Independence pass wasn't as hard as you might think. Back home here in Pittsburgh, I was biking up a long hill--the same 6 miles/hr and thinking, yes, just this road ten times! There are steeper grades here. The important thing was to pace myself and not use up my reserves. It was surprising the thin air didn't bother me. I remember as a young 21 year old--more than half my life ago--I biked up Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National park on my cross the country ride with full gear and that seemed to get to me more. I was giddy and light headed. This time I wasn't. Lighter bike, less gear? who knows. But it is really doable though I recommend early in the day. The traffic started to build as we were descending.

I would be so annoyed by the crashed out behavior you all are describing. I would not put up with it. I'd hire someone to come in and clean and order in food. Are you kidding?