If I were to do the Death Ride (not currently on my list nor is the Auburn Century for that matter either), I'd have to do some serious hill training. The Benicia Bike club group has a wicked training program which requires some cycling on the steepest hills they can find around here. When I saw what they did to prepare (these guys do this ride EVERY year), I decided I'd rather do centuries and have fun! No misery for me!

Yes, the area is beautiful. I know the roads up there well. Ebbetts is hard. Steep, narrow, windy. The only good part of the Death Ride is it is closed for part of the day. Can't imagine meeting one of those big recreational vehicles coming down as I was attempting to go up! Castrophe in the making.

There are two women from my town who are doing it (they are in). Unfortunately they aren't on this forum.

Sarah- You're one tough cyclist!