Let’s say you have a loop route. In one direction it’s mostly gently, but consistently and perceptively, uphill with several big descents and in the other direction it’s mostly gently downhill with several big climbs. Which direction do you pick?
I tend to pick the generally downhill route. I’d rather get my climbs over quickly on steep hills than slog it out going slowly uphill over a long distance.
Easily the gentle downhill with big climbs. I prefer to get elevation gain out of the way quickly, and find steep downhills to be more of a negative than anything.
I’m starting to feel like this may be a universal thing!