Mimi, my life got wild this week with the estate sale...I didn't see your post about this until today! This is one of my back yard rides, but I only did the entire ride for the first time a couple months ago...I KNOW how miserable it can be in crummy weather! You did great!

One of the things I love about this ride is that up toward the top, you can look back down on the road and feel really proud...it looks like classic stage-race climbing with the curves 'n stuff.

Sara: you mentioned doing the first few miles of the road...in my opinion, the first 5 up to the park entry station are among the hardest. You can also drive your bike on your car up to that point and park there, and get a little easier start, plus better scenery, if you just want to do part of the ride.