Anyone here done Heartbreak Hundred ... or doing it?

I'm doing Heartbreak Hundred this weekend in So Cal. It's really odd to hear myself saying that. I guess there's a part of me that is not completely convinced that I am actually doing it ... yet I keep SAYING I am and I AM intending to do it ... so .... YES! I'm going Heartbreak Hundred!!! Eek! :eek:

I'm wondering if anyone else here has done it and can give me your thoughts on it. My husband has done it and he's the one convincing me it's doable for me. Somewhere between 7500 and 8500 feet of climbing depending on which website, ride report or bike computer stats you're looking at. I've seen the elevation map from my husband's Garmin, and he walked me through what it's like, so I "kind of" know what I'm in for. I've never climbed that much before, but I HAVE been working on my climbing and I AM improving.

This is a timed event. Not a "race", but a timed event, which is my first event that is not simply an "organized ride". This intrigues me ... the challenge of finding out where I fall among other women, of which about 30 did it last year.

Anyways, if anyone has done it, I'd love to hear from you. And if you are DOING it, I'd love to hear from you. :)