Maybe--I haven't been on my bike since I got back from New Mexico last Tuesday. But I've been walking the dog for an hour every day.

My husband and I and our 12 yo son are riding it together, although I think dh might end up doing the 12, as he doesn't get to ride very much. I was looking at the website www.bigdambridge.com. There are elevation maps, etc. The highest part is on the bridge itself. I've ridden up and down the river on both sides and it's not too hilly. (I've also been to Cleveland, MS, and Little Rock's not that flat, either!) But the route is relatively flat.

I wouldn't go for the 50 if you've only been riding a short time. You will regret it. Go for the 20 and if you have to, do the 12. And take the bike with the skinny tires. Less rolling resistance!

By the way, we'll all be on mountan bikes with platform pedals. There will be all manner of bikes on the 12 and 20 mile routes, I'm sure. I'm really grateful that the bridge is a mile or two away from the start, so my knees will be warmed up by then.

Have you read anything about what the grade of the bridge is? I'd like to know. I have a 17% grade hill by my house that I only climb if I have to. (It's really short.) If the bridge approaches that (looks like it might), I want to know if I'll need more warm-up.

You know what my son says when we climb? "Climb for the prize, Mom!" The prize, of course, is the wonderful descent on the other side!

We also have a 3-hour drive from NW AR, so we're coming the night before and staying at the in-laws. I was thinking about wearing my Jenny Ewing Memorial t-shirt instead of a jersey. Maybe there will be others.

Karen