Awesome route description, SadieKate! Thank you! This is just the type of info I need to make my decision...and I think my decision is to pass this time! I can get a little "swervy" on long hills and I would hate to take someone out. That would be my biggest concern on a course like this (did I mention I'm pretty much a disaster waiting to happen?). I know I can make it up hills, but I'm not used to having lots of other riders around. It wouldn't be good to have a bad experience on my first big ride!

The Lodi Sunrise sounds interesting...I would imagine it could be darn hot for that one too, but a flat route might suit this rolling wreck a little better for starters.

Thanks so much again for all the great info...and now it's off to work for me