Rode it CCW this year, and liked it a bit more. Depends if you are a climber or downhiller.  Northway is a great downhill because of the nice switchback slope grade. Those also make it a human scale climb. I rode most of it, and felt is was less hike a bike than CW. And its shaded which is great when ya got 3k ahead of you!  Those deep horse ruts near the top are hopeless, so just grin and bear it. And why are horses better on trails?  I was sure glad I was going downhill in the Henskin lake area, mosquitos were swarming. Definitely something to consider for next few weeks.  Amazing views, total singletrack, backcountry, beer at the bottom, its why we do this awesome sport. Enjoy!