so close to the top and didn't want to lose my momentum. I made the top, turned around to see him getting back on the bike. Whew! 'cause I didn't want to go back downhill to help him out! Once was enough!