Garth: I live in Maryville TN, and the Deals Gap "dragon" (so named because of the 311 curves in the 11 mile span), the Foothills Parkway , and the Cherohala Skyway are all at my back door - we just had the Cherohala Challenge through this area (118 miles, 10,000 feet of climbing). At least a couple of times a week I routinely pack 3,500 feet of climbing into a 30 mile loop I have. Anyway, I think the trick is to get strong, at least in mind - on most rides I get by with a 52-25. I do, however, cop out on anything over 75 miles with climbing, at which point I opt for a 39 up front. I have one fellow classicist who will ride with nothing but a triple up front...
If any CRs are ever in the Knoxville / Smokies area, contact me and I can get you info on routes with "local" flavor.. Brian Caldwell 62 and clear, in Maryville TN