Beauty and the Beast ride in Tyler, Tx

[laura*]

people having to walk up the "Beast" because it's too steep with about a 14% grade and about .06 miles long.

I found "the beast" on Google Earth: It climbs from a low of 452 feet ASL to 692 feet ASL in about 2945 feet. That's an average 8% grade, though it starts out tamer and gets worse the farther one climbs.

(Hereabouts that's a trip to the grocery store - not a signature challenge of a tour.)

My questions to you all is, should I do this ride or get more training on hills before I attempt to attack the "beast"? Should I wait until next year?
I just don't know, I AM AFRAID OF THE BEAST

If you are in shape to do the other 24 miles, then go for it! I don't know if you can really train for such a hill. It is too short to be an endless climb, and too long for a fast charge.