Has anyone ridden in or planning on riding in the Pedal Through the Pines?

I'd really like to do it this year as the Bastrop area is one of my favorite places to ride in Texas. It's one of the recommended training rides for the Houston - Austin MS150 and overlaps the toughest and hilliest part of the course.

For those who might have attempted it before, is the metric century much tougher than the 50 miler? Did you think the ride was worth it, or are there better rides to prep for the MS150?

Thanks in advance.