I feel my life is more interesting just because I can picture padman in his milieu.
P.S. My city has as much local relief as the whole state of Iowa. Some ridge climbs are near 10% average grade for a couple miles. Of course if you want to climb a mountain instead of a hill, you can bike for less an hour and be at the base of one (compliments of the Columbia Gorge--nice views).
They say the "rolling hills" around Austin Texas constitute a nice series too. Steepish if short, but in numbers.
Even if you become a titled chess player, that just means people say: "Wow, this guy is a super-nerd. Not only does he play chess, but he is good at it??!! What a loser!" Seriously, it is fun to be made fun of for playing chess... Enjoyed the fun topic!
IM Danny Rensch