I wanted to share the response I received from LiveStrong:

Initially, we used a device that recorded elevation gain from a moving car. The result was that our numbers were off, seemingly. Based on www.mapmyride.com, which uses Google technology, the elevation for the course is just over 4,000 feet. However, I’ve received feedback from participants who say the 8,000 foot estimate is more accurate than is the 4,000 ft., this based upon their own personal GPS devices. Given that feedback, we nevertheless decided to stick with the estimation we received via www.mapmyride.com as the results that site provided for us in our other cities are accurate. So, if you’re looking for plan your training, I’d continue to train as though there were 8,000 feet and then enjoy the “leisurely” ride if there’s only 4,000.

This year, we are not offering showers at our Challenge Events. They were simply underutilized at previous events.