I am SOOOO impressed that the dudes thought to wait for you before unleashing the traffic... I guess they were obligated to or they would be liable for a crash... but so nice to know that they did follow through and act responsibly and not thoughtlessy or impatiently.

And well done you! It sounds like a heckuva climb!

You say you stopped at the top for a rest/drink... were your legs ok getting back on the bike?