This post rode up to Bugarin KM 69, and Nanay Rina last Tudesday, using 50 chain ring, and 28 cogs until KM 66, and 50 x 32 up to KM 69. That is quite hard gear
Before I used to climb Bugarin at 34 or 36 x 28, or 30t. But now as a senior, I climb up using hard gears. They say that is the best way to get stronger. And feel like young again. Stopping or getting lazy or easy will not do anything for your physique. You will get weaker, you get osteoporosis, and back pains