I think they like to make "challenge" the operative word! My sister, b-i-l and I did the Philly ride last year and man it was hilly. My bil finished the century and said - "that was so not fun". My sister and I did the 40 which was actually 44 miles. Lance did that ride as well. It was a challenge, but so worth doing. I'm anxious to get training for this year (pending rehab for a shoulder issue), I'm hoping to do the 60 mile in Philly. I was actually toying with asking my bil if he wanted to go out with me and volunteer at the California one!