Paul, it's generally definitely more runnable than the YM, trail shoes really, but you'd get round in roadies in summer; As usual you can go off far too fast and get to Widdop feeling great, then Gorple punches you in the arse!
Some of the climbs are sneaky though and the section from Tod to the Blue Pig takes it out of your legs with the slog up to Heptonstall, good for a jelly baby break up there.
It was hot dogs after Long Causeway last year, and Jura (& grey goose if that way inclined) n Donuts at Mankinholes, just what you need before going up Stoodley!